In the 9 years since the last colloquium on lateral loading at the Institution there has been a great deal of published material, much of it reviews or theoretical conjecture, but some useful experimental work at various locations. Important theoretical contributions have come from L. R. Baker, who has developed a theory which relates to the strength of individual joints, and Cajdert in Sweden. H.W.H. West, H.R. Hodgkinson, B.A. Haseltine and R.C. de Vekey
A large amount of work was carried out between 1980 and I984 by Government and industry on the performance under lateral load of autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC) blocks, small test walls (wallettes), and storey-height (2.7m-high) walls. R.C. de Vekey, N.J. Bright, K.R. Luckin and S.K. Arora
The use of the October 1977 papers as a basis for the lateral load section of BS5628: Part 1, published in 1978, has been referred to by the previous authors. The 1977 papers dealt with simple rectangular walls built in a variety of clay bricks and mortars. A few concrete block walls and cavity walls were also discussed. B.A. Haseltine and J.N. Tutt
I am grateful to Stefan Tietz for this article, although I think his fear of compulsion is misdirected, at least from our own Institution. Continuing professional development is one of the most important topics under discussion in many places at the present time and, by replying to some of his points, I hope that I may be able to allay some genuine worries and misconceptions of Institution members. I wish to start by firmly agreeing with some of his sentiments. Professor Arthur Bolton
The paper describes the engineering studies and the preparation of the tender design for the civil/structural engineering works of the viaducts and bridges for the Docklands light railway. B. Richmond and A.E. Churchman
This report on the Institution’s qualifying examinations is prepared in the knowledge that is should assist future candidates in their preparatory studies and assist those who failed in their attempt to appreciate the problems encountered. It should be read in conjunction with the 1986 Part 3 and Associate-Membership question papers.
The ‘viewpoint’ articles published in The Structural Engineer over the last few months have been concerned with Codes of Practice. In all, there are references to the rival views concerning CP114 and CP110. I would like to add a few comments of my own. M.J. Ryall
The scope of research on the resktance of masonry to lateral loading is outlined up to the assessment and publication of BS 5628 in 1978. Subsequent research aimed to consolidate the basis of codification, provide improved confidence in key areas, and afford an understanding of continuing developments and any problems arking. A diversity of future changes may be expected to generate a continuing demand for research. J.F.A. Moore
Cracking in a prestressed bridge There have been a number of letters responding to the request made by Mr A. Y. Qaraqish in July for advice on the likely cause and effect of longitudinal cracking in a prestressed concrete bridge deck, which form part of a motorway system in Saudi Arabia. Verulam