Sector Focus: Steel Bending
NSC 11
January 19
Sponsors
Steel Bending
Bronze: Barnshaw Section Benders Limited
usable space internally.
Castellated and cellular curved beams
have been used successfully in long-span
roofs with intermediate supports. Here the
lightness of the highly perforated sections
is combined with the ability to curve the
sections in the re-welding process.
Curved roofs may be formed in one
direction by using single-curved tubular
members or, in two directions, by using
double-curved assemblies. Space frames may
also be designed to form curved enclosures.
The use of ‘column trees’ to support roofs
has been used to great architectural effect in
airport terminals and other public spaces.
Inclined curved members may be
connected at their ends and crest and used
to create not only usable roof space but also
visual appeal in multi-storey office buildings.
The horizontal forces at the pinned ends
The centrepiece of Slough’s town centre regeneration scheme
is a highly architectural and uniquely shaped steel-framed
library and cultural centre.
As the name suggests the structure is a steel-framed curved
rectangle in shape and plan. Each of the building’s elevations
feature either cantilevers or sloping and curving façades, with the
main north side presenting the most striking aspect with a long
sweeping, predominantly glazed, elevation looking on to the
adjacent listed church.
A specialised bender bent all of the ribs and the curved tube. The
ribs were delivered to site in complete sections, requiring no splices
to form the façade. These ribs vary in height up to 9m, depending
on where they are located along the curving tubular section.
As the tubular section’s curvature changes radius along its
length it was also brought to site in various lengths. In order to give
the tubular section a seamless appearance the various lengths are
connected via internal bolts that are hidden behind plates which
were retro welded into place.
The Curve
of the curved roof members are resisted by
tension in the beams at roof level.
Curved steel’s impact on the cost and
construction programme
Bending steel sections to help create
stunning architectural designs not only
allows steelwork to show its flexibility
in construction, the process is also very
economical.
Section bending is a cost-effective way
of changing the shape of a structure, as it
is relatively inexpensive when compared to
manufacturing a multi-faceted member.
The additional cost of curving steelwork
is usually small in relation to the overall cost
of the structure.
Early involvement of a specialist steel
bender and a steelwork contractor by
architects and engineers encourages best
design practice and ensures that the most
appropriate components and details are
specified for the job.
Generally, if a member can be curved, it
will be cheaper than a faceted, multi-jointed
member. It also saves on fabrication time by
reducing welds in a structure. Using a CE
approved bending company ensures that the
curved member will be fit for purpose.
Section bending allows
unusual projects, such
as Slough’s Curve, to be
delivered
Thanks to
Barnshaw Section
Benders Limited
for contributing
to this article
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/Facades_and_interfaces
/Steel-supported_glazed_facades_and_roofs
/Fabrication#Tube_bending
/Fabrication#Handling_and_transportation
/Steel_construction_products#Flat_products_-_plates
/Welding
/Steel_construction_products#Cellular_beams
/Multi-storey_office_buildings
/Steel_construction_products#Standard_open_sections
/Construction
/Fabrication#Section_bending
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/CE_marking
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