Practice presentations and workshops

The Concrete Centre is staffed by architects, structural engineers and material specialists and our aim is to enable designers to realise the potential of concrete for their projects.

The Concrete Centre can deliver information and guidance in a multitude of formats:

Forthcoming webinars are listed in the Events calendar.
The on-demand webinar hub hosts a range of webinars on the most popular topics. These CPD sessions can be freely-viewed at any time.
The Publications and software section contains a wide range of best practice guidance to support the use of concrete in a variety of project types.
There is also a large number of case studies that feature useful guidance for the design and construction of concrete in real-life projects.

The above services will be of use to all designers. However, if you require a more bespoke presentation or workshop, which looks at a particular issue or detail, not covered by the above, then our practice presentations could be the best solution. These presentations/workshops are delivered by a relevant technical expert

Practice presentations/workshops - what we offer

If you are at the design stage of your project and need generic guidance on concrete solutions we can help. The Concrete Centre team can deliver workshops online or in your office with a focus on the learning that is required. CPD certificates can be provided to attendees, if required.

Online workshops can be delivered via Zoom, allowing several office locations/groups of staff to attend the same presentation or workshop.

Furthermore, The Concrete Centre team can provide CPD sessions to regional clubs, for example RIBA, IStructE, ICE and The Concrete Society.

How to request a practice presentation or workshop

Please fill out the “Register your interest” form below to request a presentation or if you would like to discuss our availablity for speaking engagements in your region. A member of our technical team will then get back to you.

Please be aware that demand is high for practice workshops, and we cannot fulfil every request.

Register your interest

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Topic areas

An example of the range of topics we can deliver is listed below.

Architecture

AR1: Thermal Performance and Part L1A

This seminar considers the design strategies affecting the thermal performance of the fabric of new homes and how to achieve and exceed required energy and CO2 requirements using a range of concrete and masonry solutions. It includes principles of design related to airtightness, insulation, thermal-bridging and thermal mass, as well as strategies for passive cooling to avoid overheating.

AR3: Architectural precast solutions

Providing guidance on the design possibilities of architectural precast and glass reinforced concrete (GRC) cladding, including explanation of finishing techniques and specification for a range of colour, texture and form.

AR7: Concrete floors

This seminar provides an overview of the different types of concrete floor constructions available to enable designers to make informed choices regarding the design of internal, separating and ground floors. Includes guidance on acoustics, thermal performance, visual appearance and construction methods.

AR12: Exposed concrete of internal and external floors

Providing design and specification guidance for exposed concrete floor surfaces, internally and externally. It includes the range of techniques available for finishing, texture and colour.

CT1: Achieving in-situ visual concrete

Practical guidance to understanding the natural materials and methods for achieving cast in situ visual concrete. Includes guidance on specification using BS 8500, the National Structural Concrete Specification edition 4 (NSCS 4) and BS EN 13670; selection of materials and formwork; the importance of benchmarking and reference panels and workmanship.

SU1: Sustainable concrete

This seminar provides guidance for specifying sustainable concrete including design and construction considerations for buildings with low whole-life carbon. It includes responsible sourcing, use of low carbon cements, recycled aggregates, and tips for achieving material efficiency.

SU2: Utilisation of thermal mass

This seminar provides an explanation of principles and design techniques in both housing and non-residential buildings. Discusses future-proofing for rising temperatures, passive solar design, embodied and in-use CO2 emissions and guidance for using SAP calculations.

SU5: Concrete and BREEAM 2014

Guidance on the latest versions of BREEAM New Construction (2014 & 2018), with particular reference to the use of concrete. Focus on achieving credits in concrete from the reduction of energy use and green guide ratings, EPD’s and recycled aggregates, adaptation to climate change; material efficiency, durability and resilience.

HG1: Resilient Homes - NEW

This seminar provides guidance on design and construction of homes using concrete and masonry to improve resilience. It considers practical strategies for addressing climate change over the life of a building including overheating and flooding. Other topics covered include resilience to fire, acoustic insulation and thermal performance.

HG2: High Performance Housing - NEW

With the Code for Sustainable Homes now withdrawn, this seminar provides an overview of current and emerging standards related to the fabric performance of new homes. It provides design principles for a range of current and innovative construction systems available for UK housing using concrete and masonry, including masonry, ICF systems and off-site solutions.

Structural engineering

B1: Building design to Eurocode 2

Introduction to the Eurocode system; basis of design (EC0); actions (EC1); materials; cover; flexure; shear; deflection; axial; regulatory requirements; conversion strategy; training; resources.

B2: Economic concrete framed buildings

Understanding frame costs; building performance; programme; frame options; cost model studies; ECFE design manual with worked examples; Concept software demonstration; resources.

B4: Post-tensioned slabs

Principles of prestressing; history; benefits; bonded and un-bonded systems; floor layouts and initial sizing; design constraints; construction; procurement; alterations and demolition; case studies; resources.

B5: Flat slabs

Building performance; basics of flat slabs; initial sizing; design methods; design and detailing issues design constraints; reinforcement rationalisation; construction- formwork systems and proprietary reinforcement systems; resources.

B7: Basements

Planning; options; waterproofing strategy and risk; ground movements; construction methods; materials; structural design including control of cracking; inspection; testing and maintenance; resources.

B15: Introduction to RC Detailing

Detailing process: Materials; cover and tolerances; drawing layout and planning; scheduling to BS8666; communication of design intent and responsibilities; model details; best practice; common mistakes; resources.

B17: RC detailing to Eurocode 2

Reinforcement; cover and tolerances; changes to detailing with the introduction of Eurocode 2; minimum and maximum areas of reinforcement; anchorage and lap lengths; worked example; resources.

B18: Strut & Tie Analysis

This cpd session looks at strut and tie modelling (STM), which has become available for use under Eurocode 2. STM can be applied to many elements of a concrete structure but is usually adopted to design non-standard elements or parts of elements of concrete structures such as deep beams, corbels, beams with holes, connections, etc.

B19: Tall Buildings

Rising populations and space constraints in our cities are encouraging us to build tall. The strength, robustness, fire and acoustic performance of concrete makes it ideal for the cores and frames of tall buildings. This cpd session will provide technical guidance on designing concrete tall buildings.

CT1: Achieving in-situ visual concrete

A practical solution to understanding the natural materials and methods that make concrete; how to produce a specification using BS 8500, the National Structural Concrete Specification edition 4 (NSCS4) and BS EN 13670; selection of materials and formwork; the importance of falsework design; workmanship; reference panels; case studies; resources.

SP1: How to specify durable and sustainable concrete

Specification basics within BS 8500-1; approach and methodologies; exposure classification; routes to specification and options explained; optimizing performance and sustainability for different locations; worked examples; resources.