Issue 12

This paper presents a method for the analysis of rectangular hyperbolic paraboloid shells with any combination of fixed and simply supported edges. The method consists of expressing the displacement functions as double series in characteristic functions satisfying the boundary conditions exactly. The differential equations are satisfied using the orthogonality property of these functions. This results in three infinite sets of simultaneous equations, the solution of which gives the undetermined parameters. The convergence of the deflection, membrane forces and moments have been studied and they are compared with other published results. K.T. Sundara Raja Iyengar and R.S. Srinivasan

In Part 1, the author discusses the background to the design of the integrated viaduct system in relation to the road network in Birkenhead and its relieving effect on local traffic. The choice of spans and structural material is considered and the basis of the structural design of the composite construction column/superstructure junction discussed. Gencral comment is made on the fabrication and erection of the structural steelwork.

Formulation of Organic Coatings, by N. I. Gaynes, G. N. Danziger and F. C. Kinsler (Princeton, New Jersey, USA and London: D. Van Nostrand, 1967) 9 1/4 x 6 in., 386 + xii pp., £5 7s 6d.

Mr. William G. Baird writes : ' Professor Sawko has presented a paper which will be of interest to all engineers who seek a quick and simple solution to the complex problem of analysing the loads and moments carried by a group of piles. However, some doubt exists as to the reliability of the method when it is applied to physical problems. '

' It is well known that the President of an efficiently run Institution does not take office unprepared. I cannot therefore claim that the great honour that you have done me is unexpected, but I can quite truthfully say that my appreciation is accompanied and enhanced by some feeling of surprise. This is not because it is unusual for one who is not a practising structural engineer to become President, for the Institution has liberal and catholic traditions in this respect. It comes from personal reasons that I find it difficult to define, but which I think former Presidents will appreciate. ' A.R. Collins