Associate-Membership Review

Some aspects of finite element analysis were referred to by Mr N. Prabhakar in August last year. Dr. W. B. Cranston of the Cement & Concrete Association has now drawn our attention to the existence of the National Agency for Finite Element Methods and Standards, since the Agency may not be known to many of our readers; Dr. Cranston points out that few members of the Agency are organisations in the construction industry. We were therefore pleased to have a letter a week or two later from Mr W. M. Mair, the chairman of NAFEMS, giving us much more information. He writes: I have read with interest the recent correspondence in your columns regarding the use of finite element methods in the design of structures. The most recent contribution from Mr Kaplish of the Property Services Agency in Croydon points out that no two FE programs will produce identical results for the same problem and concludes that the quality of some of the elements marketed is suspect. He also asks about information on an agency which sets standards for finite elements and promotes good FE analysis. The National Agency for Finite Element Methods and Standards was instituted in 1983 to tackle the problems that have been highlighted in this correspondence. Verulam

This paper describes the design and construction of a district postal sorting office in North West London. The earlier use of the site and its location in relation to the Regent's Canal gave rise to the need for special consideration of the substructure. Particular reference is made to the problems arising from the removal of a former railway embankment and the soil movements likely to result. The way in which the design was developed in stages from feasibility to construction is described. K.C. White, A.P. Myers and A.H. Dutton

The Structural Engineer has, in the last year or so, carried information on two particular materials that give me concern. S.G. Evans