Applications

Abstract

There are today very many examples of structures where a main load-carrying component transfers its load to another through an adhesive layer. Adhesive manufacturers have published photographs of such applications together with details of the adhesive used and usually with a briefly worded note either of the advantages sought by using adhesive rather than some other method of joining or the actual reasons for the choice. The loads borne or stress analyses of vital sections of the structure are not given and the engineer is left with the message that the structure is sound from an engineering aspect without the data wherewith structural features could be carried over into some other structure or design. This is, of course, usual. Published accounts of a new bridge may mention the maximum expected loading on the piers or pull on the cable anchorages but more detailed figures would be virtually meaningless unless very detailed indeed and supported by comprehensive drawings. In many cases the shock-loaded stresses are unknown and trial has established the efficacy of the bonding process either as superior to welding, brazing, or mechanical fastening, or equally satisfactory but more economical or better adapted to a given production line. Although there are a few case histories of design published, it is difficult to use these in a systematic presentation or to avoid the mere compiling of a bibliographical catalogue in the form of a list of references with titles.