Correspondence on Design of Reinforced Concrete Deep Beams by Dr. M.D. Kotsovos

Mr A. C. Smith (Bartlett School of Architecture): To what extent were the developments about which you have spoken, in terms of the patents and specifications, dependent or consequent on developments in the means of producing and handling the materials-developments in the cement mixer, for instance, and in the manufacture of iron bars and the like?

Two areas exercising the minds of structural engineers at present are: (1)the great shortage of structural engineerng personnel at craft, technician, and chartered levels; (2)the concern in the institution regarding the education and training of structural engineers which has culminated in the Past President, Professor Happold, setting up a Task Group to report on the education needs of structural engineers (of particular concern is the lack of understanding of structural behaviour, of materials (including their interaction), and of construction methods; there is a feeling that the education of structural engineers shouid be more associated with building and building services, rather than civil engineering). L.A. Clark Thus, in this papes, which is based on the author's Chairman's

This month's letters cover legislation for design checks, embodied carbon of modular construction approaches, and assessment of masonry buildings for earthquake resilience in New Zealand.