Bridges: The science and art of the world's most inspiring structures

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David Blockley (Emeritus Professor and Senior Research Fellow, University of Bristol)

Bridges

The science and art of the world's most inspiring structures

David Blockley (Emeritus Professor and Senior Research Fellow, University of Bristol)

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English

Oxford University Press
08 May 2012

Architecture; Landscape art & architecture; Popular science; Civil engineering, surveying & building

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. Such bridges can be considered functional public art, as they have the power to delight or be an eyesore. David Blockley explains how to read a bridge, in all its different forms, design, and construction, and the way the forces flow through arches and beams. He combines the engineering of how bridges stand up with the cultural, aesthetic, and historical importance they hold. Drawing on examples of particular bridges from around the world, he also looks in detail at the risk engineers take when building bridges, and examines why things sometimes go wrong.

By: David Blockley (Emeritus Professor and Senior Research Fellow University of Bristol)
Imprint: Oxford University Press
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions: Height: 196mm, Width: 127mm, Spine: 25mm
Weight: 358g
ISBN: 9780199645725
ISBN 10: 0199645728
Pages: 328
Publication Date: 08 May 2012
Audience: General/trade , ELT Advanced
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Active

1: Bridges are BATS: Why we build bridges 2: Underneath the Arches: Bridges need good foundations 3: Bending it: Bridges need strong structures 4: All Trussed up: Interdependence creates emergence 5: Let it all Hang Down: Structuring using tension 6: How Safe is Safe Enough? Incomplete science 7: Bridges built by people for people: Processes for joined-up thinking Glossary Bibliography

Reviews for Bridges: The science and art of the world's most inspiring structures

`Review from previous edition David Blockley expertly describes the processes, relationships, materials and philosophies of engineering that give the world some of its most symbolic pieces of public infrastructure.' Hugh Pouliot, Canadian Geographic `In this fascinating exploration for lay readers, Blockly lucidly explains both the basic forces at work on every bridge.' Publishers Weekly `The two concluding chapters 'How safe is safe enough' and 'Bridges built by and for people' are masterly summaries of some of the biggest issues in engineering illuminating the nature of risk, how engineers think, and the need for them to understand uncertainy.' Kathy Stansfield, The Structural Engineer `David Blockley expertly describes the processes, relationships, materials and philosophies of engineering.' Hugh Pouliot, Canadian Geographic `Engaging and thoughtful book. Bridges deserve our attention.' David Rooney. History Today