Author: Little, M E R
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Little, M E R
The Structural Engineer, Volume 55, Issue 12, 1977
The fairly long discussion which has taken place on trussed rafters, connector plates and associated aspects has brought a fairly vigorous response from Mr. H. J. Andrews in their defence. He writes: I feel the time has come to respond to some of the absurdities that are being quoted in your column 'Queries, Comments, Correspondence and Curiosities' in connection with trussed rafters, and more recently the addition of joist hangers (Sept. 1977). Verulam
To many minds, structural engineering seems to be limited to the conception and analysis and detailed embodiment of structural systems. And there is no doubt that this is the very core of our science. Obviously the art is concerned with the application of the science, but it is also concerned with wider issues; social and political issues such as the particular purpose for which the system is intended, the need for it, the resources which are required to realise it and the consequences of its realisation. And also, even if in self interest, creating a demand for buildings which need the sort of structures which we would like to design. Peter Dunican
The theoretical background to the design of welded plate girders according to BS449 is adopted in a search for optimum design. Within certain practical limitations, design curves are derived for minimum weight design. A computer-based design system is described from which minimum cost designs can be produced for conventional plate girders and welded crane girders. Some observations derived from computer results are given which, together with the design curves, provide guidelines to wards obtaining an optimum design. G.C. de Jesus and A. Burns