Annual Dinner

The modern trend of structural development is to reduce weight, and simultaneously to increase structural efficiency. A powerful means for realising these aims is to be found in the use of sections of thin walled proportions. Such sections, on account of their lightness, together with outlines chosen for maximum stiffness, give a high load-carrying capacity to structural weight ratio. W. Shearer Smith

This month's letters discuss the status of structural engineers and confidence in inherited bridge assessments.

What role can engineers play in the push towards resilient sustainability? Dr Elisabeth Marlow shares her thoughts with Helena Russell.