WOBO appreciates the links provided by CROSS to support and expand professional knowledge.

CROSS-UK Newsletter 78  includes expert comment on fire and structural safety reports made to CROSS.  The PDF version, accessed via the button below, also includes a range of building safety updates

Incompetent basement design

A reporter was acting as the checking engineer for a party wall award concerning a proposed single-storey basement extension beneath a traditional semi-detached house. The design engineer’s submission contained multiple issues, indicating a fundamental lack of competence.

Concern over approved Battery Energy Storage System installation

A reporter shares concerns about planning being approved for a large Lithium-ion Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) in a brick building in a city centre, near residential accommodation, apparently without consideration of the risk of fire or explosion

Errors in steelwork connection design risk unsafe beam sagging moments

While reviewing connection designs, a reporter noted issues with a moment connection between a universal beam (UB) and a universal column (UC), where the connection was made to the web of the column.

Electricity supplies to emergency systems not available

A reporter has raised concerns about the lack of emergency power supplies to the life safety systems in residential and retail buildings, potentially compromising evacuation and firefighting capabilities in a power outage.

Outrigger loads for large mobile cranes

A reporter raises concerns about the inadequate structural assessment of large crane outrigger loads positioned above buried old structures. The report also highlights potential systemic pressures that may discourage thorough investigation.

Reaction to fire of wall linings

A reporter highlights that inadequate specification and potentially misleading fire testing of wall linings in demountable walls and relocatable pods present significant fire safety risks.

Corrosion of partially grouted steel tendons in viaduct raises concern

A reporter has raised serious safety concerns about a 1970s post-tensioned concrete viaduct. Inspections uncovered previously undetected deterioration, including extensive corrosion of ungrouted tendons, significantly compromising the structure’s capacity.

Certification of modular building system being used inappropriately

A building control professional has raised concerns about the use of a modular system in a single-storey domestic extension without appropriate scope of certification.