The Restoration of Ancient Buildings. Discussion on the paper by E. W. H. Gifford BSc MIStructE MICE

The paper describes the design, fabrication and erection of the welded steel box girders and concrete deck slab which form the composite superstructure of the bridge. The reasons for the various design features are stated. Mention is made of the use of models for the design stage and the results of a quarter-size model test to destruction are given. The welding procedure is outlined and the method of erection of the girders is explained. The routine tests carried out to check the quality of materials and workmanship are enumerated. Various features of the superstructure are then described and the paper concludes with an indication of possible developments in composite design. W.A. Fairhurst and A. Beveridge

Professor A.L.L. Baker, who represents the Institution of Structural Engineers, Institution of Civil Engineers, Reinforced Concrete Association and Cement and Concrete Association on the European Concrete Committee (CEB), reports on a meeting of the Committee held in Ankara last September. A.L.L. Baker

Niamh McCloskey reflects on her personal experience of the challenging reality of returning to work after maternity leave, questioning whether workplaces truly support women in this transition and highlighting how, with the right support and recognition of the new perspectives and skills that motherhood can bring, we can retain mothers and allow them to thrive in underrepresented industries.