Bridges
Subtitle: the science and art of the world's most inspiring structures
By: David Blockley
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Published: 2010
Place of publication: Oxford [England]; New York [N.Y.]
Language: eng
Number of pages: 312
ISBN-13: 9780199543595
Subjects: Bridges; Design and construction
Description: Bridges touch all our lives - every day we are likely to cross a bridge, or go under one. How many of us stop to consider how the bridge stands up and what sort of people designed and built something so strong? Bridge building is a magnificent example of the practical and every day use of science. However, the story of bridges goes beyond science and technology, and involves issues relating to artistic and cultural development. After all, bridges are built by people, for people. Bridges can be icons for whole cities; just consider New York's Brooklyn Bridge, London's Tower Bridge, and Sydney's Harbour Bridge. The author explains how to read a bridge in all its different forms, designs and constructions. He combines the engineering of how bridges work with the cultural, aesthetic, and historical importance they hold--
Notes: Includes bibliographical references (p. 297-299) and index.
Table of contents: title: Bridges are bats : why we build bridges; title: Underneath the arches : bridges need good foundations; title: Bending it : bridges need strong structure; title: All trussed up : interdependence creates emergence; title: Let it all hang down : structuring using tension; title: How safe is safe enough? : incomplete science; title: Bridges built by people for people : processes for joined-up thinking.