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TECHNICAL    PUBLICATIONS 

BOOK REVIEW

Structural Design

This is a well-illustrated little book of some 135 pages.

It begins by exploring the natural logic of structures

through nature; goes on to chart the relatively recent

change from structural design based on custom and

practice to one based on scientific principles; explores

the basis of these scientific principles, and concludes

with a commentary on the role of physical models as a

part of the structural resolution process. It is a

thought-provoking and provocative text that has

considerable originality and perhaps a small, but

entertaining, measure of idiosyncrasy within its

intellectual spectrum.

Four detailed case studies illustrate the principles

contained within the narrative: Clearwater Garden

Pavilion at Chelsea, glass structures, the Dutch Expo

Pavilion 2000 and the Eden Project. These case studies

are well chosen, and in addition to relating to the

concepts of the narrative, emphasise the benefits that

can be reaped from close working relationships

between architect and engineer, to enrich

design solutions.

The book works toward giving students an empathy

with engineering principles rather than quantified

analytical understanding, and is successful. It works

well as a university text (perhaps particularly for

students of architecture) and is a reflective and

philosophical read for practitioners in architecture and

engineering. Do be prepared however for regular

departures from the impersonal passive voice.

Ray Ogden, Professor of Architectural Technology at 

Oxford Brookes University.

Conceptual structural design: 

bridging the gap between

architects and engineers ;Olga Popoviv Larsen and Andy Tyas;

Thomas Telford Publishing; 2003;

ISBN 0 7727 3235 8; price £25.

NEW BOOK

Single-span Portals

Design of single-span steel portal 

frames to BS 5950 1: 2000; 

P.R. Salter, A.S. Malik & C.M. King;

Steel Construction Institute, 2004;

ISBN 1 85942 087 7; 182 pp, 85 figures,

10 tables, 2 worked examples;

A4 paperback; full price £60,

SCI members £30 (plus p&p).

The steel portal frame has become the most

common structural form in single-storey buildings

because of its economy and versatility for a wide

range of spans. Although the use of steel portal

frames is well established in the UK, there is no

publication which defines best practice in this

common form of construction.This long awaited publication has been written in

response to questions raised by designers and

steelwork contractors.

The guidance in this publication concentrates on

the design of single-span portal frames using hot

rolled steel I-sections. However, the general

principles also apply to multi-span portals.

The publication reviews briefly the range of 

different types of steel portal frame, before

expanding on the design of single-span portal

frames in detail. It addresses:

• The design considerations for all the major

components (columns, rafters, haunches,

purlins, etc.).

• The use of elastic and plastic frame analysis for

portal frames.

• All aspects of frame stability.

• Serviceability and fire limit-state design, as

regards their effect on the overall design of

the building.

The amendment of BS 5950-1 from the 1990version to the 2000 version gave rise to some

technical changes which affect the design of portal

frames. The changes that affect detailed design of 

portal frames are:

• Section classification.

• Lateral-torsional buckling.

• Equivalent uniform moment factors for

buckling checks.

• Sway stability.

Preliminary design methods are summarised in an

Appendix. A worked example based on BS 5950-1:

2000 is presented in two further Appendices, one

showing manual calculation, the other the output

from a standard computer program.