# data[].attributes.body
This short RICS article is actually quite useful. For anyone reading who is close to sitting their final APC interview, look at the advice on WAIT - Why am I talking. APC candidates often talk on and on about something when you need to keep your answers concise and if the assessors want more information, they will ask.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
There have always been the 'rainmakers' who would fly around the world meeting people in both the private and public sectors, speaking at conferences, hosting parties and introducing people to each other. Those people still exist, but not everyone has the natural ability to operate in such a way and not everyone has the time to dedicate their life to business development. Nevertheless, in this ever-evolving industry, the pressure is on for every individual to contribute to the growth agenda of their firm.

Surveyors and engineers are stereotypically referred to as introverted, detailed, analytical people. It might be true that there are more introverts than extroverts in the profession, but there is no correlation between being introverted and being 'good' at client management, business development and leadership. In fact, those people who are more analytical often make excellent business developers and client relationship managers - they simply need to apply a methodical approach and develop their emotional intelligence.

How to demonstrate EQ with your clients

Know yourself

Be aware of how you feel in a given situation. Tune in to that emotion, recognise it and learn from it. If, for example, you're walking into a room full of people you don't know, take stock of your mental state and evaluate how it might affect the situation.

Channel the acronym WAIT - Why Am I Talking?

Some people talk when they're nervous or excited. Sometimes we get carried away when talking to a client and begin to 'solutionise' too early, potentially missing something crucial. So, take a breath, slow down, and ask yourself Why Am I Talking?

Show empathy

Empathy is not necessarily agreeing with everything someone says, but standing in their shoes and understanding their perspective. If you can reflect back to the client their hopes, concerns, challenges and fears, you will be building a strong relationship.

Develop a high degree of curiosity

Genuinely enquiring about people and taking a real interest in them and their situation will build rapport and create trust. As Franklin D Roosevelt said, "I don't care how much you know until I know how much you care."

Be quick to praise

Accentuate the strengths in others and go out of your way to deliver positive feedback on them. This can be anyone who is relevant to the discussion - a receptionist, a junior on the team, your client (just don't overdo it!).

Under promise, over deliver

It's easy to make someone happy at the point of promise, but we are measured at the point of delivery. Being known as someone who always does what they say they're going to do is a powerful personal brand.

Finding a true differentiator in a highly competitive and crowded market is challenging, particularly as most organisations can stake a credible claim to be as good as anyone else. Yes, technological innovation, pricing structures, expertise and experience are key, but so is EQ.

If you want to do the best for your clients, to come up with the most innovative ideas, and secure their buy-in for future projects, you have to return to basic human relationship principles.

In an industry where technical expertise is a given, those who can also master emotional intelligence might just have the edge over their competitors.

Gary Williams is a business development consultant and executive coach at Questas. He works with leading professional firms in the built and natural environment, helping them build client relationships and win more work. He is passionate about developing sales confidence in 'unnatural salespeople'.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Emotional intelligence: how to use your EQ to win more work

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
There have always been the 'rainmakers' who would fly around the world meeting people in both the private and public sectors, speaking at conferences, hosting parties and introducing people to each other. Those people still exist, but not everyone has the natural ability to operate in such a way and not everyone has the time to dedicate their life to business development.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
We are an international membership organisation dedicated to inspiring and informing best practice design, specification and use of wood in the built environment and related fields.

# data[].attributes.headline
Slipform, jumpform and precast cores of tall buildings

# data[].attributes.subject
Slipform, jumpform and precast cores of tall buildings

# data[].attributes.body
Anyone who watched the programme on TV about the construction of the 'Super Sewer' will have seen one of these forms of construction.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Construction of the core is one of the most important aspects of the construction of a tall building. It provides the stability, vertical transportation in the form of lifts and stairs, and the main service runs up and down the building.

There are three standard ways of constructing the concrete core for a tall building: slipform, jumpform and precast. Each has its merits and considerations when designing. However, the choice of construction type is normally down to the contractor so the designer may not be sure in the initial design stages which option will be used.

The main drivers for contractors are:

Cost-effectiveness

Safety of site operatives and the public

Crane use

Incoming logistics, lay-down and storage areas

Vertical movement of operatives and materials

Standardisation of structural elements and components, which facilitates repeatability.

