Here, Steve Cookson at Sika Liquid Plastics, discusses diversity of liquid roofing membranes on the market and highlights the importance of selecting the right system with high levels of technical support built in.

Here, Technical Secretary at the Liquid Roofing and Waterproofing Association (LRWA), Terry Wain, discusses specification best practice in a niche yet growing sector of the liquid roofing market – hot melts.

Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DfMA) is used as the foundation for concurrent engineering processes to simplify and fully optimise the structure wherever possible, to reduce manufacturing and assembly costs and to quantify improvements. This process helps to identify, calculate and eliminate waste or inefficiency in the building design. Kevin Riley, board member of the Structural Timber Association and Head of Business Line, LVL, for Stora Enso – discusses why DfMA is becoming an increasingly important consideration.

Sika has supplied the concrete repair and total corrosion management system to extend the lifespan of a city centre flyover, with the products’ effective and easy use enabling the vital refurbishment to be carried out with minimal disruption to the thousands of commuters who use the route daily.

There are many aspects to consider when designing a building – from the structural system and performance to the aesthetics and sustainability. Clearly the build cost plays a crucial part in the decision-making process – but does the lowest cost option really offer the best value?