As reported in the last issue of Bridge Engineering, which focussed on railway bridges, there were several related papers which still had to complete the process of peer review, assessment, author revision and final acceptance. For each, as this process is successfully completed, publication will follow in the normal way. Two such papers are included in this edition and cover substantial repair and strengthening projects. With these is a paper on further consideration of probability leading to potentially improved evaluation of existing projects, illustrating development and innovation in bridge engineering.
With the ageing infrastructure in large parts of the world, maintenance of the existing transport facilities has become a major area of work for bridge engineers; in September next year a special edition of the journal focussing on bridge maintenance is planned. However, the normal editions of the journal will seek to give a balance between this area, new development and innovative projects, research and advances in design.
All this depends on a good supply of potential papers. The journal is an important part of the ‘learned society’ role of the Institution of Civil Engineers and members are encouraged to consider contributing, either with a paper or discussion on an existing paper. New ideas need to be exposed to comment, challenge and development for the benefit of all.
