Issue 6

The ways in which pneumatic structures differ fundamentally from conventional metal structures are briefly explored, with particular reference to strength, stiffness, stability and safety. The non-linear properties of fabrics or films are discussed, and some attention is given to collapse behaviour, due either to wind pressure or loss of internal pressure. In presenting the results of analysis and research fundamental equations that can be readily used as a basis for design calculations are employed. P.S. Bulson

Mr. H. G. Cole: We, in the corrosion field, have been saying for some time that what is wanted is not more research into corrosion mechanisms, but more application of existing knowledge.

Chartered engineers and EEC For the past year the Institution has been represented by Dr. 0. A. Kerensky, CBE, Past-President, and by the Secretary at a series of meetings convened by the Department of the Environment representatlve of the construction industry professions. These meetings have been concerned with the preparation of a draft negotiating brief for HM Government representatives to work to in the discussions that are to take place in Brussels on-to use EEC parlance-'Draft Directives on the Right of Establishment in the Technical Sphere and on the Mutual Recognition of Qualifications'.

The fundamental frequencies of idealized multi-storey frames are shown to depend on four non-dimensional parameters. The behaviour of tall frames is related to that of cantilevers of limited shear stiffness in terms of combinations of these parameters. D.W. Martin and E.L. Albasiny

The paper outlines a possible approach to the problem of assessing the proneness to structural accidents of a given structure or class of structures. It seeks to distil from experience of past structural failures a number of significant parameters, by the assessment of which for a new structure its proneness to accidents could be broadly judged. A way of displaying and comparing such assessments, as by more than one engineer, is indicated. Sir Alfred Pugsley