Correspondence on Plastic Instability Analysis of Space Frames by M. M. K. Khalifa

A programme of tests was carried out on 28 prestressed concrete beams with various combinations of prestressed web reinforcement and stirrups of mild steel or high strength deformed steel. The results are used to derive a formula to obtain the approximate width of inclined cracks and to discuss the calculation of the ultimate shear of beams with vertical prestress with particular reference to CP 110:1972. Prestressing part of the web reinforcement was found to increase both the inclined cracking shear and the ultimate shear. E.W. Bennett and G. Mlingwa

Numerical analyses of the strength of stiffened plates in compression have been carried out, covering a range of plate and stiffener slendernesses. Different ratios of flange/web and stiffener/plate cross-sectional area ratios are studied. C.A. Carlsen

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.