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| The RAFT Graphical User Interface |
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Fragility curves are used to assign how the design performance
of a flood defence compares with its estimated actual performance. |
The survey was web based, asked only four main questions, and used a combination of tick boxes, drop down lists, key words and open responses in such a way as to maximise computer sorting of the answers. The four questions in order were:
1) Please indicate which material your topic is in reference to. Tick boxes e.g. Steel, Concrete, Masonry etc.
2) Please classify the topic by using progressively more specific keywords. Dropdown list.
3) In which specific areas, either actual or anticipated, have you experienced difficulty in obtaining: helpful information / guidance? reliable data? appropriate solution tools?
4) How did you resolve this?
There were 179 responses to the questionnaire and the answers provided a reasonable overview of the problems being encountered at one particular moment in time. The topics could be grouped under the four general headings: Eurocodes; Design for structural vibration; Structural materials; and sustainability.
Within this grouping, there were many requests regarding topics that are currently receiving, or have recently received, considerable attention. Omitting these left the following topics for attention:
- Eurocodes – A manual to accompany Eurocode 9, Aluminium
- Design for structural vibration – Tall buildings and light structures, Approximate analysis techniques
- Structural materials – New materials for constructional use e.g. Composites, High strength concrete
- Sustainability – building over shallow mine workings and on contaminated land, Lime based mortars
The Research Panel of the Institution have now identified champions to take forward appropriate topics and assess what outcomes would be most appropriate.
For further information please contact Berenice Chan,
Technical Officer, Institution of Structural Engineers
(020 7201 9125; E-mail: Berenice.chan@istructe.org).
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