This issue of Structures and Buildings includes papers on a wide range of topics. The first paper is particularly interesting in that it describes a project over a period of 20 years. The project described is unusual—a set of navigation locks—and the paper clearly describes the process of assessment and the choice of suitable repair procedures, including the implementation of the repair process. I am sure that those involved in all aspects of design, construction, maintenance and repair will find something of value in the paper.
The second paper tackles a problem that has, I suspect, confused many engineers: the design of prestressed concrete beams. A clear exposition is given on an improvement of Magnel's diagram together with an example of the methods used.
The third paper addresses ground-bearing slabs, a topic that has been covered in a recent paper in Structures and Buildings.1 This paper takes a different approach, and while stating that further work is required before it can be applied in practice, it does appear to be a possible design approach for the future.
The final paper, on simplified dynamic analysis of tall buildings using push-over analysis, addresses the problem of the assessment of high-rise buildings under seismic loading; an area of practical interest, but an area that, as can be seen from the paper, is still being actively researched.
Following the full papers there is a discussion of a paper previously published in Structures and Buildings. This is particularly pleasing because the Editorial Panel is concerned about the lack of discussion. Looking back at a couple of copies of the Proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers–Part 2: Research and Theory from about 20 years ago it would appear that 40–50% of papers attracted some discussion. Currently it is unusual for any paper to attract discussion. The panel is at a loss to know why; we would be interested to hear from readers with any thoughts they might have about why papers currently attract little, if any, discussion.
It is the policy of the panel to obtain reviews of books that will be of use to those involved in the design, construction and maintenance of structures. I am particularly pleased to see a review of Professor Iain MacLeod's book Modern Structural Analysis. I personally think this book is a significant contribution on the analysis and design of structures using modern computer-based methods. This is a book that should be on the bookshelves of all students and practising engineers involved with structures.
