The Late Mr. P.J. Black

It is reasonable to say that our modern civilisation has been built on a foundation of Iron and Steel. The multitudinous uses to which they have been put have caused engineers and those whose duty it is to safeguard and preserve them, to realise how difficult it is to suppress the destructive processes of corrosion. The belief that corrosion was practically inevitable had led to a customary and arbitrary increase in metallic thickness beyond that functionally required, and to an instinctive avoidance of exposed metallic surfaces in buildings of a permanent nature. David W. James-Carrington

This month's letters include discussion over design checks and suitably experienced engineers as well as seismic design of masonry and more.

The tragedy of the Francis Scott Key Bridge highlights the need for structural engineers to ensure that the risks inherent in our built infrastructure remain acceptable, argues Colin Caprani.