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.

SCI P173 Reducing noise emissions from steel railway bridges

This publication describes studiesc arried out by The Steel Construction Institute to determine whether there is justification for the view expressed by some engineers that steel railway bridges are noisier than concrete. It essentially comprises desk studies and includes sau m m a r y of earlier work which was directed towards light rail systems in urban areas, together with an extension to cover the applications to railways for high speed trains. It concludes that modern well designed, detailed and maintained steel railway bridges are no noisier than concrete, and gives some general recommendations to be followed to ensure that this is attained.

SCI P322: Acoustic performance of composite floors

SCI P332: Steel in Multi-Storey Residential Buildings

This publication presents the range of steel-intensive construction technologies that may be used successfully in the multi-storey residential building sector. It explains the need for achieving better value in residential construction, and describes the value-benefits of using these steel technologies.
The publication discusses the important regulatory requirements and other aspects influencing the design of residential buildings. It mentions aspects of compliance with the Building Regulations, including the recently enhanced requirements for acoustic and thermal insulation. It also gives information on the means of achieving robustness in multi-storey structures, to prevent disproportionate collapse.
The steel technologies covered in the publication are:
• Composite construction
• Slimdek
• Slimflor (using precast concrete slabs)
• Light steel framing
• Modular construction
• Light steel separating walls.
The main features and benefits of these technologies are described, together with recent examples of housing or residential buildings using these forms of construction. The attributes and application of a range of cladding options is provided, with illustrations of their use. Details of balconies and parapet walls are also included.
Basements are an increasingly common requirement for densely populated environments, and information on the construction of water-tight basements is given. A complementary publication (by Corus) reviews the application of Slimdek in a multi-storey residential building.