BCSA President lauds steelwork’s efficiency and adaptability

Speaking at the British Constructional Steelwork Association’s (BCSA) 42nd National Dinner, sponsored by William Hare, BCSA President Tim Outteridge (pictured above) reminded attendees that steel delivers the most efficient designs and allows for the design of longer, flexible internal column-free spaces.

Mr Outteridge said future needs are also an important economic consideration, with steel buildings the most easily adaptable and flexible, offering future-proofed design solutions.

“Studies show that steel is the most cost-effective framing material for buildings and structures of all types.

“Steel for Life and AECOM’s most recent cost study shows that on a typical city centre office building, the cellular steel composite beam and slab option was 7% lower than the concrete alternative.”

Mr Outteridge said: “We always say that steel is the original offsite framing material. The structural steelwork sector has been manufacturing offsite for years, in controlled factory conditions with fully integrated design and management software, and automated equipment.

“Some of our biggest member companies have delivered complex projects using fully integrated steel modules that contain M&E to deliver the benefits of greater collaboration and integration between trades, and faster installation, leading to less time on site, and improved safety.”

“BCSA along with its members, SCI, designers and M&E contractors are now in the process of developing a design guide for integrated offsite steel modules that will allow this concept to be extended further into the more mainstream building markets.”

In addition, he added the BCSA’s Digital Technology Group is keeping members on top of new technologies and at the forefront of change.

“However, some things won’t change,” said Mr Outteridge. “Like the individual project by project benefits that using a BCSA steelwork contractor brings to clients and main contractors.”

“BCSA members are pre-assessed, which means that clients and contractors can be assured they have the specialist experience and qualifications for the job.”

“I see BCSA membership as a benchmark for professionalism and the can-do attitude BCSA members have.”