Discussion on Puente Duarte Suspension Bridge Strengthening by H.R. Hobbs and Dr J.M. Roberts

Reinforcement Detailing to BS 8666 This has raised a barrage of further comment. Rob Walker, a detailer with long experience, writes from Milton Keynes: I am but a poor draughtsman but, after reading your recent column with letters from your members regarding this new BS, I felt I had to make comment. Whilst in principle I do agree with your writers, Mr Holloway’s comments regarding shape code 51 show that he does not have a very high opinion of the intelligence of detailers and perhaps he didn’t realise that the drawing in the code is only diagrammatic.

The environmental benefits of using waste materials in construction was identified as long ago as 1974. This paper describes the results of a project undertaken for the Department of the Environment, Transport & the Regions in which methods of utilising waste materials as alternative aggregates in structural concrete were explored. Three types of waste material were identified as potential aggregates: china clay waste, slate waste, and pulverised-fuel ash. IThe project investigated methods of utilising these materials as aggregate by low-cost processing and/or novel mix design. The results of the project were encouraging, since good quality concrete mixes were produced fron all three waste materials. A.K. Butler, D.S. Leek and R.A. Johnson

Britannia is a large North Sea gasfield. Its successful development was dependent on the project being executed within challenging budget controls. To promote this the project was carried out as an alliance between clients and contractors where rewards were dependent on total project cost and performance. The aim was to align client and contractor skills towards the common goals of creating safe and quality facilities, below cost targets, sharing the profits of success. C. Blow, M.A/ O'Donnell, R.M. Hodges and I. Wright