Slipform

Slipform is the default option for commercial buildings as it is quicker than jumpform and so the passenger lifts, frequently on the critical path because of the number required in a commercial building, can be fitted earlier in the overall programme. However, the finish that is possible when slipforming is not normally good enough to be left exposed as visual concrete.

Slipforming is a continuous process, where the formwork is slowly and gradually moved up the core using jacks placed within the slipform rig. The rate of climb is about 250-300mm per hour and it is best used when there can be 24-hour working. This is not normally allowed in the centre of cities, so the slipforming is done for the allowable time during the day and the concrete is kept workable at the end of the day with a retarder in the mix.

But even with 12-hour working, slipforming will create about a floor of core a day. This will mean that the core is normally well ahead of the rest of the floors and the designer should consider its stability in the temporary condition.

20 Farringdon Street, London (2018)

20 Farringdon Street is a new speculative office development on the edge of the City of London. The decision to expose the internal surfaces of the concrete core was taken early on for economic, practical and aesthetic benefits.

Slipforming requires greater management and quality control by the contractor than the other two forms of construction. A fairly new innovation is the use of GPS to help position the slipforming rig, but even so the tolerances are about 25mm in any direction. This is because the continually moving jacks can cause the rig to twist or skew.

Another fairly new innovation is to install a crane on top of the rig so that it is lifted with the rig. This makes the vertical logistics of getting personnel and materials up the building easier. The core under the rig can be used for access if the stairs are precast and lifted into place through the rig.

Since the jacks are connected to the reinforcement, the rebar requirements for slipformed cores may be dictated by the needs of the slipform rather than the permanent design. The concrete required for a slipformed core depends heavily on the temperature conditions while it is being poured as it needs to be fairly quick-setting and, for the higher levels, it also needs to be pumped. This means that the concrete tends to need quite a high percentage of cement. For the Shard in London, 36 different concrete mixes were established before work began on the slipformed core to allow for different weather conditions and times of day.

Jumpform

Jumpform is another method for forming in-situ concrete cores. In this case the walls are cast in storey lifts rather than continuously as is the case with slipforming. The jumpform rig is a complete system which includes the formwork and access platforms for fixing the reinforcement, concreting and any post-concreting work. Jumpform is the default option for high-rise residential buildings as fewer passenger lifts are typically needed compared with offices and therefore fitting out the lifts is less significant for the critical path. The jumpforms are normally a storey high and therefore require one lift per storey, taking about five-to-seven working days per cycle.

Jumpforms can be either top hung or side hung. If top hung, this is normally done in the form of a closed box which makes for a safe working space. If the forms are side hung, these are clamped to the side of the core walls and when moved, pushed up from the bottom on rams pushing against climbing shoes fixed to cast-in anchors. All the load from the jumpform rig goes through these cast-in anchors, so if there is a clash between the anchors and an opening, the rig will be more difficult to design. Openings at corners should be avoided if possible because of the clash with the cast-in anchors.

As the core goes up more slowly than with slipform, the jumpform rig tends to be just ahead of the rest of the floor plate. This means that access is via the working deck and therefore no hoist is required specifically for the core access. If big cast-in plates or anchorage points are required within the core walls, then jumpform tends to be a better solution than slipform as they are easier to fix in place due to the greater time in the programme. One of the benefits of using jumpform is that high-quality finishes are possible (see case study, above), as the concrete is poured against a normal static formwork shutter rather than one that is moving.

Precast options

There are two main precast options for concrete cores in current use in the UK. These are twinwall and volumetric precast core units. Twinwall is a hybrid concrete solution where the precast element consists of two skins of concrete containing the main reinforcement spaced apart with lattice girder rebar. The twinwall elements are brought to site and lapping rebar fixed to provide continuity. In-situ concrete is then poured between the two precast outer skins to form the solid wall. As it is a partially precast solution, this is very fast on site, with cycle times similar to those for slipform construction.

Volumetric precast concrete core units are a fully precast solution where the core is constructed offsite and brought to site in a just-in-time manner and lifted into position from the lorry. The core units are then bolted together to provide the required robustness. Each core unit is normally half the storey height so two core units are required for each level.

Both systems can provide a high-quality finish that can be left exposed, or with very little additional finishing. Both require fewer personnel on site so have safety advantages. However, they cannot be used at great height as there would be too much wind for the crane to lift them into place. Both methods been used up to about 22 storeys.

