paper: neville

A review of the background to the deletion of high-alumina cement (HAC) from structural codes in 1975 is followed by consideration of the present state of pre-1975 structures, including their strength and durability. The attempts at re-introducing HAC into structural codes are discussed, and an argument against such a change is presented. It is suggested that recent changes in Building Regulations have resulted in a satisfactory solution in that designers may use HAC but only when they have demonstrated at the outset of construction that changes in properties of the materials with time will not detract from the performance of the building.

Adam Neville, CBE, DSc(Eng), FIStructE, FREng, FRSE
A & M Neville Engineering, London