Why Buildings and Bridges Collapse?
The Art and Science of Structural Engineering Roberto Villaverde, Civil and Environmental Engineering F 10:00am-10:50am, SSL 159 Course Code 87576 In the wake of the collapse of the twin towers of the World Trade Center in New York, many people wonder why some engineered buildings and bridges collapse, and ponder if extremely large structures are after all safe. This seminar will introduce students to the art and science of structural engineering. It will give an overview of the forces that may affect structures, the properties and limitations of the materials used to build them, what is behind the design process followed by engineers to ensure structures are safe, and why sometimes structures collapse. Several catastrophic collapses will be reviewed—including those of the World Trade Center twin towers, and an explanation will be offered for the occurrence of these collapses. Lastly, the seminar will provide some insight in regard to the actual safety of structures and whether or not
