Design and Model Testing of the Thames Barrier Gates

Competitive steelwork design The letter from Mr C. P. Pountney published last September made several criticsms on the grounds of lack of economy of what he described as the ‘traditional’ British design of bolted joints in steelwork as compared with designs prepared by international competitors. A number of our readers did not agree with him entirely, and their comments appeared in our December issue. Mr Pountney now writes: It is gratifying that much comment has been caused by my letter regarding joints between primary and secondary beams. Verulam

This paper describes the reconstruction of a stone tower in the medieval walled defences around the old City of York. The towers and walls making up the defences are a scheduled ancient monument. Any reconstruction or restoration work to them consequently requires very specialised engineering techniques that will not only satisfy the structural needs of the monument but will leave it in an authentic and original form. J.R. Nursey and R.W.A. Dallas

Before the role of the technician engineer and engineering technician within the design office can be assessed, it is important to understand the educational standards and training requirements, along with the official definition of the respective technician grades, as there would appear to be too few within the profession who could answer the question ‘what or who is a technician?’ with any degree of knowledge or understanding. G.E. Harris