The fact that a structure has stood for the past 20 years without a problem is not an indication that the engineer was being overly cautious, nor is it an indication of a compliant design. It just means that in the past 20 years, the holes in the cheese didn’t line up.

The fact that a structure has stood for the past 20 years without a problem is not an indication that the engineer was being overly cautious, nor is it an indication of a compliant design. It just means that in the past 20 years, the holes in the cheese didn’t line up.

When structures are designed as non-habitable, it is often assumed that they do not present a hazard to life in case of failure. There are other factors however that need to be considered when determining the appropriate Importance Level.

While balustrades probably aren't on your mind while hosting a party (or perhaps, ever), you'll be glad they show up.

So you’ve calculated your design actions, sized your steel members, and detailed your connections. All done right? Not quite.

After decades of remote housing programs, one of the greatest challenges continues to be durability of the housing stock. Based on inspection of over 200 remote dwellings, it is clear there are engineering changes that can be made which will greatly improve durability.

Cyclones pose a very real threat to communities across coastal areas of northern Australia. This isn’t news; people living in these areas are aware of the threat and there is frequent talk of buildings, particularly houses, being ‘cyclone coded’ – but what does that actually mean?