Roger E Hobbs, DSc (Eng)

Email: hobbs@tensiontech.com

Emeritus Prof. Roger Hobbs was formerly a member of the faculty of Imperial College, London. He has specialised in numerical and experimental studies of wire and synthetic-fibre ropes and cables, chain and pipelines. As a member of Tension Technology International, Roger has developed rope modelling computer programs and conducted laboratory trials of ropes.

Major accomplishments

Supervised SERC/Marine Technology Directorate project on methods of predicting the properties of large diameter marine wire ropes, including axial stiffness and fatigue, and bending performance near terminations and fairleads.

Supervised Ministry of Defence/Procurement Executive project on the failure and friction hold of steel wire rope at high loads and small D/d ratios for winch applications.

Performed theoretical and experimental studies on the behaviour of wire ropes and spiral strands, including stiffness, hysteresis and fatigue properties under axial tension, bending, and torsion loadings. These investigations have been of practical interest in fields ranging from suspension bridges through guyed masts and transmission lines to a variety of offshore mooring and tethering applications.

Studied the fatigue of large synthetic moorings in tension over various fairlead and roller sheave components.

Investigated the stiffness and fatigue of Kevlar (aramid) Parafil ropes in tension, bending over sheaves, and flexing near terminations.

Performed a wide range of work on the behaviour of submarine pipelines - in particular thermal effects, vortex induced vibrations, and the problems of manoeuvring pipelines for tie-in and repair.

Developed a method of measuring pressures and friction forces on yarns within ropes under tension in order to calculate coefficient of friction for computer modelling.

Education

Imperial College, London, BSc.(Eng.) First Class Honours, 1964

Imperial College, London, PhD. 1966. DSc (Eng) 1996

Experience

Civil Engineering Dept., Imperial College London

Various positions before appointment as:

Professor of Structural Engineering, 1990-2003

Emeritus Professor, 2003-present

Director, Tension technology International, 1986-present

Consultancies:

Vanguard Ltd, APC Associates and Kennedys, Lenz and Staehelin, Michelin, Arups, Ince & Co., Norwegian Contractors, Scanrope A/S, Flint and Neill, BBC and Independent Broadcast Authority, Bridon, Mobil Norway Inc., J.P. Kenny and Partners, Kvaerner Cleveland Bridge, London Underground Limited.

Registration

FICE (Fellow, Institution of Civil Engineers, UK)

Committees and professional societies

Formerly Technical Secretary, EuroCode 3 (Steel Structures) Drafting Panel

Honours and Awards

Fellow, City and Guilds of London institute, 1996

Awards for publications:

Telford Premium, Institution of Civil Engineers, 1968

Trevithick Premium, Institution of Civil Engineers, 1978

T.K. Hseih Award, Institution of Civil Engineers/ Royal Society, 1985

JBCSA / CEGB Prize (Journal of Strain Analysis), 1996

Henry Adams Diploma, Institution of Structural Engineers, 2002

Journal of Strain Analysis, PE Publishing Award, 2005

Publications and Patents

Over 100 published papers and a similar number of research reports.