The paper describes the method of calculation of the buckling load of beams on flexible bearings due to the beam’s self weight. Methods are given that allow calculation of the bearing stiffness needed to prevent instability, as well as the additional curvature and additional stresses due to the growth of initial imperfections at loads less than the critical load. Methods of providing temporary support and of jacking beams into position are also discussed. C.J. Burgoyne and T.J. Stratford
The pace of change in IT is breathtaking and the hype is even faster! One thing is for sure, though, there are great opportunities opening up for all of us and this includes our own Institution. David Blockley
The Weald & Downland Open Air Museum near Chichester, West Sussex, exhibits a collection of traditional buildings from the South-East of England. The museum also plays an active role in environmental conservation and education. Frank Jensen
Building Control Bodies are responsible for examining plans submitted by applicants and judging whether the construction of a building could comply with various Parts of Schedule 1 of Building Regulations. For demonstrating compliance with Part A (structural safety), applications include structural calculations and drawings. For small projects, structural drawings, sketches and calculations are presented with some wide degree of variation concerning their clarity and effectiveness in demonstrating adequacy of the design. Some issues arising from checking such work are discussed below, including a case for practical guidance aimed at improving the standard of submissions. Satish Desai
The Government of Orissa (GOO), India, has been constructing health-care infrastructure in collaboration with the UK Department For International Development (DFID), under the Basic Programme. The commonly used building materials in such construction works are laterite and brick, which have a detrimental effect on the environment. Hence, Go0 and DFID decided to try out alternatives to these materials. Peu B. Das and P.K. Das
As the dynamic response of structures to dance-type loads is an increasingly important design issue, the frequency range of dance-type loads becomes an important consideration. It has been observed at a number of pop concerts that structural response to dance-type loads is at the beat frequency of the music and at an integer multiple of the beat frequency. Therefore, it is suggested that the frequencies of dance-type loads can be evaluated fmm the beat frequencies of music. Samples of 210 songs have been analysed, covering music fmm the 1960s to 199Os, including dance, indie, pop and rock music. The frequency range and distribution of these songs are given. The results show that 96.2% of the songs analysed fill into the range fmm 1.OHz to 2.8Hz and that there has been a linear increase of about 0.12Hz in the average frequencies of modern music from one decade to the next. Jumping tests have been conducted following music beats, and the frequency ranges for coordinated dance-type loads for individuals, for small groups (aerobics), and large groups ( pop concerts), are provided. The implementation of the results in design is also discussed. D. Ginty, J.M. Derwent and T. Ji
This theme, addressed by John Graham (Verulam, 2 January 2001)has clearly interested many members, who have provided helpful advice. Martin Elvidge from Bradford writes: John Graham of Quorn, Leics., should take a look at Bruce Irons’ solution to the problem of solving finite element equations. His elegant frontal system cured the problem of limited storage in 1970 using much inferior computers to those available today. It takes advantage of the fact that contributions to variables in the structure matrix are complete unless there are other elements connected to it. It is therefore possible to assemble the matrix and eliminate variables at the same time, thus saving computer storage.