EditorialR. Smith MEng, CEng, MICE Modular construction has been in existence for a long time and, with each year, it increases in scale. The first paper of this issue (Lawson and Richards, 2010) examines one of the structural challenges as structural modules are used in a 12-storey building. In this case, a series of steel boxes are assembled to form this building, and the problems associated with high compression and the potential for buckling in the walls are studied. A number of physical tests have been performed and the practicalities associated with construction and design of this type of module are described.The next three papers cover different aspects of concrete design. Oehlers et al. (2010) describe a mathematical model of hinge mechanics and how this affects the plastic redistribution of moment within a beam. This paper aims to provide more substance to empirical methods of estimating redistribution. It provides a good description of the issues and applies the model to a parametric study of contributing factors, such as bar diameter and fracture strain.Associated with moment redistribution is global ductility. Arslan et al. (2010) have performed 1/3-scale physical tests of building frames. The effect of adding strengthening is described and compared to numerical studies. This is of particular significance to engineers considering retrofit. In this case, adding shear walls did, in fact, strengthen the frame, but reduced the structural global ductility.Finally, Arslan (2010) describes a new method for estimating shear capacity in reinforced concrete slender beams. The paper provides a comparison between many different codes of practice, proposes a new method and compares it against over 200 published test results.We finish the issue with three book reviews. The first (Mair, 2010) examines a book about blast resistance and design. This second edition of the book includes updated recommendations on whole-building response and the latest counter-terrorism measures. The second book (Lazarus, 2010) is about the ageing of existing structures. This is, in fact, a collection of papers, predominantly about offshore structures. The final book review (Johnson, 2010) is slightly unusual. The book discusses basic structural concepts and finally recommends looking at the accompanying website, but does not recommend the book! REFERENCES Arslan G (2010) Shear strength of reinforced concrete slender beams.