Structures: Or Why Things Don't Fall Down serves as an intuitive introduction to the science of materials and structural design. It can either be used as a interesting read for non-engineering readers or as a textbook companion for Engineering undergraduate courses. Furthermore, if you're a structural engineering practitioner looking to explain technical concepts to your non-technical stakeholders and bosses, this book is a great guide that will teach you how to communicate more effectively.
Last but not least, if you're one of the curious ones (but didn't go through Engineering school) who sometimes wonder why suspension bridges
don't collapse under eight lanes of traffic, how dams hold back—or give way under—thousands of gallons of water, or what principles guide the design of a skyscraper
, a bias-cut dress
, or a kangaroo
, this book will provide you with intuitive answers without needing to walk through too much of maths and equations.
About the author
James Edward Gordon (UK, 1913–1998) was one of the founders of materials science and biomechanics. Gordon graduated in naval architecture at Glasgow University
.
He receivd the British Silver Medal
of the Royal Aeronautical Society
for his work in the Wolrd War II. During the war, while working at the Royal Aircraft Establishment (RAE), Gordon designed the rescue dinghies for most bomber aircrafts used by British pilots.
Structures: Or Why Things Don't Fall Down serves as an intuitive introduction to the science of materials and structural design. It can either be used as a interesting read for non-engineering readers or as a textbook companion for Engineering undergraduate courses. Furthermore, if you're a structural engineering practitioner looking to explain technical concepts to your non-technical stakeholders and bosses, this book is a great guide that will teach you how to communicate more effectively.
Last but not least, if you're one of the curious ones (but didn't go through Engineering school) who sometimes wonder why suspension bridges
don't collapse under eight lanes of traffic, how dams hold back—or give way under—thousands of gallons of water, or what principles guide the design of a skyscraper
, a bias-cut dress
, or a kangaroo
, this book will provide you with intuitive answers without needing to walk through too much of maths and equations.
About the author
James Edward Gordon (UK, 1913–1998) was one of the founders of materials science and biomechanics. Gordon graduated in naval architecture at Glasgow University
.
He receivd the British Silver Medal
of the Royal Aeronautical Society
for his work in the Wolrd War II. During the war, while working at the Royal Aircraft Establishment (RAE), Gordon designed the rescue dinghies for most bomber aircrafts used by British pilots.