Too Many Codes Spoil the Buildings

Will she float? A new subject for the column has been brought forward in a letter from Mr A. L. Gilbertson writing from Epsom. At a recent Institution of Civil Engineers meeting to discuss Part 3 of the draft British Standard for maritime structures, there was a lively debate on the factor of safety that should be required against flotation. There were three aspects to consider: - an unforeseen rise in the water table - underprovision of self-weight due to low density or updersized members - a minimum margin of safety (per se) Verulam

This paper presents a comprehensive review of the use of steel fibre concrete for bridge decks and building floor slabs. The data shown cover both normal weight and lightweight concrete incorporating steel fibres. Emphasis is given to the mix proportioning of these two concretes to produce workable and compactable mixes without causing fibre bundling, segregation or bleeding. Both material and engineering properties of steel fibre concrete are then discussed in relation to their use in bridge decks and building floors. The structural behaviour of conventional reinforced concrete slabs containing steel fibres is then presented, with particular reference to deformation, cracking, service loads, and failure behaviour. The significant advantages of fibre concrete in structural members are highlighted. It is shown that durability of steel fibre need no longer pose a threat to their use in concrete structures. R.N. Swamy

The Institution’s next Part 3 examination, which will take place in April 1987, will include an ‘offshore engineering’ question, enabling Graduate members to qualify as chartered structural engineers in this area.