Some Statistical Aspects of Design in Foundation Engineering

Mr. J. A. DERRINGTON (Associate-Member) said that although the design of foundations for tall buildings had caused consulting engineers to think afresh, contractors’ engineers had not been inactive in designing and constructing plant which could be used for the installation of deep cylinder foundations, In particular, the type which could provide a shaft with an enlarged base at depths of 80 feet in London clay was noteworthy and he proposed to show a short colour film of this plant at work which he hoped would interest members.

1. Prologue Textbooks on statics, even when intended for schoolboys, still seem to retain something of that air of formality andetachment associated with Victorian works on geometry. Forces are very disembodied and act either on infinitely small particles or on strictly rigid bodies. And this climate, I fear, still reflects, and is reflected in, the teaching of statics in schools. Sir Alfred Pugsley

The reinforced concrete spiral staircase is being increasingly used nowadays, usually as an alternative to the external steel fire-escape, which can rarely be said to improve the appearance of a building. With skilful architectural treatment a spiral staircase can be a striking and attractive feature. D. E. Ryder