Using cross laminated timber (CLT) as a substitute for concrete.Minimising section weights by utilising semi-continuous construction.Design members to reach their full utilisation.Designing for the appropriate imposed loads.Structural solutions to minimise carbon include (where appropriate): Minimising embodied and operational carbon is an important driver in construction. Servicing strategy and its coordination and integration with the structure (horizontally and vertically).Structural construction depth (ceiling to floor level).Floor grids and dimensional coordination with the planning grid.The need for special structural arrangements in public spaces or circulation areas.Site constraints including ground conditions.

Principal structural elements of a multi-storey building The merits of different structural forms should be reviewed against the requirements for the structure. Meeting client, planning and Building Regulation requirements are paramount, but there will be a range of structural forms that meet these requirements, each with its own advantages. The choice and design of the primary structure is a fundament part of the concept design of buildings, and ideally should be integrated with the development of the architectural design.

Main articles: Concept design, Steel material properties, Multi-storey office buildings, The case for steel, Service integration There is a wealth of support resources, including software, to facilitate efficient design. Design rules are clear and mature, without undue conservatism, having been developed over many decades. Material properties are known and member properties are accurate, meaning that analysis is precise. Once the concept design has been established, the structural design can be completed, involving determination of loads, frame analysis and member verification. For simple, common forms of structure, it will be possible to prepare a concept design directly from the architectural design - typical solutions are well understood.įor more complex structures, or innovative designs, best practice is to develop the structural concept in conjunction with the architectural scheme, so that an efficient, appropriate solution can be developed. The fundamental process of structural design commences with the preparation of a structural concept, which is itself based on an architectural design for the structure. Main articles: Concept design, Steel material properties

12.3 NSSS Annex J - Sustainability Specification.

12.2 The National Structural Steelwork Specification for Building Construction (NSSS).

12.1 BS EN 1090 Execution of steel structures.

12 Specification of structural steelwork.

4.3 Sensitivity to second-order effects.

3 Factors affecting choice of structural system.

Steel building construction process