Issue 9

British Library, St. Pancras, phase 1A, is described in terms of its history and of the determinants and principles of the design. The form and methods of construction are discussed. Some of the more unusual features of both the design and construction are reviewed. A. Stevens and P.J. Ryalls

Concrete with densities between 800 and 1200kg/m3 can be produced using lightweight aggregate in a foamed cement matrix, They have cube strengths in the range from 4 to 16N/mn2. They offer considerable weight saving and significant thermal insulation, combined with strengths sufficient for many structural purposes. Reinforced elements made of such materials behave in very much the same way as members of normal dense concrete. P.E. Regan and A.R. Arasteh

The Institution’s publications, in particular the Journal, are the responsibility of the Periodicals Panel which reports to the Engineering Committee which, in turn, reports to Council. This panel comprises two working parties, one assessing technical papers offered to the Institution and the other examining the remaining contents of The Structural Engineer. Each panel is made up partly from elected members, some representing the Branches, and some coopted members selected to provide a balanced group. They meet roughly every 2 months, and their task is to assess contributions offered, generate new ideas for future publication, identify themes or authors, and liaise with the editorial staff on matters relevant to publication, content, and the appearance, of the Journal. S.B. Tietz

Introduction to marketing professional Services Marketing professional engineering services is a relatively new profession, dating back approximately 2 decades. Allied to product marketing, it is, nevertheless, quite distinct. It could be described as the ‘art of selling a promise’, as there is nothing tangible to review on the purchase, and the drawings and specifications are conceived, formed, shaped, and finalised, only after the client has ‘bought’ the service. C. Shearer