structure cladding interaction Technology

SCIT

What is structure cladding interaction?

Structure Cladding Interaction is a new structural engineering discipline that explores the ways in which the primary steel frame of a building may interact with the attached light gauge steel cladding system together with any secondary bracing.

Historically, there has been little interaction between structural engineers and cladding experts in order to understand this new technology. With extensive expertise in both disciplines, SCIT is here to bridge this deficiency.

SCIT is an off-campus company that seeks to develop expertise in this area, particularly in the field of relevant computer software. SCIT has a close association with the University of Manchester ‘Structure Cladding Interaction Technology Innovation Centre’ (SCITIC) which seeks to offer a ‘level playing field’ where tensions between different parties working in this field may be resolved. Although both SCIT and SCITIC are based in the UK, they seek to maintain active contact with research groups and others with an interest in this developing technology, both in mainland Europe and worldwide.

How can SCIT help you?

Here at SCIT we specialise in all facets of structure cladding interaction. As well as advising clients on a range of structures worldwide we also perform our own research and collaborate with several universities.

Services

We offer a comprehensive range of services designed to cater for the needs of individual projects using our own unique software. We can provide tailored solutions that address the specific challenges of your project.

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Academia

We do not just stop at innovation; we actively contribute to the knowledge pool of the industry. Through our peer-reviewed academic papers and participation in international conferences, we share our developing discoveries and methodologies with the structural engineering community, thus fostering a much-needed culture of learning and growth.

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You can book a consultation with us to discuss your structure cladding interaction query.

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Safety concerns with big sheds

SCIT was born when Professor Mike Davies, together with others, became involved in investigations following cladding-related failures in the roofs of several ‘Big Sheds’ (typically ultra-large warehouses or distribution centres). These investigations subsequently became concealed by non-disclosure orders so that any continuing research had to be carried out on the basis of structural mechanics without making any overt reference to the actual buildings involved, forensic evidence from the sites or any tests etc. that were not in the public domain. It was this scenario that eventually led to the introduction of a new discipline in the engineering of steel structures, namely ‘Structure Cladding Interaction’.

Watch Professor Davies give an early Keynote address of this subject entitled “Are Big Sheds Safe?” to the ‘Eurosteel’ Conference in Sheffield in 2021. Starting with the origins of stressed skin theory and its codification towards the end of the 20^th Century, and highlighting important developments along the way, he gives a clear indication of why ‘Big Sheds’ may not be safe and indicates why SCIT holds the keys that will allow the construction industry to address this problem.