Unstable rock slopes along transportation routes in rocky terrain are hazards requiring carefully selected maintenance techniques if safety against rock falls is to be improved at reasonable cost. The paper reviews the causes of rock falls and methods of dealing with them in North American and European highway and railway practice. Methods are classified as those that: (a) stabilize slopes or prevent rocks from moving out of place, (b) protect the right-of-way by keeping rocks that do move out of place from reaching the roadway, and (c) warn or signal traffic when rocks arrive at the vicinity of the roadway. Methods of stabilization, protection, and warning are described and illustrated. Some of these methods can be combined for increased safety at a single site. Guidelines are suggested to organize an effective program to guard against rock falls. Steps in planning, deciding on the priority of sites to be treated, and choice of treatment methods at particular sites are all discussed. Desirable records and measurements are outlined. The paper is intended to be a practical reference for practising engineers.

The Miramichi bridges in New Brunswick, each of six 200-ft (61-m) spans, were built as part of the Intercolonial Railway by Sir Sandford Fleming in 1871–75. When construction of the Northwest Bridge started, it was found that early borings were incorrect and the layer of gravel and sand on which the piers were to rest was underlain by deposits of silty sand and clay–silt. The caissons of the piers were therefore enlarged in order to spread the load better. On observing settlements during construction, Fleming stopped the work and preloaded each pier in excess of the design load. He resumed construction when he observed that settlements had stopped.The level of the bridge piers has been measured periodically since 1914. Recent borings have been made, giving a basis for analysis of the bridge performance. Calculated primary settlements are compared with those measured during construction. Surveyed pier movements are adjusted to reduce errors, and compared with calculated secondary settlements. It is deduced that the piers have settled at a rate equal to or less than that indicated by the theory of secondary compression.The bridge is continuing to perform in a predictable and safe manner, providing an outstanding example of early Canadian engineering.

It has been found that Sir Sandford Fleming, a noted Canadian civil engineer, performed static penetration tests at the bottom of boreholes, using cased sounding rods, as early as 1872 during construction of a railway bridge near Newcastle, N.B.These tests were made well before any other similar ones which are known. Details of the tests are given.

The author has given an interesting and enlightening account of the difficulties met in keeping accurate levels on a site which is being used for construction operations. He and his assistants are to be congratulated on the patience and ingenuity they showed in carrying their job to a successful conclusion. From the nature of the work described in the paper, it is evident that the expense involved was by no means negligible. The author was fortunate that in this case the size and public importance of the White House project ensured that the necessary funds were provided, once the need for keeping accurate level records was recognized. On less important construction jobs, the cost such a task is often a stumbling block, even when the resulting records might be considered an essential part of good construction practice. Certainly the obstacles reported in the paper are not encouraging to anyone planning similar work with limited funds at his disposal.

This report will be welcomed by all working in the field of sediments clarifying terms for general benefit. This proper use of the international influence of the America Geophysical Union should ensure consideration of the recommendations in all English‐speaking countries The report notes, “the recommendation of great changes in the customary terminology would not be accepted by workers in the field, and therefore would not produce the desired results.” This principle, fundamental in the presentation of such a report as this, has been followed throughout with one important exception which will be discussed in detail below.