FROM RESEARCH TO CODES - AN AUSTRALIAN PERSPECTIVE

摘要

The difficulties, pitfalls and delays in the process of having research outcomes accepted by the profession and integrated into codes of practice are discussed. When considering mechanisms for the effective transfer of new knowledge into practice, there are three critical aspects that must be addressed. Firstly, the expertise and funding to carry out the research that leads to new knowledge must be available; secondly, an effective means of packaging the new knowledge is required in a form that will clearly benefit users and practitioners; and finally, a receptive industry comprising professionals who are committed to read, learn and implement new ideas and knowledge is essential. This paper highlights the current problems affecting and hindering each of these three aspects. It is a provocative and rather blunt look at the dilemma currently facing the concrete industry. The authors illustrate their arguments by reference to a range of problems associated with the recent restrictions introduced into the Australian Standard AS3600-2001 on the use of low-ductility welded wire fabric in suspended floor systems - an issue that has sparked much debate recently within the profession in Australia.