Dr. Lay has had an outstanding career in structural and road engineering and has an international reputation in these fields.

He is the author of four widely used books : "Source Book for Australian Roads" ( 2nd Edn.) , "Structural Steel Fundamentals", "Source Book for Australian Steel Structures" ( 3rd Edn.) , and "Structural Steel Design" (co-author).
As well, he has published over 120 technical papers and numerous reports which are extensively used and quoted. His contributions to structural engineering and road design and construction have been recognised with several awards and he has been a Keynote Speaker at numerous overseas and international conferences.

He is active in the affairs of the Institution of Engineers, Australia and has given enthusiastic service on several other university and public bodies.