Super Structures

The Science of Bridges, Buildings, Dams, and Other Feats of Engineering

Mark Denny (Autor)

Buch | Softcover

280 Seiten

2010
Johns Hopkins University Press (Verlag)
978-0-8018-9437-4 (ISBN)

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Ever wonder how a graceful and slender bridge can support enormous loads over truly astonishing spans? Why domes and free-standing arches survive earthquakes that flatten the rest of a city? Physicist Mark Denny looks at the large structures around us-tall buildings, long bridges, and big dams-and explains how they were designed and built and why they sometimes collapse, topple, or burst. Denny uses clear, accessible language to explain the physics behind such iconic structures as the Parthenon, the Eiffel Tower, the Forth Rail Bridge in Edinburgh, and Hoover Dam. His friendly approach allows readers to appreciate the core principles that keep these engineering marvels upright without having to master complex mathematical equations. Employing history, humor, and simple physics to consider such topics as when to use screws or nails, what trusses are, why iron beams are often I-shaped, and why medieval cathedrals have buttresses, Denny succeeds once again in making physics fun.

After earning a Ph.D. in theoretical physics from Edinburgh University, Mark Denny pursued research at Oxford University from 1981 to 1984, then moved into a career in industry. He is the author of Ingenium: Five Machines That Changed the World; Blip, Ping, and Buzz: Making Sense of Radar and Sonar; Float Your Boat! The Evolution and Science of Sailing; and Froth! The Science of Beer, all of which are published by Johns Hopkins. Denny is now semi-retired and lives on Vancouver Island.

Acknowledgments
Introduction: Heavyweight Engineering
1. Building Blocks
2. Truss in All Things
3. Towers of Strength
4. Arches and Domes
5. A Bridge Too Far
6. Dam It
7. The Bigger They Are, the Harder They Fall
Afterword: Highbrow Engineering, Heavyweight Art
Technical Appendix
Glossary
Bibliography
Index

Erscheint lt. Verlag	2.8.2010
Zusatzinfo	59 Line drawings, black and white; 74 Halftones, black and white
Verlagsort	Baltimore, MD
Sprache	englisch
Maße	152 x 229 mm
Gewicht	454 g
Themenwelt	Technik ► Bauwesen
ISBN-10	0-8018-9437-9 / 0801894379
ISBN-13	978-0-8018-9437-4 / 9780801894374
Zustand	Neuware