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The Structural Engineer, Volume 70, Issue 9, 1992
I was extremely interested in the ‘viewpoint’ by D. Goodger published in The Structural Engineer, 3 March 1992, as this is a subject that has much occupied my thoughts over the last few years. B.J. Shaw
This paper examines the design methods for providing resistance against punching shear, generally concerning the strength requirement for transfer of the load from a flat slab to the supporting column or from a column to its base. The BSI committee B/525/2 (CSB39 as it was then called) had expressed concern about the present design method given in BS 8110: Part 1 : 1985 for providing resistance against punching shear in reinforced concrete slabs. As a result, an examination was carried out, based on a test programme funded jointly by the Department of Environment and the British Cement Association (BCA). The conclusions of this examination have assisted in reviewing the punching shear clauses given in BS 8110: Part 1: 1985*. The results of this exercise have also been used for recommending a revision to the clauses given in the Eurocode 'DD ENV 1992-1-1: 1992 Eurocode 2: Design of Concrete Structures Part I (General rules and rules for buildings)'. This BSI document is expected to be available soon, and it will include a National Application Document providing in formation and additional recommendations necessary for its use in the UK during its prestandard (ENV) stage. P.S. Chana and S.B. Desai
The typical German Technische Universitat, formerly called ‘Technische Hochschule’, offers structural engineering as part of its civil engineering course which would also include traffic, hydraulic and environmental engineering. Western Germany has such universities at Aachen, Berlin, Bochum, Braunschweig, Darmstadt, Dortmund, Hannover, Karlsruhe, Munich, and Stuttgart. It is not yet finally decided which schools will become technical universities in the eastern part of Germany, except for Dresden. The formal curriculum, including classes and tutorials, usually covers 9 semesters or 4½ years. However, the average student takes between 5 and 6 years to complete his studies. His university studies will start at an age of 21 since, after finishing at high school, he has to complete 18 months’ military service (or alternative service for conscientious objectors) and some compulsory practical training. J. Schlaich, Professor Dr Ing.