Abstract
The object of this work was to determine the strength of concrete by a series of tests on specimens subjected to a bending moment and a torque simultaneously, the main tests being supplemented by auxiliary control tests. It was early decided that no good purpose would be served unless the specimens were of a considerable size which involved the necessity for large quantities of hand-mixed concrete. Furthermore, as no apparatus was available for testing such specimens under the proposed loading conditions, a machine had to be designed and built before the work could proceed. The hand mixing, the placing of the comcrete in the moulds, and all the experimental work was also carried out jointly with the occasional assistance of one laboratory steward. Besides the difficulties inherent in the magnitude of the work there were many obstacles due to the post-war period; for example, shortages of materials and labour at the Polytechnic, and delays in obtaining materials and instruments.