Shapes of Cantilevers, Cranes and Towers
Objective
To do a literature search to find the most efficient and beautiful shapes of cantilevers, cranes and towers that have been done in the past.
Definition and Theory
Expressions like, "Lets not try to reinvent the wheel," and, "I stand on the shoulders of giants," means that the starting for most problem solving starts where others have left off. To be efficient and cost effective, the lessons and experiences of the past should be used like any other tool. Your contribution to problem solving is will be to apply the concepts learned, in the context of what has been done in the past with the constraints given, to produce the very best solution.
Procedure
- Each person in the group shall select a structural topic: cantilevers, cranes or towers.
- Go to the Library and photocopy 10 examples of each structure that you find interesting, efficient or beautiful.
- Examine each structure to find why it was published and regarded as a good example.
- Present your findings to the class.
Questions:
- Where there any patterns to any of the structural shapes? Please be specific.
- What strategies did designers use? Please be specific.
- Based on this assignment, how will this influence your design? Please explain.