P138 Appraisal of existing iron and steel structures

Available from CIS.

Written by Mike Bussell

This publication gives guidance on the appraisal of existing iron and steel structures. It deals mainly with building structures in cast and wrought iron, and in steel up to 1968 (when BS 4360 was introduced). A historical account of the manufacture of these materials and their use in building construction is provided, in order to highlight differences in design, forming, fabrication, and connection methods as compared with present-day practice. Guidance on appraisal strategy is accompanied by reviews of relevant material properties, defects, and methods of investigation of the existing structure. The assessment method offers a three-stage approach to calculations for checking structural adequacy, and also considers adequacy in fire.

Load testing is discussed as a complementary method of checking structural adequacy. The three final sections consider methods of structural repair, strengthening and replacement, fire protection, and corrosion protection. References and a Bibliography are provided. Three Appendices list principal sources of available information, provide background details of the historical development of column analysis, and summarise current research on structural cast iron.