Practical Design of Simple Steel Structures

C., B.

doi:10.1038/125196b0

Books Received
Published: 08 February 1930

Practical Design of Simple Steel Structures

B. C.

Nature volume 125, pages 196–197 (1930)Cite this article

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Abstract

TEXT-BOOKS on structural engineering are now so numerous that justification for a new one must really be difficult to find. The field is certainly amply covered by many excellent treatises, the names of which will at once suggest themselves to the student and the practitioner. In the majority of these publications, however, theoretical considerations are paramount, sometimes to the exclusion of all others. Guided by their instruction, the student would be fully equipped to design structures on correct scientific principles. But, in actual practice, there are divergences from theoretical considerations on various grounds, and this aspect of the subject is generally but slightly touched upon. In the case of the present volumes, such a defect does not exist, and they are to be welcomed as a most valuable vade-mecum to the inexperienced and the beginner. They are full of practical hints and directions of sound economical value, such as (to mention only a few) the limitations in the rolling of steel plates and sections, and the extras chargeable on excess sizes, the deterrent effect of meticulous drawings and specifications on the obtainment of reasonable quotations, the loss due to scrap material, etc. Some of the hints appear to affect minor details, but the cumulative effect is considerable. Perusal of the work, with its clear appreciation of the practical aspect of structural design, was a distinct pleasure.

Practical Design of Simple Steel Structures.

By David S. Stewart. (The Glasgow Text-Books, edited by G. Moncur.) Vol. 1: Shop Practice, Riveted Connections and Beams, etc. Pp. xv + 183. 12s. Vol. 2: Plate Girders, Columns, Trusses, etc. Pp. xv + 215. 16s. (London: Constable and Co., Ltd., 1929.)