Experimental Research on the Compressive Strength of Masonry Repairs in Acheiropoietus Church, Thess

Fixing steel sheet cladding Verulam has had another anonymous contribution in response to that from Mr Allan (19 May 1998). The problem where the fasteners fixing the steel spacer through a nylon ferrule to a structural rail had snapped overnight is well understood in the automobile industry and amongst manufacturers of bolts and self-drilling fasteners for roofing and cladding applications. The problem, known as ‘hydrogen embrittlement’, is created during the heat process. Very simply, hydrogen is trapped in the microcrevices of the fasteners. If the hydrogen is not removed a potential time bomb is introduced which, when exposed to moisture and certain salts, creates a small explosion which snaps the fastener.

Les Clark will succeed Sam Thorburn as President of the Institution 1998-99 at an Ordinary Meeting at Institution headquarters on l October p.m. when the new President will give his Presidential Address ‘Evolution or decay’, the full text of which will be published in The Structural Engineer in a forthcoming issue.

Sam Thorburn bows out as President of the Institution afer a year of considerable activity in promoting the profession and the interests of members. Kathy Stansfield talks to him about his year in ofice and his views about the future for structural engineers.