Super Structures: The Science of Bridges, Buildings, Dams, and Other Feats of Engineering
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.

1100305602
Super Structures: The Science of Bridges, Buildings, Dams, and Other Feats of Engineering
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.

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Super Structures: The Science of Bridges, Buildings, Dams, and Other Feats of Engineering

Super Structures: The Science of Bridges, Buildings, Dams, and Other Feats of Engineering

by Mark Denny
Super Structures: The Science of Bridges, Buildings, Dams, and Other Feats of Engineering

Super Structures: The Science of Bridges, Buildings, Dams, and Other Feats of Engineering

by Mark Denny

Paperback

$35.00 
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Overview

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.


Product Details

ISBN-13: 9780801894374
Publisher: Johns Hopkins University Press
Publication date: 06/07/2010
Pages: 280
Product dimensions: 6.00(w) x 8.90(h) x 0.80(d)
Age Range: 18 Years

About the Author

Mark Denny is a theoretical physicist who has worked in academia and industry. He is the author of numerous books, including Lights On! The Science of Power Generation, Making Sense of Weather and Climate: The Science behind the Forecasts, and Making the Most of the Anthropocene: Facing the Future.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments vii

Introduction: Heavyweight Engineering 1

Chapter 1 Building Blocks 8

Chapter 2 Truss in All Things High 41

Chapter 3 Towers of Strength 78

Chapter 4 Arches and Domes 106

Chapter 5 A Bridge Too Far 144

Chapter 6 Dam It 187

Chapter 7 The Bigger They Are, the Harder They Fall 209

Afterword: Highbrow Engineering, Heavyweight Art 231

Technical Appendix 235

Glossary 247

Bibliography 253

Index 259

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