Minimum Cost Topological Design of Steel Sway Frames

A brief survey of design practice reveals different design methods in Britain and America and some difference of opinion among engineers in Britain. The results of 18 tests are reported which show that American practice gives reasonable safety and economy. They indicate, however, that British practice gives conservative results if CP I10 bond stresses are used but, where base thicknesses are determined from consideration of shear stresses, results with varying margins of safety are obtained. It is suggested that CP 110 should be modified so that safe, but reasonably economical, base thicknesses are obtained. A.W. Astill and D. K. Absajir

The structural use of brick diaphragm walls has been developed by the practice of W. G. Curtin & Partners for single-storey buildings of substantial height. Several buildings have been constructed using this technique during the last I5 years. Some 3 years ago, a programme of research was started at the University of Liverpool to substantiate the design assumptions used and to explore the further potential of this type of construction. This paper summarises the results of this research and confirms the suitability of diaphragm walling for single-storey construction. W.G. Curtin and F. Sawko