TECHNICAL

PUBLICATIONS

BOOK REVIEW

Structural Design
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.

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.

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 1990
version 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.