L.A. Clarke – författare

Although the beginning of man''s ability to predict the behaviour of slabs dates from the Napoleonic era, analysis and design of reinforced concrete slabs are still active areas of research. Reinforced concrete slabs were first built on a regular basis at the start of the twentieth century, while prestressing has become popular during the last twenty years. Despite the enormous experience gained in this time, there is still no general agreement on the best design procedures. In this text the basic equations governing slab behaviour are clearly explained. Methods of solution in use before the advent of computers are briefly described and illustrated. Numerical procedures capable of solving slabs of almost any geometry are then described in detail, and computer programs are provided for use. To enable these methods to be used for approximate analyses of common forms of pseudo-slab construction, recommendations on the necessary structural idealisations are provided.

Helmand, Afghanistan, a Contact Report crackles through on the radio to a backdrop of gunfire. Casualties. A Taliban suicide bomber ripping through an Allied Patrol Base. The wounded are listed to the Operations Cell in Lashkar Gah, business as usual until Callsign Whiskey is relayed. Twice. Female casualties raises heads, at a ratio of 15:1, women are a minority, not just in Lash but the entire Armed Forces. Two female injured, life threatening at that, is a bitter blow. Following three commissioned Officers entering the grueling world of ammo, weapons and field-craft, Army Officer training makes no compromises male or female. All thrashed at Sandhurst, the famous Royal Military Academy that trains monarchs and civilians alike. Training Exercises will see feet bleed, hallucinations from sleep deprivation and carving out camaraderie. Finally the successful move onto the Regiments that will hone skills and Operational Theatres that could kill them...