Supplementary Cementing Materials

SCI P166: Design of Steel Framed Buildings for Service Integration

This publication summarises an investigation of the design of structural systems in modern commercial buildings which offer the facility for integration of the structure and building services within the same floor zone. Firstly, the publication reviews the general requirements for building services, particularly air-conditioning systems. Secondly, structural systems, utilising the principles of composite construction, are designed for spans of 15 m. Thirdly, the distribution of air-conditioning ducts throughout these buildings is established with respect to the structural systems considered in the investigation. Finally, general estimates of construction costs are made which take into account the influence of the costs of service distribution and other variable aspects of the construction. The publication contains information on the structural design of the long span systems and includes examples of service drawings showing the distribution of the majors ervices with respect to the structure and building frames considered. It concludes that the additional costs in choosing long span systems offering integration of structure and services may only be 0.1 to 2% of the total building cost in comparison to structures based on traditional span of 6 to 7.5 m.

SCI P260: Building Design using Cold Formed Sections - Value and Benefit Assessment of Light Steel Framing in Housing

This publication provides information and data on the value assessment and financing aspects of housing construction using light steel framing. It is based on a background study in which a direct comparison was made between the construction and financing costs of houses built with Light Steel Framing (using the Surebuild system) and those built with blockwork walls and timber floors. One part of the study made a detailed comparison between the two forms of construction by drawing up detailed Bills of Quantities. Costs for all items were based on current practical experience and were evaluated for two typical house types. In another part of the study, a comprehensive financial model was developed that can take account of these benefits of LSF in financial terms. This computer spreadsheet model was developed in consultation with a Quantity Surveyor, and derived financial costs, including interest, on a month-by-month basis. The total costs for the two systems were then compared. Conclusions from the case study were shown to be:
C The ‘equivalent cost’ of a light steel frame, insulation and floor package is about £7,900 for a typical detached house and £4,500 for a typical semidetached house. This is comparable with actual costs of recent projects using light steel frame packages.
C Construction periods can be reduced by up to 30%. This leads directly to financial savings.
C The internal rate of return is improved and turnover can be increased using the same capital
C Light steel frame construction gives improved thermal performance and leads to savings on heating bills, which could be considered in a whole life cost assessment.
C Light Steel Framing is less dependent on site conditions and weather, leading to fewer problems for the main contractor.
C ‘Call backs’ arising from shrinkage and other movement effects are eliminated.
Overall, housing constructed using light steel framing offers better quality and additional benefits for both developer and owner/occupier at no extra cost.