Post-Tensioned Concrete Bridges. A Comparison of Post-Tensioning Methods for Concrete Bridges, Givin

Serving and protecting the profession In our column for 19 October, Hugh Woodrow, Chief Executive of the Association of Consulting Engineers, drew attention to the services provided by the ACE to chartered engineers, including structurul engineers, in private practice. This was in response to the need which had been expressed in a letter by Ken Burr (l7 August) for ‘a trading organisation representing the chartered structurul engineer in business’. Mr Burr responds as follows: It is interesting that Hugh Woodrow should respond to my recent letters under this heading. I took the opportunity to telephone ACE to discover whether it provides the type of service I feel is needed by me in particular and to members in private practice in general. The answer is a clear NO. The prime reason is that, to join ACE, applicants need to be either Fellows of the Institution or agree to seek election to Fellowship within 5 years. This could start another debate, but I for one cannot see the advantages of seeking Fellowship of the Institution. Also the interests of ACE are too diverse. It invites membership from about 14 Institutions and appears to be expanding this to include non-chartered engineers, yet has a membership of only about 700 firms. Mr Halstead is clearly a member of ACE and seems to think that so are we all. Verulam

The question is, what is the legal effect of using the word ‘certify’ as opposed to some other wording such as ‘to the best of my knowledge and belief or ’in my professional opinion’? J.A. Welsh

External, unbonded tendons have attracted much attention recently, while internal, bonded tendons have come into criticism and are going out of favour. It is important in future projects where external tendons are going to be used that suitable details and techniques are developed to give the desired strength and durability. A lot can be learnt from the way external tendons are used in other parts of the world, where the feature is more common. This paper describes the design of the Bangkok Second Stage Expressway which is currently under construction using the latest techniques developed in the United States and France and is one of the largest ever uses of external tendons for a viaduct project. N.R. Hewson