Citation
Todd, S. (2002), "Structural Survey and the Internet", Structural Survey, Vol. 20 No. 4. https://doi.org/10.1108/ss.2002.11020dag.001
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2002, MCB UP Limited
Structural Survey and the Internet
The Web site information in this volume includes some key sites and other new resources. If there are any other sites that you find particularly useful, please e-mail me at S.Todd@salford.ac.uk.
Key sites
BRE(www.bre.co.uk)
BRE is the UK's leading centre of expertise on buildings, construction, energy, environment, fire and risk. It provides research-based consultancy, testing and certification services to customers world-wide. Its services are founded on but not restricted to the built environment. BRE is owned by the Foundation for the Built Environment (FBE), a non-profit-distributing company with a mission to champion excellence and innovation in the built environment.
The latest press service index includes:
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News releases. News of the latest built environment research, products, events, etc., listed in chronological order (on the main BRE Web site).
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Feature articles. Coverage in greater depth of recent research, developments and comment. Areas currently covered include: doors and windows; roofs; concrete; ventilation; prefabricated housing; FM and design; renewable energy; sprinkler systems; Legionairre's disease; flood damage; construction waste; carbon trading; and large-scale testing.
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Latest articles. This section includes an updated article on renewable energy and "Visions for the future" – sustainability, globalisation, the use of innovative technology – how will these and other current issues impact on the future? This was the subject for discussion at BRE's 2002 Annual Conference.
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Photographs. This section includes a selection of built environment images in the categories of: building services; concrete; design; fire; housing; materials; maintenance/repair; sustainable buildings; testing; timber; waste.
The "What's new" section includes:
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ASDA's trial of construction site safety tool SABRE, which is a new site safety audit tool launched on 23 May 2002.
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Taylor Woodrow is to use a waste auditing tool on all sites. Taylor Woodrow's Construction business is to monitor materials wastage on all of its construction sites, with the waste monitoring and management tool, SMARTStart.
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Using non-ferrous industry waste as aggregate. A new BRE partnership project will demonstrate the use of non-ferrous industry wastes as aggregate in construction, and encourage their use in areas local to the manufacturing sites producing them. This will reduce the need for landfill space and be of economic help to local manufacturing industries.
The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors(www.rics.org)
The news section includes information on:
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the launch of local authority research;
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housing cultures – convergence and diversity;
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e-mail digest on agriculture;
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planning – court dismissed judicial review application on windfarm.
The public policy section includes:
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The RICS response to "Accelerating change", a report by the Strategic Forum for Construction.
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The RICS response to EU Directive on Environmental Liability.
And the research section includes reports on:
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Housing the nation: the RICS housing manifesto.
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Common auction conditions for auctions of real estate in England and Wales.
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Rethinking control of buildings.
The Bat Conservation Trust (BCT)(www.bats.org.uk)
The Bat Conservation Trust is Britain's only organisation solely devoted to the conservation of bats and their habitats. The BCT aims to prevent further declines in bat populations and to encourage the recovery of threatened species.
Bat Access and Bat Roost Bricks(www.ukip.co.uk/~howard1/bats/)
Following a meeting with The Bat Conservation Trust and British Waterways Technical Services Department, Marshalls Clay Products has developed a Bat Roost Unit. It can be used in conjunction with the Bat Access Brick and provides a rough surfaced cavity of 110 150 215mm. The module can be used in repairs to bridge arches and abutments as well as in many new construction projects.
Ex-Or Limited(www.ex-or.com)
This Web site includes a guide to the company's range of managed lighting systems. There is also the ability to download technical data sheets and installation instructions. The company's products range from Light Spot presence detection systems to the Ex-Or MLS Managed Lighting System. There is also information on Loo Spot, a washroom management system that regulates the flow of water to automatic flushing cisterns as well as switching off lights and fans.
IBP Limited(www.ibptechnical.com/)
This Web site aims to help specifiers and installers of plumbing and heating systems to select the right product for any given application. A key element is the "find a fitting" area of the site, which enables users to discover the right product for the job. By following the prompts, users can specify the configuration and size of fitting they need and then find the solution across the IBP ranges. The site also includes technical information on the recommended way to make secure joints with any of the chosen installation methods, along with full information on the type approvals gained by each product range. There will also be some technical drawings and publications available in pdf format. There is a FAQ (frequently asked questions) section which provides answers to installation problems.
