Academia. Response to Degree Courses in Civil and Structural Engineering by Professor M.R. Horne

The Chairman: Before we have the first question, let me say that I am fascinated by this paper because, by any standard, this building must be regarded as one of historical interest so far as concrete structures are concerned. What has been done here is to save an important reinforced concrete building, a building that comes from the early beginnings of reinforced concrete in this country. There are examples of ‘Khan’ bar reinforcement in the Museum of Concrete in Amberley. Those who are interested should, when in that part of the world, take advantage of visiting the museum.

This paper examines the applicability of the plate bonding technique to strengthen structurally damaged rein forced concrete beams. Two types of strengthened beam were tested. In the first, beams loaded up to 70 % of their flexural capacity were unloaded and strengthened in the unloaded state. In thesecond, beams also loaded up to 70 % of their flexural strength were reinforced with bonded plates while under load. The structural behaviour of these two types of strengthened beam is reported in terms of deflection, concrete and steel strain, cracking behaviour, flexural stiffness and strength. It is shown that strengthening, by bonding steel plates, of significantly cracked beams is structurally efficient and that the plated beams are restored to stiffness and strength values superior to those of the original unplated beams. The data show that complete confidence and reliability can be placed in applying the technique to structurally damaged members. The repaired composite beams are able to preserve their structural integrity and maintain composite action until failure. Further, the composite structural system obeys simple laws of mechanics right up to failure. R.N. Swamy, R. Jones and A. Charif

The Working Party on Quality Assurance has now submitted its report to the Engineering Committee-the following is a summary of its deliberations and recommendations. We make no apologies, however, for the fact that much of what follows has already been stated in various meetings and open discussions within the Institution and many of its Branches. Professor W.D. Biggs