Computer Simulation of a Full-Scale Structural Fire Test

Where wind blows... Members have responded to the letter from Rollo Reed (Verulam, Vol.74, No. 2, 16 January 1996). Bill Hyde writes from Worcester: No doubt in a hurricane there are downdraughts, but I suggest that, if all of the purlin damage in Rollo Reed's photographs had been caused by downward forces, the roof coverings would still be in place. May it be that failure occurred upwards, and that the failed purlins are now simply sagging under their own weight? Verulam

The design of liquid-retaining structures in the UK has been governed by a series of Codes of Practice dating back to 1938. Outside the UK, practice varies. In the USA, Australia, and Hungary, there are specific Codes, whereas in some other countries there are documents which provide a design method, but which do not have the status of a Code of Practice. Now that the design of normal concrete structures is enshrined in Eurocode 2, and an additional section is being written to encompass containment structures, it seems appropriate to examine the variations in practice for the design of these somewhat specialised structures. This technical note is put forward in order that comparisons may be made, and in due course, a consensus for a Eurocode may be reached more easily. R.D. Anchor

In March 1995 new rules were introduced governing the specification of structural softwoods. The changes are designed to ensure that the moisture content of the timber is appropriate to the inservice conditions for which it is specified. The permitted stress grades are set out in BS 4978. The amendments to this standard require all structural softwood less than 1OOmm thick for internal applications such as roofs, floors and walls in housing and other buildings to be graded at a moisture content of 20% or less. The timber must bear a stress grade stamp indicating that it is DRY or KD (kiln dried). Softwood for use in high moisture environments (principally fully exposed outdoors) will be marked WET, indicating that it is not suitable for internal uses. M. Milner The importance of