Structural Survey

McArthur, H.

1983 Structural Survey

doi: 10.1108/eb006167

About 26,000 Airey Houses were erected during the post war years 194655 as part of the house building programme of that period. The Airey House is essentially a prefabricated concrete structure which was erected on site to form a box. This box was erected upon a concrete raft which acted as the foundation and floor of the dwelling. The basic box was formed from several framed goal posts to which thin concrete cladding panels were fastened to the upright columns by copper wire. The vertical loading from the first floor and roof is taken on the vertical columns but may also be shared with the concrete cladding panels see Figure 1.

Wilson, M.

1983 Structural Survey

doi: 10.1108/eb006168

The majority of major building structures are in some way or another, clad with a facing skin. Invariably the type of material used, and its shape or form, follows the architectural trends of the period. Notwithstanding these trends, be they traditional, indigenous styles or aesthetically modish, the facing materials need to be supported and restrained. Furthermore, it should be remembered that once in position the fixings used become largely inaccessible and difficult to replace.

Porter, R.

1983 Structural Survey

doi: 10.1108/eb006169

An article by Dennis Weeks in a recent issue of Structural Survey highlighted the need for and use of an optic probe to inspect hidden parts of the building fabric.

Cooper, A.

1983 Structural Survey

doi: 10.1108/eb006170

A recent survey shows that most home buyers place high priority on the NHBC tenyear warranty, even though the cover is restricted to major structural defects after two years. They are right to do so because the NHBC currently pays out over 6.5m a year in compensation to house buyers whose builder is bankrupt, or where major structural defects have occurred.

Whiteley, P.

1983 Structural Survey

doi: 10.1108/eb006171

Advancing technology brings a continual flow of new materials to the building industry, not least in the field of paints and other types of surface coatings. While some of these have not fulfilled the glowing claims made for them and have vanished from the scene, most have shown a balance of advantages and have displaced older traditional products. Who would now exchange emulsion paints for distempers Yet there often seem to be an underlying resistance and a belief that modern paints are not as durable as older ones, or as good in some undefined way.

Hollis, Malcolm

1983 Structural Survey

doi: 10.1108/eb006172

The concept of the mansion flat appears to have been developed by the Victorians. Large, often rambling, flats were arranged in a building designed to have an imposing and balanced appearance that frequently resembled a country mansion. The front of the building was usually fairly ornate with an elaborate entrance porch but the rear and internal courts had a more utilitarian aspect.