News in Brief – November/December 2005

A consortium headed by contractor Impregilo has provisionally won the contract for the final design and construction of the Strait of Messina bridge. The bridge’s 3,300m central span will be comfortably the world’s longest. The final contact is expected to be signed by December. Cleveland Bridge is tipped to be a contender for supplying the deck.

SCI and Centre Technique Industriel de la Construction Métallique (CTICM) in France have announced the launch of a joint venture. The Steel Alliance will help to expand the steel market by offering innovative solutions for construction throughout Europe as well as practical, technical support and design guidance.

Construction of steelwork has began at the Grand Arcade shopping centre in Wigan. 5,000 tonnes of steel will be erected for main contractor Shepherd Construction. The 40,000m² scheme, which incorporates 35 retail units and a multi storey car park, is expected to be completed in Spring 2007.

Fabsec claims an industry first with the introduction of online instant messaging to support its design software. ‘Instant Advisor’, a live link available through www.fabsec.co.uk, gives engineers using its software immediate responses to technical enquiries and advice through on screen discussions.

Corus has released a new video, “Strength from within”, that showcases its sections business from steelmaking and rolling to end use. To order a copy in DVD or VHS format email sylvain.baur@corusgroup.com

Living Steel presents an opportunity for UK architects to provide a creative solution to the challenge of supplying cost-effective housing to a growing population. Winners will receive a prize of €50,000 and see their submission constructed in 2006. For more information visit www.livingsteel.org