A.W. Hill discusses the main changes incorporated in the 1976 revision of BS 5337, the code of practice for liquid-retaining structures.
Over the past few months valuable and stimulating contributions to the subject of structural stability have been made by Professors Bolton and Horne. They observe that the subject is one which structural engineers have difficulty in understanding. In the present discussion the sources of this difficulty are considered. The fundamental prepositions of classical mechanics which govern all such phenomenon in conservative systems are stated, and the application of these to the problems given by Bolton and Horne are given. Finally some comments are included on modern stability theory for non-conservative systems, and, how current research is attempting to use these to solve some practical engineering problems. T.J. Poskitt
I should like to thank Dr. Rangasami and Dr. Kaburu for their Technical Note, which has assisted me in some practical engineering research in the field of braced domes and vaults. R. Gray
Excessive cracking due to early thermal and shrinkage movement was a common defect in water retaining structures designed to CP2007: 1970 which shouldbe rectified by the new Code. The paper therefore discusses design in accordance with BS 5337: 1976 for satisfactory control of this form of cracking, and outlines the various design options which are available. B.P. Hughes
Mr. Pitts: St. Katharine's Dock lies off the banks of the River Thames, a stone's throw from Tower Bridge and adjacent to the Tower of London. In 1146, Queen Matilda founded the hospice of St. Katharine's;this grew over the centuries into a large, self-sufficient settlement. By the beginning of the 19th century this land, so close to the heart of London, was needed for dock development. The Royal hospice was moved at this time to Regent's Park where it still remains.
All members when applying for admission to the Institution sign a declaration that they will be bound by the provisions of the Charter and Bye-Laws and by the Rules of Conduct. For the majority, the latter simply strengthen the duty that they in any case owe to themselves as professional engineers. For some members in their day to day work, however, the Rules call for the observance of long-standing conventions, ignorance or disregard of which places the professional reputation of a member at risk as well as reflecting adversely upon the Institution itself.
Routine checking The task of checking the work of another structural engineer is becoming an increasingly frequent one for members of the Institution. It is a trend to be welcomed but the professional responsibility of an engineer in such checking cannot be over- emphasized.
BS 5337 contains clauses which permit the use of limit state design methods for water-retaining structures. There are advantages in using the new method of design and the paper discusses the application of the relevant clauses, and compares typical designs. R.D. Anchor
Block and brickwork are current subjects of correspondence from members. Mr. R. J. Rhodes raises what must be a fairly common problem : As it can prove extremely difficult, if not impossible, to prove on paper that brickwork structures, however simple, will stand up, it is essential that any assistance from internal pressure must be utilised. Verulam