Common opinion on the strength of materials'appears to be satisfied that the conventional basis of the mathematical theory of elasticity is fundamentally sound, but needs a little adjustment to allow for plastic yield. The opinion is expressed that this basis is erroneous and should be discarded for the purposes of research on steel in tension. A.C. Vivian
Professor Ross introduced the paper by saying that it differed from many presented to the Institution in that it described no important engineering work neither was it a record of extensive experimental or theoretical research. It was an attempt, however, to demonstrate by a few very simple tests certain important conceptions of the effects of creep in structures. Some of the ideas were by no means new, but if the paper helped to clarify them and to stimulate interest and perhaps even further research, then it might have some value in furthering our knowledge of the fundamental behaviour of reinforced concrete structures.