Communities
SCI industry networking gives your business a competitive edge
“I can develop innovative products and solutions because I have access to industry best practice through SCI community hosting”
In an age of increasing specialisation, it is important to support the wide range of specific markets for steel – the most diverse material in construction. SCI responds to this need by supporting a number of special interest groups to enable its members to benefit from industry best practice.
Group programmes are increasingly being funded by direct group subscriptions. All these specialist activities benefit from the technology transfer that arises from the interaction between the members and SCI staff that serve their needs.
These special interest groups:
· Act as an authoritative voice in their respective arena
· Provide industry best practice
· Offer guidance for better use of steel in building and construction
· Undertake research and development for innovative methodology and concepts
· Provide unrivalled networking opportunities to help you to make your business more competitive
Topics range from offshore hazards and bridge engineering to connections improvement and promoting the use of light steel in residential construction. These groups have one characteristic in common – their members define the agenda and priorities for their work.
SCI special interest groups are:
The Steel Bridge Group, a technical forum of senior bridge designers and constructors, received very encouraging feedback from a 2-day advanced bridge design course in October 2006. The group has been responsible for two publications for steel bridge designers (SCI publications P170 and P185) and last year it responded to the need to expand the sharing of its experience by developing a new course specifically for those younger designers already actively engaged in bridge design. All the speakers on the course are members of the Steel Bridge Group, and guidance on the latest structural forms and construction methods was provided. Last year's course, in London, was given to 60 delegates and this year the repeat course, also in London, attracted over 40 more designers. Click here to view an example of the Guidance Notes that are available to members of the group.
Steel Homes Group http://www.steelhomesgroup.com/
Is a member based organisation consisting of 15 leading suppliers of steel framed residential construction and represents an estimated 75% of the supply chain. It develops and promotes the effective use of steel in residential construction. It is an authoritative voice for the sector to Government and all stakeholders and acts as guardian of quality standards on behalf of clients and occupiers.
Single Storey Buildings Group
Colloquially known as the Super Shed Group and chaired by Richard Barrett. Membership is based upon individual’s particular knowledge and experiences. The Super Shed Group has representatives from all supply chain disciplines to support improvements in procurement of sheds. It recently published best practice guidance for developers, owners, designers and contractors.
FABIG (Fire and Blast Information Group) http://www.fabig.com/
FABIG is a non-profit, membership based organisation committed to promoting the protection of life, property and the environment through the development and sharing of expert knowledge on fires and explosions. FABIG is the most cost effective and efficient way of ensuring your organization is actively involved in the prevention and mitigation of fires and explosions and on the protection of facilities and personnel against fires and explosions.
Steel Construction Sector Sustainability Committee
The Steel Construction Sector Sustainability Committee (SCSSC) includes representatives from the SCI, BCSA and Corus and is chaired by Professor Roger Plank of Sheffield University. It has produced a Sustainable Development Strategy and the resulting document, Sustainable Steel Construction - Building a Better Future. Guidance was launched by Elizabeth Whatmore, Director of the DTI Construction Sector Unit, at the Kensington Hilton in London. Throughout the consultation, guidance was also received from the Sustainable Development Commission and the DTI through the Pioneers Group which was set up to help industry groups develop individual sector strategies. The Strategy builds on the work the sector has been doing for the last ten years and prioritises actions for the future. Click Here to download a copy of the strategy document (PDF format – file size 1,295KB). It is in line with the UK Government’s Sustainability Strategy, Building a better quality of Life.