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

Denny, Mark

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0801894379 ISBN 13: 9780801894374

Publisher: JHUP, 2010

Synopsis

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 usā€”tall buildings, long bridges, and big damsā€”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.

About this title

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.

Edition details

• Publisher: JHUP
• Publication date: 2010
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0801894379
• ISBN 13: 9780801894374
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 276