copyright : ASELB Publications April 1999

Association for Structural Engineers of London Boroughs

ASELB Bulletin No. 1

Prefabricated Timber Framed Construction

1.0 Purpose

i) This bulletin advises owners of certain types of single~storey timber framed buildings that hazards might exist which could compromise health and safety.

ii) This bulletin is issued to the Chief Executives of London Borough Local Authorities by the London Technical Advisory Group on behalf of ASELB for appropriate action by a structural engineer.

2.0 Description of Prefabricated Timber Framed

i) Single-storey timber framed buildings widely used for the provision of temporary classroom accommodation. These buildings have been in service for periods exceeding 20 years and can be identified by a structural engineer noting the following information:

a) Single-storey.

b) Flat roof.

c) Building width exceeds 6.0 metres.

d) External timber mullions at 1.2 metre spacing.

e) Perimeter brickwork 100mm thick supporting the timber framework.

f) Excessive visual displacement of structural mullions.

g) Excessive deflection and movement of floor construction.

h) Cracked and deformed brickwork.

ii) This type of accommodation has been removed from service by some authorities by virtue of the form of construction and condition.

3.0 Action by Building Owner

i) Instruct a structural engineer to inspect temporary timber framed construction, which could compromise health and safety.

Association for Structural Engineers of London Boroughs

 

ASELB Bulletin No. 2

HORSA HUT - Precast Concrete Construction

1.0 Purpose

i) This bulletin advises owners of HORSA HUT precast concrete buildings that hazards might exist which could compromise health and safety.

ii) This bulletin is issued to the Chief Executives of London Borough Local Authorities by the London Technical Advisory Group on behalf of ASELB for appropriate action by a structural engineer.

2.0 Description of HORSA HUT Precast Concrete Construction

i) Single-storey concrete framed buildings used as ancillary buildings to schools and commonly known as HORSA HUTS. These buildings have been in service since the 1940's and can be identified by a structural engineer noting the following information:

a) Single storey.

b) Pitched roof.

c) Precast concrete frames with bolted knee joints and infill glazed panels.

d) Spalling concrete.

e) Rusting embedded reinforcement.

ii) This type of accommodation has been removed from service by some local authorities by virtue of the form of construction and condition.

3.0 Action by Building Owner

i) Instruct a structural engineer to inspect HORSA HUT precast concrete construction, which could compromise health and safety.

Association for Structural Engineers of London Boroughs

 

ASELB Bulletin No. 3

Brick Boundary Walls to Schools and other Similar Public Buildings

1.0 Purpose

i) This bulletin advises owners of buildings with brick boundary walls that hazards might exist, which could compromise health and safety.

ii) This bulletin is issued to the Chief Executives of London Borough Local Authorities by the London Technical Advisory Group on behalf of ASELB for appropriate action by a structural engineer.

2.0 Description of Brick Boundary Walls

i) Free standing walls of brick construction which have become damaged and unstable by virtue of their construction and condition. Some authorities have taken special measures to prevent the failure of such walls. These walls can be identified by a structural engineer noting the following information:

a) Visual cracking.

b) Rotation of wall foundations.

c) Dimensions exceeding current recommendations.

d) Original construction modified without professional advice.

e) Trees standing close to the construction.

3.0 Action by Building Owner

i) Instruct a structural engineer to inspect brick boundary walls to schools and other similar public buildings, which may become unstable.