Understanding Slump Classes What is "Concrete Slump Class"? The concrete slump class refers to the workability and consistency of a fresh concrete mix. This is measured by subjecting a fresh…

BS EN 1992-1-1 and concrete mixes How to specify concrete mix to EC2 Concrete mixes are specified in accordance to Eurocode 2 and the British standard, BS 8500 (Method of…

Concrete Design in Flat Slabs What is Punching Shear? Punching shear is a failure mechanism in flat slabs and foundations, due to concentrated loads causing shear stresses on a section…

Types of Nanomaterials Nanomaterials in concrete Nanomaterials can be defined as: "Material with any external dimension in the nanoscale or having internal structure in the nanoscale” or defined as materials…

Decoding BS EN 1992-1-1 Steps to Concrete Beam Design to EC2 Determine LoadingDetermine Support Conditions Check Required Reinforcement for bendingCheck Reinforcement for shearCheck span-effective Depth Ratio Design Example 1: Simply Supported…

Summary of Masonry Properties What is Masonry ? Masonry is a common building material which refers to the individual units which are laid and bound together by mortar. It is…

Structural Timber Why design using structural timber Structural timber is becoming a more common material in the design and construction of new buildings. This is primarily due to technological advances…

Structural Steel, Connections, Bolt Capacities and Effective Lengths Structural Steel Structural Steel is a commonly used construction material which generally forms the 'skeleton' of a building. Steel is made by…

Ground Improvement Techniques What is Ground Improvement Ground improvement techniques are used to prepare construction sites before any foundation, or superstructure is built. The ground improvement will change the properties…