Intermediate Hinges in Moment Distribution Method

The paper begins with a brief description of an operation on an ordinary steel-framed building which was in danger of collapse. Glass played an important role in preventing the complete collapse of this building before the remedial works were put in hand. Attention is directed to the inherent strength of glass, which is very much in evidence when glass is drawn into fine filaments. Descriptions of glass reinforced plastics and other ' two-phase ' materials follow and details of the various types of glass reinforced plastics are included. The properties of glass reinforced plastics, structural steel and aluminium alloy are tabulated for comparison. In conclusion possible future developments in the field of 'two-phase' materials are mentioned and structural engineers are reminded of the necessity to familiarize themselves with the properties of these new materials and to assist in their development for structural purposes. T. Holmshaw

This paper presents a method of determining influence lines involving the use of Muller-Breslau's principle and the direct distribution of deformation. The method is applicable, generally, to continuous beams, symmetrical or unsymmetrical frames, and structures with prismatic or non-prismatic members. Alan Williams

At the meeting a number of members contributed to a discussion on Dr. Plowman's paper and their comments were recorded by the Institution's shorthand writer, Mr. A. R. Purchase, whose death was announced a day or two later. Despite many efforts it has proved impossible to transcribe Mr. Purchase's notes. The written contributions to the discussion are published below, with Dr. Plowman's replies. The Institution offers its apologies to Dr. Plowman and to those members who spoke at the meeting for the fact that publication of the full discussion is impossible.