Go-to advice source

The steel sector’s new website – www.steelconstruction.info – bringing all the steel construction sector’s guidance on detailed design and other topics together in a single easily searchable location – has been successfully launched.

Architects and engineers have been enthusiastic users of the new site since its launch on 1 October, and it is fulfilling its promise to be the first stop for technical guidance on steel construction. The site, the result of a two year development programme by the BCSA, Tata Steel and the SCI, can be seen as an online ‘encyclopaedia’, or ‘Wikipedia’ for steel construction. At its core are over 100 Wikipedia style articles, written by the steel sector’s own experts and external consultants, covering best practice in the use of steel across the construction sector.

The site was well stocked with vital information at launch and new and updated guidance is being added as it becomes available. Popular sections with engineers so far have included those covering eurocode guidance and the Green Books on connection design, while architects are finding the schematics summarising the most cost effective ways to achieve the required BREEAM rating for five common sectors of particular interest. Guidance on thermal mass passive cooling strategies in steel framed buildings has been popular with both architects and engineers.

Chris Dolling, BCSA Manager, Technical Development, said: “The site contains material  written by industry experts, bringing together all steel related advice and information into one easily accessible place.  It is the go-to source for steel construction, easy to navigate and designed with construction professionals in mind.”