Structures Employed in the Heavy Lifting Industry - a Review of Some Recent Projects and Development

Echoes of Ronan Point A letter from Mr Jan Korff, concerning the safety of structures and the scope of building controls, continues last month's debate on health and safety: I make no apologies for returning to the vexed subject of progressive collapse or, as it is known in modern parlance, disproportionate collapse. Verulam

Investigation into recent failures of steel chimneys has revealed that there is a need for greater awareness of factors that can endanger structural performance. A widespread failure to monitor structural conditions has also been evident. D. McQuillan

Like previous Presidents, I an honoured at being elected to be the President of this, to me, very special Institution. Unlike most of them, I am twice honoured by being concurrently President during the 75th Anniversary of its foundation and also the 50th Anniversary of the receipt of its Royal Charter. Hence I follow in the distinguished footsteps of Sir Alfred Pugsley, President during the 50th and 25th Anniversaries. I also take some pleasure in remembering that, in its original form, the Institution was the Concrete Institute-my affinity with, and penchant for, concrete being reasonably well known! However, although being honoured by, and taking much pleasure in, being President, there are certain feelings of trepidation caused by the extensive list of distinguished Past Presidents and their contributions to the Institution-I will endeavour to emulate them to the best of my ability. R.E. Rowe