News in Brief: April 2010

AceCad Software has released a new collaborative 3D project review tool known as Struwalk-er. It enables effective communi-cation and model sharing between architects, engineers, detailers, fabricators and construction teams. It is said to provide a highly effective 3D visualisation tool for displaying and interacting with structural models and associated data, from major steel detailing and drafting systems such as StruCad.

Marion Rich, BCSA Director of Legal and Contractual Affairs, said: “Amendments to the ‘Construction Act’ were passed through Parliament last November as Part 8 of the Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Act 2009. The amendments cannot however be brought into effect until the Scheme for Construction Contracts has been amended and the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills is currently preparing an updated Scheme which will go out to consultation in the Spring.”

Studwelders won the Steelwork prize at the Specialists Awards, held recently at the Hilton Hotel, London. The awards are sup-ported by the National Specialist Contractors Council and its Chief Executive Suzannah Nichol, said: “Without you we would have no schools, hospitals, offices, universities, houses.”

Barrett Steel Buildings has been awarded the Sustainability Award for 2009 by its regular client Willmott Dixon Construction. During the annual supply chain event held by the contractor, Barrett was also nominated for, but narrowly missed out on, the award of Sub-Contractor of the Year.

The BSI has published an amendment to BS 5950 Part 3.1: 2010 Structural use of steelwork in building – Part 3: Design in composite construction – Section 3.1 Code of practice for design of simple and continuous composite beams. The purpose is to update the recommendations on shear studs, and the standard came into effect on 31 March 2010.