Do-it-yourself dynamics: testing of the staircase at Institution HQ

This article focuses on the phenomenon of 'bond timbers', which were commonly built into masonry walls from the late 17th to the early 19th century. Guidance is offered to engineers who may encounter these when working on an existing building.

Post-tensioned (PT) concrete floors are now widely used in the UK, particularly for high-rise buildings. This article provides information on how to scheme a PT slab and how the use of post-tensioning affects the rest of the structure. A more detailed guide to the design of PT floors can be found in The Concrete Society's Technical Report 43 (TR43): Post-tensioned concrete floors: Design handbook.

Letters this month include discussion on status and qualifications, the value of sketching and recollections of structural engineering during WWII.