Tuesday, May 15, 2007

Timber - Commercial and Industrial structures

http://www.timber.org.au/NTEP/menu.asp?id=75#Arch_and_domes

http://www.timber.org.au/NTEP/menu.asp?id=74

Where timber is the new steel....

http://www.infolink.com.au/articles/08/0C02F808.aspx

Monday, May 7, 2007

Interesting ....

Looks quite irrelavant to the topic of high rise commercial buildings, yet interesting steel construction...

Recycled Waste In Concrete Construction

Slab Alternatives From Recycled Waste (Architecture 04/2006) describes two proprietary Swiss systems from using recycled waste products in concrete to provide lighter-weight, better-performing concrete products.

Cobiax Technologies manufactures a system of hollow recycled polyethylene plastic spheres integrated with steel reinforcing cages that may be used to construct sitecast or "semi-precast" concrete floor slabs. This slab system can span from approximately 5 to 20 meters (15 to 65 feet) with thicknesses ranging from 230 to 580 mm (9 to 24 inches), capabilities roughly comparable with sitecast concrete one-way joist systems or precast concrete hollow core slabs.

In comparison to conventional concrete systems, the manufacturer claims weight savings of up to 35%, and additional potential savings through reduction in construction time and simplification of concrete forming requirements.

Geofil manufacturers glassy spheres from recycled waste, with sizes ranging from 2 to 25 mm (1/16 to 1 inch) in diameter. When added to concrete, the manufacturer claims a lighter-weight material with improved heat resistance and higher insulating values is produced.

Extracted from - http://www.ianosbackfill.com/sustainability/index.html

Saturday, May 5, 2007

Laminate to achieve any shape...

Freeform Glulam Structure

Benfield ATT Freeform Glulam Structures are ideal for individually designed and engineered innovative or public buildings. Glulam (Glued-Laminated) Timber can be engineered into almost any shape and is typically stronger than steel...and considerably more attractive.

Benfield ATT can provide a comprehensive design, supply and erection service for timber glulam beams, arches, portal frames and trusses, together with associated materials.

Benfield ATT Freeform Glulam Structures utilise straight, curved or cambered Glulam elements to create bespoke innovative and creative structures which are environmentally-sustainable, energy-efficient and very strong.

Extracted from - http://www.benfieldatt.co.uk/technical_information/timber_frame/building_systems/freeform_glulam_structure