NBS topic areas

Keep up to date with industry developments

NBS solutions|

Products and services for all construction projects

Video: Working with historic iron and steel structures

The refurbishment or re-use of existing buildings forms a significant part of the workload for many engineers.

If you are looking at a metal-framed building or bridge earlier than the mid-20th century, either to assess its condition or to consider a new use for it, it is always important to understand what materials you are dealing with.

Before today's steel, structures were built first with cast iron and then with wrought iron. Each has its own distinct properties and it is essential that you have a good understanding of the structural materials used, their properties, and the methods used in their manufacture. This programme tracks developments from ironwork to steelwork.