Conclusion

As with all forms of construction, the best outcome is provided when there is early discussion with the contractor. The construction of the core will affect the design and the design will affect the construction. While there are standard defaults for using one of these options, contractors have preferred methods of working and there are always innovations that will inform the decision. The finish and the speed of construction required are other important factors, so should be discussed with the contractor as soon as possible.

Jenny Burridge is head of structural engineering at The Concrete Centre. This article was prepared with help from Don Houston, director at Byrne Bros

Photo: HB Reavis

FURTHER READING
Tall Buildings, The Concrete Centre and the Fédération internationale du béton (fib), 2014
Concrete Tall Buildings, free to download from www.concretecentre.com, 2018

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Construction of the core is one of the most important aspects of the construction of a tall building. It provides the stability, vertical transportation in the form of lifts and stairs, and the main service runs up and down the building. There are three standard ways of constructing the concrete core for a tall building: slipform, jumpform and precast.

# data[].attributes.body
I am tempted to say the horse has already bolted but that would be cynical. Other views welcome.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Westminster council to ban supersize new homes

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
London borough's 150 sq metre limit to encourage building of more affordable properties

# data[].attributes.headline
Grenfell Documentary tonight 30 October 2018 21:00

# data[].attributes.subject
Grenfell Documentary tonight 30 October 2018 21:00

# data[].attributes.body
BBC documentary, in conjunction with the OU, which will be worth watching.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
BBC Two - The Fires that Foretold Grenfell

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The story of five fires that foretold and might have prevented the Grenfell Tower disaster

# data[].attributes.body
Matrics is for RICS members (student or otherwise) generally below 35 years of age. They put on some good, low cost CPD events, particularly useful for those looking to sit their APC sometime soon and for networking. Events are located in Manchester, Cornwall, Leeds, Nottingham, Birmingham, Newcastle, London and many other areas. I know that there are some Matrics events in other countries too, Australia particularly (https://www.rics.org/oceania/training-events/) but have a look around for more.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Stay updated with best practice with our expert led training and events. Maintain the highest standards of professionalism throughout your career. Browse and book now.

# data[].attributes.body
Very good, free event if anyone is interested in concrete (I am and the afternoon events look good) and lives / works near Coin Street in Southwark, south east London.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Cafe Concrete @ Coin Street - This is Visual Concrete

# data[].attributes.body
New London Architecture (NLA)

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
This three-month programme of events taking place for the duration of the 'Factory-made Housing' exhibition further explores key themes, forming a core part of the NLA Housing programme.

# data[].attributes.headline
Dame Judith Hackitt on 'value engineering'

# data[].attributes.subject
Dame Judith Hackitt on 'value engineering'

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Dame Judith Hackitt has said all value engineering does is cut quality and needs to be binned.

The author of the report into building regulations and fire safety following last year's Grenfell Tower fire in west London made her comments at the Chartered Association of Building Engineers last week.

She said removing value engineering from the construction industry was integral to overhauling the sector.

She told the audience at Kenilworth in Warwickshire: "[Value engineering] is anything but value, it is cutting costs and quality."

She added: "The structure of industry has to change to make it more effective. We need to put a focus on the way in which buildings are procured. If we have a process that makes people bid at a cost they can't afford to deliver at, we set ourselves up to fail."

And she said the industry needed to focus on the health and wellbeing of the general public rather than focussing just on its workforce.

She said: "People are looking for quick fixes but they need to understand that root and branch reform is required. This has to be a turning point to bring about the culture change we need.

"Currently construction safety is focused on the workforce but we need to also consider residents and the public."

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Get rid of value engineering, Hackitt tells industry

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Dame Judith Hackitt has said all value engineering does is cut quality and needs to be binned. The author of the report into building regulations and fire safety following last year's Grenfell Tower fire in west London made her comments at the Chartered Association of Building Engineers last week.

# data[].attributes.body
BCO are a member organisation but you can register with them for free and dowload some of the literature. They have some really useful reports, the one below is a particularly good one. May be befor anyone working on their Project.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
BCO - Adaptive Reuse and the Contemporary Office

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
With a significant proportion of the UK office stock consisting of existing buildings, adaptive re-use seems an appropriate strategy for meeting the changing office demands of owners, developers and occupiers.

# data[].attributes.body
TRADA have some excellent information about timber, current developments, case study buildings etc and well worth having a look at the website. This article is about the renaissance of timber in construction and in particular referring to CLT (cross laminated timber).

