Issue 6

This paper reviews recent developments in pre-fabricated construction systems using light steel and modular technologies, and describes the economic context in which the use of these systems has expanded. Examples of recent important projects using these technologies are illustrated. Hybrid or mixed construction systems have been developed which optimise on manufacturing costs and space provision. Background research and testing is also presented. R. M. Lawson, BSc(Eng), PhD, CEng, MIStructE, MICE, MASCE, ACGI SCI Professor of Construction Systems, University of Surrey R. G. Ogden, BA (Hons), PhD, Dip. Arch SCI Professor of Architecture, Oxford Brookes University R. Pedreschi, BSc (Eng), PhD MICE Professor of Architectural Technology, University of Edinburgh P. J. Grubb, BSc (Hons), CEng, MICE Consultant to The Steel Construction Institute S. O. Popo-Ola, MEng, PhD, DIC Research Fellow, Imperial College London

At one time, the high-rise building was uniquely of the United States. Now, all of the tallest buildings being planned or being constructed, at least those known to us, are to be found in Asia or in the Middle East. The Bank of China Tower, Hong Kong and the Shanghai World Financial Center, both to be discussed later in this paper, are examples. Whether or not you are so involved in the design of these high-rise buildings, it is good to pause for a moment – to look briefly at the origins of these creatures of our urban life. Leslie E. Robertson, BSc, PE, CE, SE, DSc, DEng, NAE, FASCE, AIJ, JSCA, AGIR Leslie E. Robertson Associates