Science & Technology - Bridges
Whilst relaxing on Tuesday evening I received a phone
call from Brian Porter who was due to tell us about photographic papers at our
meeting on Wednesday morning. He was phoning from Watford hospital where he was with his seriously ill mother in
law. He obviously was unable to come to
us.
After spending several hours over night I was able to get my November talk ready. If anyone was looking forward to Bridges in November and who missed our Halton session yesterday, I am available for private viewings!
My aim in the talk was to explain some simple theory of forces on which bridge design is based. Mainly emphasising that medieval builders understood COMPRESSION and who built soaring cathedrals based on the compressive strength of stone buttresses and arches where the weight is carried round the arch to the foundations. Many of our modern architects design buildings and bridges that are hung from towers or masts by cables that are in TENSION. Over 1000s of years man has designed many fascinating and beautiful structures to keep his feet dry! Possibly 2 of the best are the Millau viaduct in France and the Sail bridge built for the Olympics in Weymouth.
I hope that an appreciation of the theory of bridges often set in beautiful countryside will add to the enjoyment of a drive or train journey ( and there may be many more when or if HS2 comes).
After spending several hours over night I was able to get my November talk ready. If anyone was looking forward to Bridges in November and who missed our Halton session yesterday, I am available for private viewings!
My aim in the talk was to explain some simple theory of forces on which bridge design is based. Mainly emphasising that medieval builders understood COMPRESSION and who built soaring cathedrals based on the compressive strength of stone buttresses and arches where the weight is carried round the arch to the foundations. Many of our modern architects design buildings and bridges that are hung from towers or masts by cables that are in TENSION. Over 1000s of years man has designed many fascinating and beautiful structures to keep his feet dry! Possibly 2 of the best are the Millau viaduct in France and the Sail bridge built for the Olympics in Weymouth.
I hope that an appreciation of the theory of bridges often set in beautiful countryside will add to the enjoyment of a drive or train journey ( and there may be many more when or if HS2 comes).