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The Structural Engineer, Volume 67, Issue 21, 1989
Over the last 2 years, I have read with interest several ‘viewpoint’ articles on this subject from respected engineers. I want to generally recap on what was said, basically agree with it, and thereafter suggest some rather radical ideas on how we, as an Institution, should proceed. P.L. Ross
This President was torn between giving a ‘state of the art’ report on the health and development of the profession and of the Institution-our successes and our failures-or a statement on the ‘art we profess’. On the one hand, there is the danger of merely repeating, with some updating, the excellent reports that have been given by Past Presidents, and on the other there is the possible danger of indulging oneself, of ‘fiddling while Rome burns’. Experience would suggest that the art of pursuing one’s own policies while appearing to compromise is essential to the survival of any President. This I hope to achieve. J.H. Armstrong
The bulk of defects occur in the weathershield, and therefore the cladding, of buildings. Unless such cladding was also loadbearing, it has not traditionally been the responsibility of the engineer. In this age of specialisation, architects are less likely to be structurally qualified to deal with the secondary stresses which inevitably arise in the weathershield. Furthermore, the pattern of construction has changed, so that more engineering input is necessary.