Verulam

The structural performance of four epoxy adhesives has been studied, when subjected to shear in three types of specimen: a steel-steel doublelap specimen, a concrete prism with scarfed joint, and a concrete beam with external steel plate rein forcement. Specimens have been tested under simple and sustained static load, and in fatigue. Cured between 20 °C and 80 °C, the shear strength of adhesion to steel was generally at least 13 N/mm to the power 2, provided that the steel was free from grease, and was not greatly affected by slight contamination with rust, dust or moisture, or by cycling 400 times between - 7 °C and + 35 °C. There was a marked difference in performance of the different adhesives after immersion in water for 8 weeks. A.R. Cusens and D.W. Smith

The paper describes the design and construction of the new bridge over the Thames at Runnymede next to the bridge designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens. Several different types of structure were investigated, and models were used to study the visual relationships with the older bridge. The new bridge consists of four frames of white concrete which were constructed in halves on the banks, slid into position, and joined together. W.J.R. Smyth, R. Benaim and D. H. Philpott

The paper outlines the changes in arbitralprocedure brought about by the Arbitration Act 1979. These alter the appellate procedure, strengthen the arbitrator’s powers at the interlocutory stage of a reference, and introduce the facility of excluding judicial review in certain circumstances. The consequences for the structural engineer as litigant, expert witness, or arbitrator are discussed. Kenneth Severn