Issue 12

A generalization of the simple strip method of slab design is presented which extends the strip method to deal more successfully with concentrated loading or supports. Essentially, the designer chooses a distribution pattern for the vertical shear forces rather than the applied loading. The method is quite general and is applicable to any shape of slab and any type of support or loading. K.O. Kemp

The opinion that the probability of a plastically designed structure failing by incremental collapse or alternating plasticity is small compared with that of static collapse is not sound in all cases.

Mr. J. D. West: I look back rather more than twenty years when the former Eastern Region of British Railways was introducing electric traction, by the overhead system, over a number of routes.

As the term ‘Weathering Steel’ is apt to arouse strong feelings, varying from rapture to disdain, some effort has been made in these notes to present a factual picture the properties, evolution and possible future exploitation of this material.

The theoretical basis of a suite of computer programs for the analysis of bridge slabs is presented. The slabs were treated as thin elastic plates and solutions were obtained by dynamic relaxation. Orthotropic, variable thickness and constant thickness slabs were considered, of rectangular, skew and curved shapes. Comparisons with other theoretical and experimental results are given. A.C. Cassell, R.E. Hobbs, M.S. Bridgett and P.A.K. Awotwi

It is a great honour to be elected President of the Institution of Structural Engineers and in my case it is an honour which is twice given-firstly to the Scottish Branch which has supported this Institution so loyally and so wholeheartedly and secondly to myself, as one of the Branch members, it is a personal privilege which is deeply appreciated. During my brief twelve-month period in the highest office which this Institution can confer I shall endeavour to uphold the influence and good name of the Institution and to further the high reputation of its members. W.G.N. Geddes

The text of an Institution report Future Building Regulations was published in the September issue of The Structural Engineer, pages 430-432. The report has subsequently been use0 &S a basis for further discussions with the Building Regulations Diuision of the Department of the Environment.