Flex-Seal Couplings Ltd(www.flexseal.co.uk)
This Web site is designed to allow searches by product type or product reference number as well as giving the necessary technical information. The site also gives answers to the most frequently asked questions.
IES Digital Systems plc(www.iesdigital.com)
This company manufacturers digital recording and CCTV management systems. Images can be stored directly to hard disk until they are overwritten or archived onto CD-ROM. Systems can be programmed to follow "camera patrols" or automatically train cameras on the site of an alarm trigger.
Newbuilder GreenPro(www.newbuilder.co.uk)
This is an on-line eco-design product library and archive to assist designers to specify suitable environmentally friendly products. The site also includes case studies and technical reports and helps users keep up to date on sustainable construction issues.
Abloy Security Ltd(www.abloysecurity.co.uk)
This Web site aims to provide customers access to product information and up-to-date industry news in the high security locking solutions area. The site also includes search facilities, company information and on-line customer, sales and technical support services. The online product catalogue has a number of sections, each containing easily-downloadable details, including product images and descriptions, dimensional drawings and wiring diagrams.
Boise Cascade(www.bcewp.com )
This Web site includes information on engineered wood products. There is a comprehensive technical manual and details of all building products. The key product is the simple framing system, allowing the freedom to span floors from external walls.
The Building Centre(www.buildingcentre.co.uk)
The Building Centre is a comprehensive bookshop for construction, surveying, law and management, civil/structural engineering and architecture. It is the UK's largest permanent exhibition and source of extensive information and research covering building products, materials, standards and regulations.
Getmapping(www.getmapping.com)
This Web site includes high resolution aerial photographs of UK cities. The high-resolution images have been captured at 10cm ground resolution, clearly showing road markings, fences, etc. Get mapping has also produced the Millennium Map, a complete, seamless, aerial photographic image of the UK at 25cm resolution.
British Board of Agrément(www.bbacerts.co.uk)
This updated Web site now contains full downloadable versions of Agrément certificates. There are listings of all products and installers approved by the BBA. There is also information on European technical approvals and CE marking.
Marley Roofing Products(www.marleyroofing.co.uk)
This Web site details the company's pitched roofing systems, including concrete plain tiles, interlocking tiles and slates and dry fix and ventilation components. The menu structure includes:
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product range;
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case studies;
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product specifier;
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services;
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FAQ;
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links; and
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news.
Trade Check(www.Trade-Check.com)
The aim of this organization is to respond to the government's demand for improved health and safety on site. Trade check provides a training and assessment programme and has provided a database of cardholders and a swipe card system that can be used for safe entry to construction sites and homes. Once a registration number is entered, a match gives information regarding the card holder, including dates of courses, references and CV information. This information is useful for contractors and householders in choosing a qualified and experienced worker.
Invent(www.InventThat.com)
The aim of this Web site is to give inventors and small businesses help with inventions. By registering, inventors will get access to a secure promotion system as well as active marketing of their ideas.
Fosroc(www.ebonex.co.uk)
Fosroc's Web site is designed to help with the control or repair of corrosion within reinforced concrete. The company has a range of electrochemical solutions.
UK Fire(www.ukfire.com)
This Web site includes the following menu:
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fire industry news;
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views;
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news;
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products;
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services;
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prevention;
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protection;
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alarms;
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codes.
The site also includes an interesting article on The Fire Precautions (Workplace) (Amendment) Regulations 1999.
FireUK(www.fireuk.net)
FireUK provides information on the UK fire industry, active and passive fire protection, extinguishing and firefighting.
BSRIA(www.bsria.co.uk/airfightness)
BSRIA provides independent and authoritative research, product testing, consultancy, management and market intelligence.
This site's main menu is structured as:
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products and services – includes air tightness, energy and environment, microclimate centre;
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bookshop;
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members;
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research programme; and
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co-construct.
Legalhelpers(www.legalhelpers.co.uk)
Legalhelpers provides legal documents and services with regard to the law in England and Wales. The standard documents available include:
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assured shorthold;
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assured tenancy;
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house and flat share;
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rent increase notice; and
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collection of goods notice.
LandlordZone(www.landlordzone.co.uk)
This site contains useful information for landlords, tenants and letting agents. The site also includes other information sources on inflation, bank rates, house prices and investments.