Discussion The Erskine Bridge by O. A. Kerensky, W. Henderson and W. C. Brown

The paper describes the unusual problems encountered in designing a building structure some 179 m (586 ft) high above ground level to withstand typhoon wind loading. The building is sited on reclaimed land adjacent to the Star Ferry terminal in the Central District of Hong Kong and the methods adopted in solving the structural problems are fully described. W.E.A. Skinner

The interaction of shear and bond effects in the light of the reduced requirements of shear reinforcement permitted by the draft Unified Code is dealt with in this paper. The two principal topics are the effects of curtailment of main steel on resistance to shear cracking, and the dependence of the distribution of the main steel force after shear cracking on the amount of shear reinforcement provided. P.E. Regan and A.C. Mitra

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.