Correspondence on Combination of Highway Loads and Temperature Difference Loading on Bridges

Computer design programs During recent months, we have published correspondence from readers on the use of computers in engineering. We are now very pleased to have heard from Mr M. Bowden, writing from Bromley, on his experience of using a microcomputer in his practice. He writes: I read with interest your appeal in the July issue for ready-made programs which could be of use to other engineers. I was surprised to note in the August issue that only one such program had been received. Verulam

The new regulations, extensively discussed by the industry and masterminded by the Department of Environment, are now reaching the final stage of their review. They cover both the requirements of the Building Regulations and proposed methods of control. The review was started by a study in depth, by the Department and its consultants. This led to discussions and discussion drafts, prepared by the Department, which have gradually hardened into Acts of Parliament and of Statutory Instruments to go before Parliament. Inevitably, this process brings compromise between the ideals of the profession and what Parliament believes to be necessary to safeguard the public. Also it is still incomplete and includes recommendations that engineers may wish to see changed. S.B. Tietz

There is an increasing trend towards the refurbishment of existing buildings, many of which contain large numbers of cast-iron columns and beams. Very few data, however, have been published on methods of predicting the fire performance of cast-iron structural elements. This paper deals with the factors affecting the performance of cast iron in fire and proposes fire design parameters for use when refurbishing existing buildings containing structural cast-iron that is required to meet current Fire Regulations. J.R. Barnfield and A.M. Porter