Collapse of the Fines Ore Storage Building at the Nkana Division of Zambia Consolidated Copper mines

CP 110 and/or CP 114, CP 115, and CP 116 Professor Marsh’s letter published in part in February, has attracted a response from Mr Allan Hodgkinson: If Cedric Marsh was horrified to see the CPCP advert in The Structural Engineer, I am equally horrified to see his comment. Can anyone really believe that he knows the ‘true’ strength of a structure and the ‘true’ loads carried? Nothing short of a full-scale test would decide the former and I can think of nothing more than the dead weight of a liquid as satisfying the latter. Verulam

By definition, a structural appraisal is concerned with establishing the strength of an existing structure and reporting on its safety and its fitness for a given purpose. Such an appraisal may become necessary for one or more of the following reasons: -The owner is contemplating a change of use for the structure. -The structure has suffered accidental damage due to fire, impact, or other forces. -The structure shows signs of distress under normal usage. -Deterioration of certain elements is suspected due to age, service conditions, or inadequate maintenance. -A report on structural adequacy and future safety and serviceability is required by a prospective purchaser, insurance company, or other interested body. Gerald McDonnell

Mr. R. M. Boston (Cooper & Turner Ltd.): This is an interesting paper on a subject that concerns many engineers involved in steel structures.