Spring marks the start of nature's renewal process and, as in nature, steel buildings can also be renewed. Such is hte case with the Parkwood Residence's role in revitalizing downtown Oshawa with the reuse of an old steel-framed building as documented in this issue.
In fact, steel framing can, and is being used to frame a variety of residential structures. Different structural systems can be utilized to achieve goals such as low floor-to-floor dimensions. CISC staff are ready to assist designers, owners and developers in exploring the steel solution appropriate for their project.
Ministries of Transportation are looking to use more prefabricated solutions for their projects. These are excellent oportunities for structural steel to prove its value. In BC, steel bridges with precast concrete deck slabs have been used with great success. In addition, a Canadian invention applied to bridges eliminates the need for a concrete deck. Commonly known as SPS for Sandwich Plate System, it has already been used for bridges in Canada. Both of these are described in this issue.
As usual Dr. Sylvie has the answers to your questions, and for what's new, well that is covered as well.
Michael I. Gilmor
President CISC