Typical concrete comprises cement, water, gravel and sand. While this mixture makes the substance hard and strong, it does not promote flexibility. Thus concrete is brittle and prone to cracks if too much weight is applied. What if it could be more bendable?
Revisions to BS 5266 have been made to better align the document with national and European standards and to reflect the fact that, in some scenarios, such as hospitals or care homes, occupants may need to remain on the premises in safety.
NBS research has found that Approved Documents are valued by users and are essential in making sure people comply with the building regulations. There is, however, work to be done to make them fit for digital construction.
Building successful UK sectors in smart cities, cyber and physical security and realising the potential of the Internet of Things (IoT) is at the heart of the Digital Built Britain initiative. But what is the IoT and how can construction make the most of the opportunities it affords?
Are electric highways the answer to the range problem? Harry Hoster explores the potential for electric vehicle charging without the wires and muses on a dense network of roads that can charge vehicles on the move.
08 February 2017
What is the difference between an ordinary door and a fire door? This article provides some insight into the use of fire doors in passive fire protection, how they should be specified correctly and who is responsible for their maintenance.
Is the green belt a sustainable idea in a time of housing crisis? Alister Scott, Professor of Environment and Spatial Planning at Northumbria University and puts the case for greater strategic cross-boundary planning.
Information is now another key material to consider when it comes to the design of public spaces. Silvio Carta from the University of Hertfordshire explores street smarts and the potential of big data for designers.
NBS explored the imperative for consistent quality data for manufacturer's objects in a seminar session at BIM Show Live 2017. Here we touch on some of the key areas that formed part of the session and share presentation slides.
Mark Bew MBE, chairman at PCSG and the UK BIM Task Group, shared his thoughts on the UK's Level 2 BIM programme and revealed that a BIM Level 3 mandate will form part of Digital Built Britain plans.
Windows are one of the most important elements of a building’s thermal envelope; providing aesthetics, letting in light, helping control sound, and serving as a means of natural ventilation. The history of windows is enmeshed in the history of architecture, and their evolving design is a tribute to not only architectural advancement, but to the progression of framing materials and glass manufacturing.
Make 2017 the year you banish your BIM blockers. Ralph Montague, architect and managing partner at ArcDox BIM Consultants offers up his take on the things preventing BIM from reaching its true and fullest potential.
