NATIONAL BUREAU OF STANDARDS The National Bureau of Standards1 was established by an act of Congress March 3, 1901. The Bureau's overall goal is to strengthen and advance the Nation's science and technology and facilitate their effective application for public benefit. To this end, the Bureau conducts research and provides: (1) a basis for the Nation's physical measurement system, (2) scientific and technological services for industry and government, (3) a technical basis for equity in trade, and (4) technical services to promote public safety. The Bureau consists of the Institute for Basic Standards, the Institute for Materials Research, the Institute for Applied Technology, the Center for Computer Sciences and Technology, and the Office for Information Programs. THE INSTITUTE FOR BASIC STANDARDS provides the central basis within the United States of a complete and consistent system of physical measurement; coordinates that system with measurement systems of other nations; and furnishes essential services leading to accurate and uniform physical measurements throughout the Nation's scientific community, industry, and commerce. The Institute consists of a Center for Radiation Research, an Office of Measurement Services and the following divisions: Applied Mathematics-Electricity-Heat-Mechanics-Optical Physics-Linac genics3. THE INSTITUTE FOR MATERIALS RESEARCH conducts materials research leading to improved methods of measurement, standards, and data on the properties of well-characterized materials needed by industry, commerce, educational institutions, and Government; provides advisory and research services to other Government agencies; and develops, produces, and distributes standard reference materials. The Institute consists of the Office of Standard Reference Materials and the following divisions: Analytical Chemistry-Polymers-Metallurgy-Inorganic Radiation-Physical Chemistry. Materials-Reactor THE INSTITUTE FOR APPLIED TECHNOLOGY provides technical services to promote the use of available technology and to facilitate technological innovation in industry and Government; cooperates with public and private organizations leading to the development of technological standards (including mandatory safety standards), codes and methods of test; and provides technical advice and services to Government agencies upon request. The Institute also monitors NBS engineering standards activities and provides liaison between NBS and national and international engineering standards bodies. The Institute consists of the following technical divisions and offices: Engineering Standards Services-Weights and Measures-Flammable Fabrics- THE CENTER FOR COMPUTER SCIENCES AND TECHNOLOGY conducts research and provides technical services designed to aid Government agencies in improving cost effectiveness in the conduct of their programs through the selection, acquisition, and effective utilization of automatic data processing equipment; and serves as the principal focus within the executive branch for the development of Federal standards for automatic data processing equipment, techniques, and computer languages. The Center consists of the following offices and divisions: Information Processing Standards-Computer Information-Computer Services THE OFFICE FOR INFORMATION PROGRAMS promotes optimum dissemination and accessibility of scientific information generated within NBS and other agencies of the Federal Government; promotes the development of the National Standard Reference Data System and a system of information analysis centers dealing with the broader aspects of the National Measurement System; provides appropriate services to ensure that the NBS staff has optimum accessibility to the scientific information of the world, and directs the public information activities of the Bureau. The Office consists of the following organizational units: Office of Standard Reference Data Office of Technical Information and Relations. 1 Headquarters and Laboratories at Gaithersburg, Maryland, unless otherwise noted; mailing address Washington, D.C. 20234. Part of the Center for Radiation Research. Located at Boulder, Colorado 80302. UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE • Maurice H. Stans, Secretary For sale by the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402 4596 178.355 FOREWORD As a result of a number of structural failures, exemplified by the disastrous collapse of a lattice column during erection of the first Quebec bridge in 1907, the Federal Government became deeply involved in structuralmaterial testing. In 1910 this work was consolidated at the National Bureau of Standards and expanded through the acquisition of a 10,000,000 lbf compression testing machine originally contracted for by the Geological Survey. This large testing machine, and other facilities of the Engineering Mechanics Section of NBS, were used for extensive research into the mechanical behavior of such structural components as columns, struts, masonry walls, ship structures, and bridge members. When the NBS relocation to the Gaithersburg, Maryland, site was being planned, it was evident that the 10,000,000 lbf capacity machine was inadequate for current and projected needs. A modern machine, incorporating the technological advances of recent years, was needed to enable NBS to continue its leadership in research on large structural components and in calibration of large force measuring devices. These plans resulted in the development and construction of a unique 12,000,000 lbf capacity universal testing machine. This machine represents a significant addition to the Nation's facilities for research and testing in the field of large structures. The National Bureau of Standards welcomes the opportunity to use this unique facility in cooperation with academic, industrial and government organizations in solving a wide variety of problems of National concern. Lewis M. Branscomb, Director |