Performance of Fusion-Bonded Epoxy-Coated Steel Reinforcment

Use of expanding foam in roofs Eric Skilton, of John Pryke & Partners, writes expressing concern over the apparent growing use of expanding foam for the insulation and stabilisation of old roof coverings: While this process would appear to fulfil its intended function of upgrading the insulation to the loft space and providing additional fixity to the roof covering, it strikes me that we are sowing the seeds of future problems with this refurbishment technique. Verulam

Corrosion of reinforcement in concrete has in recent years become more widespread and of greater concern than in the past. There are numerous causes, many avoidable, for the increase in corrosion, not least among these being the large volume of rapid construction in the 1960s and '70s. A.S. Safier

In developed countries, joint disorders of various forms constitute a significant part of the burden on health services, including general practitioners, hospital in-and out-patient facilities, and community care services. About 30 years ago, before total joint replacement was generally practised, many sufferers from arthiritis of the hip or knee had effectively to choose between a surgical fusion and severely restricted mobility, perhaps in a wheelchair. The development of total joint replacement has introduced a third possibility, which is the treatment of choice for many patients. As is well known when it is good, it is very very good; the patient feels as if the joint is the same as before the onset of arthritis. Such a result is obviously immeasurably better for the patient and the patient’s family; it is also cheaper for the community than providing aids for disabled people, earlier pensions, etc. Professor S.A.V. Swanson