The application of elastic catenary functions to the analysis of suspended cable structures

The aim of this paper is to introduce a simplified method for the structural analysis of rigid plane and space frames, based on principles which are well known to structural engineers and which do not involve serious mathematics. The derivation of formulae is based on the concept that when a member, continuous over several rigid joints or supports, is cut at any of its joints, the equilibrium of the two portions of the structure is unaltered if the slopes at the section cut are preserved. Thus, either its left-hand or its righthand portion can be replaced by any such torsional or flexural member that fulfils this requirement. This substitute member is said to have the equivalent stiffness of the portion of the structure which it replaces as it exerts the same effect on the remaining portion of the structure as the part removed. This concept leads to the development of a method of transforming a complicated plane or space frame having mutually perpendicular members into a much simpler type of plane structure for analysis. L.K. Chen and K.C. Wong

The President, recalling the author’s reference to the cost of 20-storey tenements in Hong Kong as being 7 1/2d. per cubic foot for the structure or 9d. per cubic foot including foundations, asked whathe cost in Hong Kong of flats or other dwellings comparable with similar buildings in this country was.

The following notes describe the repair carried out to the soffit and sides of precast prestressed beams damaged by fire. The method used involved full live loading of the construction to simulate the conditions of the original design as it concerned the state of stress in the concrete. The full loading condition also provided a satisfactory test of the composite construction and the combination of prestressed concrete and in-situ reinforced concrete acting together as a continuous structure. A.T. Clarke