Appraisal of Existing Iron and Steel Structures

Citation

(1998), "Appraisal of Existing Iron and Steel Structures", Structural Survey, Vol. 16 No. 2. https://doi.org/10.1108/ss.1998.11016bae.008

Appraisal of Existing Iron and Steel Structures

Appraisal of Existing Iron and Steel Structures

M. BussellSCI1997A4: xii + 170 ppISBN 1 85942 009 5From Steel Construction Institute. Tel: 01344 23345 publication No. SCI-P-138£50 + p & p

Keywords: Building, History, Iron

Most technical books broadly fall into two categories: "an unwelcome addition to an already overcrowded field" or "a long felt want". Michael Bussell's new SCI guide is certainly in the latter ­ until its arrival the field. was all but deserted, but for the people searching for authoritative guidance!

Figure 1 Examples of causes of staining

Mr Bussell starts the first chapter by defining his aim ­ to provide guidance on the appraisal, reuse and strengthening of existing iron and steel structures which were conceived and built before the current design methods and philosophies were available. He points out the need to have a good understanding both of design and construction practice and of the materials themselves, their properties and how they were made.

The second chapter sets out the history of the materials and the third describes how they were used in buildings through the ages, but basically from the mid-nineteenth century to the 1960s, with a very useful table of key dates. Dates of course provide the keys to unlock the understanding of any existing building and structural surveyors who have read and absorbed these three chapters will be much better equipped to report on buildings incorporating iron and steel components.

The next chapter ­ on appraisal strategy also provides valuable information for structural surveyors because it is important for them to appreciate the principles of appraisal, most of which are equally applicable to buildings employing other materials, and to understand the procedure which in many instances they themselves could follow.

Calculations are first involved in Chapter 5, which looks at the properties of iron and steel used in design at various dates. This should not be beyond the understanding of surveyors, even though they may seek assistance from an engineer.

The effects of fire on iron and steel are discussed, their varying susceptibility to corrosion, and the implications of defects and deterioration are dealt with in Chapter 6. This reverts to words, rather than numbers, and merits serious consideration by surveyors, as does at least the qualitative aspects of the following chapter ­ identification, examination, measurement and testing.

The last chapters dealing with structural assessment, fire performance, load testing, repair, strengthening and replacement, and finally fire and corrosion protection must be understood at least in principle by a surveyor if they are carrying out a preliminary appraisal themselves and their understanding is almost as important if they are briefing an engineer to assist them.

The comprehensive references and bibliography will be invaluable when further or background information is needed, and Appendix A listing principal sources of practical and documentary information will help when you need to go beyond the guide or are looking for help with a particular building.

All in all, this is a book which should be in surveyors' offices ­ not on their shelves but at their sides when they are considering existing iron and steel structures. If their engineers don't have it, use it and know its contents then they should look elsewhere for appropriate informed advice.

Our academic readers would be well advised to include the principles and appraisal and assessment of old buildings in their undergraduate courses, if they are not already there; if only to instil in their students a sense of the importance of a knowledge of history and a feeling for dates which will better equip them for life thereafter.