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Construction

19 Oct 2018

The world of construction and technology is advancing at a rapid pace achieving what no-one thought possible only a few years ago. A split-pylon concept bridge is the focus of an EPSRC-funded project at Sheffield and Brunel University. Partnering with a long span bridge expert, Ian Firth, the team of UK engineers used mathematical modelling techniques to identify new bridge designs. They claim that it could beat the current record of a 2 km single span bridge.

Newly identified bridge structures could allow for the construction of significantly longer bridges in the near future. The possibility to make a crossing over the Strait of Gibraltar, from the Iberian Peninsula to Morocco is very real.

21 Sep 2018

3D printing, often referred to as Additive Manufacturing (AM) is the sequential layering of materials using computers to create three-dimensional shapes. The process appears relatively simple as a 3D digital model of the item is created. This is done either through computer aided design (CAD) or using a 3D scanner.

The printer reads the design and “prints” successive layers of a medium, either liquid, powder, or sheet material. These are joined together or fused to create the final product or item. While the 3d printing process can sometimes be slow, it can create almost any shape which is particularly useful for geometrically complex components.

The future of construction lies with robots getting down and dirty while implementing 3D printing technology. And now, 3D printing has found yet another purpose with the US military building barracks using a large 3D printer.

31 Aug 2018

The word “fabrication” means to make something from raw material. Steel fabrication is no different and plays an extremely important role in the world’s infrastructure and economy. Practically every aspect of our civilization benefits from some form of fabricated metal. From household appliances to vehicles and parts, our lives would be unrecognisable without carbon steel, stainless steel and aluminium.

Although the construction of steel buildings dates back to the 20th century, they became more popular during World War II. Thereafter, steel buildings expanded significantly once steel became more readily available. Modern technology, machinery and computer aided design software have pushed steel fabrication to the next level as we see it today. Steel fabrication now involves the implementation of various manufacturing processes including bending, cutting, grinding, brazing and welding.

24 Aug 2018

Several industries currently benefit from aluminium fabrication, which relates to the construction of metal structures by means of cutting, bending and joining. Most extrusions go through some form of further processes such as fabrication, machining and surface treatment. The properties of aluminium make extrusions highly suitable for almost any type of fabrication.

Although fabrication can be applied to any metal, aluminium is considered one of the most common. As a result, there is a big demand for aluminium fabrication services all over the world. If you look at your home or office building, aluminium is all around us. Some of the most common features are aluminium gates and aluminium frameworks used for doors, windows and showers.

22 Jun 2018

The latest monthly CBI Industrial Trends Survey reports that UK Manufacturing output looks promising. They suggest that output has increased strongly and faster since the end of 2017. According to CBI, growth was broad-based, with output increasing in 14 out of 17 sub-sectors. Among the top performers are food, drink and tobacco and mechanical engineering.

Total order books show similar, healthy levels resembling that of December 2017. Exports remained stable, well above average and in line with the past 16 months. Output price expectations for inflation softened to the weakest in almost a year while stock levels moved below average. It hasn’t been smooth sailing as the UK Manufacturing sector faced some serious challenges.

While the CBI believes manufacturers will continue to benefit from robust external demand and the lower exchange rate, overall economic growth is expected to remain subdued. This comes as a result of weak consumer income growth and the continuous uncertainty stemming investments.

15 Jun 2018

A new research study by A.T. Kearney and HP Inc has revealed some interesting data. The UK is placed fifth overall in adopting 3D printing and additive manufacturing behind the US, Germany, Korea and Japan. Within Europe, Britain came in second only behind Germany (placed second globally), and ahead of Sweden (eighth), France (ninth), and Italy at twelve.

According to HP Inc, Germany is the only European country with a more positive environment for the technology to transform manufacturing. Although we’ll see some positive data on 3D printing and additive manufacturing, it’s not all sunshine and roses.

8 Jun 2018

Eindhoven in the Netherlands is set to become the center of attention with 3D printed homes. A bridge has already been constructed using cutting edge technology and now, a total of five 3D printed homes will add to the collection. It comes courtesy of a collaboration between the Technical University of Eindhoven, the Eindhoven municipality and several other firms.

4 May 2018

When you think of structural steel fabrication and construction, what comes to mind first? Most construction projects consist of steel frameworks with skyscrapers, warehouses and shopping malls at the top of the list.

Many industries rely on structural steel fabrication because of the unmatched quality, reliability, flexibility, cost effectiveness and sustainability. But what happens when companies use non-compliant suppliers? Did you know that there are potentially over 7000 UK suppliers who are trading illegally?

20 Apr 2018

Construction is a $10 trillion global industry and robots are set to revolutionise the industry by 2020. Productivity in manufacturing, retail and agriculture has grown exponentially since 1945 but it has barely gone up in construction. How will robots be used to increase productivity and if they do, how will it impact the workforce?

30 Mar 2018

Modular construction is the process where prefabricated buildings are constructed off-site and then later delivered for assembly. If you think small homes or large apartment blocks, you’d be correct on both accounts. Modular buildings are all around us and particularly popular with hotels and student residences due to the associated advantages. For the most part, the same stringent building processes apply but with two major differences; lower construction costs and projects can be completed in nearly half the time.

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