Structures Archives - Page 3 of 3 - Being Brunel
Five Interesting Bridges
April 29, 2013 4
A post, from a Civil Engineer, about interesting bridges is pretty much the least imaginative thing on the internet. I scorn those bloggers who stick to such easy topics; where is your imagination? So, here’s a run-down…Read More
Engineering Fundamentals: Equilibrium
April 15, 2013 3
Before Newton invented equilibrium in 1686, the world remained in check because of Aristotle’s assertion that everything has its natural place. That is: rocks like to be on the ground, and therefore they fall, unless propelled…Read More
Catastrophe!
February 21, 2013 2
Bridge building games are nothing new- in fact I must have about three on my phone. Perhaps surprisingly, they do have some foundation in civil engineering. I’m not saying that mastery of them will make you a…Read More
Five Ways Out of a Design Corner
January 24, 2013
Here are a few techniques I’ve picked up over my time, which can offer an escape when things just aren’t working out. Common Sense: Beware of stair climbing fire trucks… There’s always the “but would it really…Read More
Failing the Factor of Safety
September 27, 2012 8
I thought I’d give this engineering hypothetical a shot: “How much needs go wrong before the factor of safety runs out, and a structure collapses?” Before we start, however, let me draw your attention to the…Read More
Designing With Your Thumb
August 23, 2012
Not so long ago the aim of structural analysis was to develop simple, elegant, and reliable methods of design. The idea of splitting a member into thousands of tiny elements and calculating their individual behaviours…Read More