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
We are an international membership organisation dedicated to inspiring and informing best practice design, specification and use of wood in the built environment and related fields.

# data[].attributes.body
Dreadful thing to happen and shows the importance of safety provisions for glazing. We wait for the outcome of the investigation by HSE into why this happened. Whilst it may be faulty design, have a look at NICKEL SULPHIDE INCLUSION in glazing, which can cause glazing to break.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
A man has died after being hit by a window that fell from a penthouse of the Foster + Partners-designed Corniche towers in London.

The man, who was in his 50s, was struck by something that had come loose from the 85-metre-high tower on the Albert Embankment on 2 October 2018. He was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency services, reported the BBC.

Photos show a panel of glazing missing from one of the topmost windows of the building on the Thames waterfront.

"Our sympathies and condolences are extended to the family following this tragic incident," said a spokesperson from Foster + Partners.
Corniche towers had recently completed
Work recently completed on the Corniche, which is topped by two triplex apartments with double-height atriums and curving glass walls.

Three Foster + Partners towers approved for London's Albert Embankment

"We extend our deepest sympathies to his family at this incredibly difficult time," said a spokesperson for developers St James, which is part of the Berkeley Group.

"We are investigating this incident as a matter of urgency and working with the emergency services to establish what happened."
Tower redesigned following previous incident
St James confirmed to the Press Association that the tower had been redesigned after a similar but non-fatal accident last year.

"There was an incident at the Corniche in August 2017, during construction, where a casement window fell from the upper floor," said the spokesperson.

"No-one was hurt. There was a full investigation instigated by St James, after which the design was amended in accordance with the expert advice received."

Pair of London skyscrapers by Zaha Hadid Architects split opinion

The residential development is formed of two clusters of towers, ranging in height from 15 to 27 storeys, housing 253 apartments along with offices, a residents' bar, gym, pool and spa.

Its deep bays and curving windows and balconies are a signature feature of the development, which is part of the wider Nine Elms regeneration scheme that has seen scores of towers spring up along the southwest bank of the river.

Earlier in the year Zaha Hadid Architects released plans for a pair of skyscrapers for Vauxhall Cross nearby.

Further west along the river Kieran Timberlake recently completed the new US Embassy. Nearby residential development Embassy Gardens, designed by HAL, is due to boast a glass-bottomed swimming pool suspended 10 storeys in the air.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Man killed by window falling from Foster + Partners tower in London

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
A man has died after being hit by a window that fell from a penthouse of the Foster + Partners-designed Corniche towers in London. The man, who was in his 50s, was struck by something that had come loose from the 85-metre-high tower on the Albert Embankment on 2 October 2018.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Firefighters say post-Grenfell partial cladding ban does not go far enough

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Union says measure is not the outright ban called for and was 'designed for political convenience'

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Combustible cladding is to be banned for all new schools, hospitals, care homes, student accommodation and residential buildings in England above 18m (60ft).

Housing Secretary James Brokenshire will make the announcement on Monday at the Conservative Party conference.

Mr Brokenshire is expected to say he wants to bring about a "change in culture on building safety".

The move comes 15 months after the Grenfell Tower fire.

In a keynote speech to the conference in Birmingham, Mr Brokenshire will say the "unimaginable horror" of the Grenfell disaster, which cost the lives of 72 people, has "underlined the need" to ensure "such a disaster cannot happen again".

The ban, which follows a lengthy government consultation, will cover all combustible materials, including cladding, on new buildings.

However, it will not be applied retrospectively where materials have already been fitted.

Currently, building regulations in the UK state all insulation and filler materials for cladding on high-rise buildings must be of "limited combustibility".

The government is already undertaking a £400m programme to remove suspect cladding from all high-rise social housing in England and is working with those responsible for private blocks to take action.

The new ban will be implemented through changes to building regulations to be brought forward in late autumn.

Earlier this year, the Royal Institute of British Architects called for a total ban on flammable cladding, as well as a requirement for sprinklers to be fitted, and a second means of escape for high-rise residential buildings.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Combustible cladding is to be banned for all new schools, hospitals, care homes, student accommodation and residential buildings in England above 18m (60ft). Housing Secretary James Brokenshire will make the announcement on Monday at the Conservative Party conference. Mr Brokenshire is expected to say he wants to bring about a "change in culture on building safety".