The design and construction of granolithic floor toppings

Theoretical Investigation An approximate general solution1 has been presented for contact pressures of finite beams resting on idealized models of the soil. The foundation models treated include :- (a) Winkler model of isolated springs; (b) homogeneous anisotropic half-space, isotropy being a special case (c) non-homogeneous half-space, compressibility decreasing with depth LAING BARDEN

In the investigation of the behaviour of arches the forms most often considered are the parabola and the circle, whilst from a practical aspect the parabola is the most usual form. The elementary theory of the parabolic arch is not difficult but in more advanced analysis it may be convenient to consider the arch as a sine curve. The brief analysis outlined below compares the behaviour of a suitably chosen sine curve with that of a given parabolic arch with regard to some of the more familiar properties of the latter. H. Waters

The Institution welcomes as its President for the Session 1963-64 Mr. F. M. Bowen, M I StructE, MICE, AssocIMechE, who takes office on 3 October.