Innovation V. Quality Assurance

Tensile stresses in concrete Several of our readers have commented on the reservations expressed by Mr V. T. Pannell, which we supported, regarding the ability of concrete to resist tensile stress; these appeared last July and were discussed further in October, when Mr R. 0. C. Seaman wrote to us. We have now heard further from Mr Seaman: Further to my previous letter and the reservations expressed about the application of concrete in tension, I would quote in further support of my contention, Table 11 of Civil Engineering Code of Practice no. 2: Earth retaining structures, which gives recommended permissible tensile stresses for mass concrete in flexure of 40 lb/in2 (0.3 N/mm2) for a 1:2:4 mix.

The Western Counties Branch was privileged to receive the President and Secretary of the Institution at the inaugural meeting on 10 October 1986. Professor Happold’s address was full of interest and, at the end, he turned the tables on the Branch by setting certain questions. The first was to ask for suggestions on how our standing in society could be improved, i.e. how to improve public appreciation of structural engineers; another, what we would like to see in The Structural Engineer. The two questions are closely related to two other matters of considerable importance to us all, i.e. CPD and closer working relationships. D.R. Wardle

The paper describes i he eva rluation of engineering design, design management, and construction, of the Diplomatic Club, a new building of floor area 24 000 m2, in Riyadh. Professor E. Happold, T.A. Ealy, J.W.E. Pugh and R.H. Webster