Issue 12

Sir,- Referring to the enquiry on p. 364 of the Journal for November, signed “H.R.W.”- re the suspenders in the side spans of the Menai Bridge. Professor Husband

THE PRESIDENT, introducing Mr. Stroyer, recalled that in a paper which he himself had read before the Institution some time ago he had referred to some work in connection with reinforced concrete as applied to docks, and had alno given some illustrations of the first pair of reinforced concrete lock gates ever constructed at that time, so far as he knew Mr. Stroyer had been responsible for the details of the design of those gates, and for the execution of the work, and he had done a considerable amount of subsequent work both in this and in other departments.

IN the previous eleven chapters I have dealt with various aspects of the relation of art to engineering. It may be desirable to summarise the argument so that its general purpose may be declared in the simplest manner possible. I therefore propose to take the chapters one by one and give the briefest resumé of each. The argument is of course by no means exhausted, but it will perhaps be found that a fairly wide range of subject has been dealt with in the discussion and that some very definite conclusions have been reached. A. Trystan Edwards

Modern buildings, bridges and structures generally, indicate a tendency to much more massive construction than formerly; buildings, especially those erected in the restricted spaces available in large cities, are built higher; bridges are being designed with large spans and widths to keep pace with river improvements and road developments; new docks are more extensive and deeper; all entail heavy loads being imposed on the supporting ground. Consequently, ground conditions have to be very carefully considered by the engineer before deciding what form the foundations of any new structure should take, and his decision will be governed to some extent by the form of foundations and the condition of existing properties near the site, as these need to be safeguarded, while the new foundation work proceeds. The use of piling in some form or other can very materially assist the engineer to overcome foundation difficulties, and in dealing with the subject it is proposed to outline modern piling practice, with only brief reference to relevant historical matter. M.J. McCarthy