Written By: Adam Tarrant
Prompt #6
All over the world, whether it’s on the internet or
in a dusty library, there are many resources people can use to find out more
about their field of study. Why Buildings Stand Up by Mario Salvadori
executes this method perfectly.
This book has
assured me I didn’t make a mistake going into Civil Engineering.
It is about various types of structures, such as
apartment blocks, bridges and famous landmarks, and the construction techniques
that allow them to stand up.
Salvadori first
runs the reader through basic mechanics, such as beams, columns, arches and
catenaries. Which are the basic Structural Mechanics concepts which are common
to all engineering fields.
Followed with
detailed explanations of the engineering and construction techniques behind
world famous buildings such as the Eiffel Tower and the Brooklyn Bridge.
The book is
punctuated by anecdotes about the history of the buildings (such as the story
of the under-strength steel for the Brooklyn Bridge) and the most incredible
sketches that illustrate the content beautifully.
This book is
primarily Civil and Structural Engineering but there is also much to appreciate
from the Mechanical or Chemical Engineer. It is also very accessible to the
general reader.
The author
illustrates how impressive and beautiful engineering can be, in effort to draw
aspiring students into the field of engineering. I’d say it was
successful.
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