Issue 12

A personal view, intended to stimulate discussion, of the present position of corrosion prevention in the construction industry, mainly in the field of protective coatings, suggests that adequate solutions exist for most requirements, so that corrosion is a non-problem in the technical sense. There is, however, a need for greater consideration of existing knowledge at the design stage and better appreciation of the economics of protection; for more materials specifications to supplement the practice codes, and for more rigorous specifying of preparation and application methods with adequate inspection while the work is in progress.

The paper briefly describes typical grout applications where the grout properties can be of critical importance, and these properties are summarized The properties of grouts based on Portland cement, polyester resins and epoxy resins are examined and compared. In the specific case of the azimuth motion railfrack of the Mark l radio telescope at Jodrell Bank, the reasons for preferring an epoxy resin grout are established. For that particular application the paper then describes the methods used and the results obtained. P.D. Goodall and H.C. Husband

Symposium on Marine Pollution A two-day symposium on marine pollution has been arranged by the Royal Institution of Naval Architects for 27 and 28 February 1973 and will be held at the National Physical Laboratory, Teddington. Details of the programme and registration form are available from the Secretary, RINA, 10 Upper Belgrave Street, London SWlX 860.

Looking back over the past twenty years 1 have been disappointed to find in myself no evidence of any burning ambition, no singleness of purpose in my activities. My interest in structural engineering, in the Institution, in safety, in education and in training has developed almost by accident-happy accidents, nevertheless, as I find these topics fascinating and absorbing. Within these subjects, I will endeavour to underline policy decisions which must be taken both inside and outside the Institution and to suggest that the safe route may not be the best to take, the secure position may not be the wisest to hold, the preservation of the status quo may not be in the public interest. In every case, however, the question in the title of my address will remain unanswered. Kenneth Severn

A brief account is initially given in the paper of the history of the site, and the planning requirements which led to the decision to lift the buildings. J. Charge