Issue 10

The development of masonry-clad steel framed buildings took place in the UK during the first half of the 20th Century. This period marked the departure of traditional load-bearing masonry and the evolution of modern high-rise office blocks and medium-rise commercial buildings. From 1910-1940 the advantages of steel-frame construction techniques were rapidly exploited and large numbers of buildings were constructed in all major cities and towns of the UK. Due to the importance of this era and the often decorative style of early masonry many buildings are now listed or located within conservation areas. Peter Gibbs and Zia Chaudhary

Mr B. P. Clancy (Past President) May I ask, have you any evidence as to how your father and his partners actually calculated their fees? We see expenditure, we see a small loss. They were obviously very impressive buildings with a good standard of engineering. You said that, at the end of the first year or two, your father had virtually earned a salary equivalent only to one he had been earning with one of his earlier employers.

Background I will, by your leave, start with some recent history, which I think is worth putting on record - the formation of the Institution’s History Study Group, which celebrates its silver jubilee this month. B.L. Hurst

The Department of Environment Transport and the Regions (DETR) has promised to firm up on its draft guidance on sustainable construction, although it does not look likely to be out before autumn 1999. It will be interesting to see the definition of sustainability which they opt for. In the meantime, the construction industry is developing methods of judging between different materials and building methods, sometimes with results which may challenge accepted prejudices. Kathy Stansfield

Imposed loads for buildings Lawrence Hurst writes from London: MS Currie’s paper on the loading Code in the 16 February issue of The Structural Engineer prompts me to revert to a matter that was incongruous when the loads were in different Codes and now stands out even more as being inconsistent.