Committee of the Institution of Civil Engineers, appointed to Investigate the Deterioration of Structures of Timber, Metal, and Concrete Exposed to the Action of Sea-water First Report of the Committee

Abstract

THE deterioration of buildings from ordinary physical causes has always been one of the most important considerations before the engineer and the architect, and in preparing their designs they have been under the necessity of adopting precautions and protective measures of various kinds. But the destructive influences which have to be counteracted under ordinary atmospheric conditions become tenfold more active and pernicious in a marine environment. The acidity and salinity of sea-water; the fluctuations of tidal level; the alternations of wetness and dryness in rapid and rhythmic sequence; the impact of waves, producing vibration; the penetration of wind-driven spray and the insidious attacks of marine organisms—all these result in an intensification of the ordinary process of decay. Although the phenomena are well known and their effects only too patent, yet until recently definite and trustworthy evidence as to the rate and extent of deterioration was not readily obtainable. Conditions varied greatly with the locality. Counteracting agencies, some obscure in origin, necessitated modifications in general conclusions. Records were but indifferently kept. For these and other important reasons, the Institution of Civil Engineers felt it imperative, in a matter of such vital concern, to set to work to collect such data as were available, and to institute investigations and experiments on a scientific basis. It accordingly appointed a committee of thirteen engineers of high standing and reputation, who co-opted four additional members, and these gentlemen have just issued their first report. Some forty ports in various parts of the world were selected as the field of inquiry, and memoranda furnished by the respective local engineers, or abstracts therefrom, as to the condition of typical existing structures, are incorporated in the report.

Committee of the Institution of Civil Engineers, appointed to Investigate the Deterioration of Structures of Timber, Metal, and Concrete Exposed to the Action of Sea-water. First Report of the Committee.

Edited by P. M. Crosthwaite Gilbert R. Redgrave. Pp. 301 + xxxiii plates. (London: The Institution of Civil Engineers; H.M.S.O., 1920.) Price 30s. net.