Structures: Or Why Things Don't Fall Down (Penguin Science)
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Product Description
Product Description
For anyone who has ever wondered 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 or a kangaroo, this book will ease your anxiety and answer your questions. J. E. Gordon strips engineering of its confusing technical terms, communicating its founding principles in accessible, witty prose.
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First Sentence
A structure has been defined as 'any assemblage of materials which is intended to sustain loads', and the study of structures is one of the traditional branches of science. Read the first page
Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Index | Back Cover
A structure has been defined as 'any assemblage of materials which is intended to sustain loads', and the study of structures is one of the traditional branches of science. Read the first page
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Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Index | Back Cover
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
35 of 35 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I am a mechanical engineer and during my undergraduate years I was crying out for a book like this. It's easy to read and anyone with even the most basic concept of structures will find it very informative. The author explains why structures are built the way they are and points to the lessons that can be learned from nature. Structures enhanced my appreciation of architecture and has even tauhgt me a few new concepts. I would think it's almost essential for any structural engineer to have a copy. A very enjoyable light read.
14 of 14 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
The book is a good introduction to engineering of any sort particuly civil or structural. It would be beneficial to anyone about to take A level physics and beyond. It pulls together losts of laws by famous scientists and presents it in different but interesting ways. The language is sometimes quite technical but is easy to understand with some previous knowledge in the subject and or after a few chapters of the book. an enjoyable read intersting read
9 of 9 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
This is a perfect example of the most rarest of all things: a technical book that is an utter joy to read.
I have no engineering, maths or physics beyond GCSEs, and was concerned that the book would quickly go over my head. However, Gordon writes with a clarity and simplicity that makes the material accessible. He discusses the main concepts in structural engineering, and gives hundreds of examples, from plants to skeletons to boats to planes and buildings. Occasionally I got lost by the formulas or discussions of maths , but not only was that very rarely, it was also down to my own ignorance.
The real joy of this book is Gordon himself: his personality comes across wonderfully in the text, and I was often left chuckling at his remarks. I'd never expected to laugh when reading a book on engineering. I've read many novels which couldn't compare to this book, in terms of the writing skill of the author. The final chapter, on the philosophy of chapters, is outstanding.
I can't recommend this book enough, whether you're specificly looking for a book on engineering, or whether you're simply looking for your next book.
I have no engineering, maths or physics beyond GCSEs, and was concerned that the book would quickly go over my head. However, Gordon writes with a clarity and simplicity that makes the material accessible. He discusses the main concepts in structural engineering, and gives hundreds of examples, from plants to skeletons to boats to planes and buildings. Occasionally I got lost by the formulas or discussions of maths , but not only was that very rarely, it was also down to my own ignorance.
The real joy of this book is Gordon himself: his personality comes across wonderfully in the text, and I was often left chuckling at his remarks. I'd never expected to laugh when reading a book on engineering. I've read many novels which couldn't compare to this book, in terms of the writing skill of the author. The final chapter, on the philosophy of chapters, is outstanding.
I can't recommend this book enough, whether you're specificly looking for a book on engineering, or whether you're simply looking for your next book.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
my book
as a structural engineer, i needed a book to help explain technical terms in structures to the lay man and use basic and everyday stuff to explain the behaviour to make them... Read more
Published 8 months ago by Oresanwo Charles Orebola
Structures or why things don't fall down, or.. why a technical book...
I'm a structural engineer and took this book on holiday as a "light read", but I must say I was blown away both with Gordons style and ease of reading. Read more
Published 9 months ago by Paul
Best engineering book ever
If you like science and engineering but aren't keen of smart arse nerd types spouting maths that they don't understand at you, this book is for you. Read more
Published 15 months ago by philamo
Brilliant Book- Can't flaw it
I am currently doing my A-levels in maths and physics hoping to do civil engineering at University. I found this really intersting and it gave me more of an insight into civil... Read more
Published 18 months ago by Johani
Excellent book for anyone interested in structures and how they work.
This book was recommended in college (I am a first year architect student)and I can easily say it doesn't disappoint. Read more
Published 19 months ago by Eva-Lena Hemmingsson
Recommended reading that's not a chore!
Great explanations in a simple sometimes humorous manner. Great read! Would definitely recommend to anyone with an interest in the topic.
Published 19 months ago by AP
Great book so far
Very informative so far and giving a little more background information that seems to be lacking in my Open University Books. It also seems to explain the concepts a lot better.
Published 22 months ago by loony767
oldie but goldie
A brilliant book for the engineer and non engineer alike - both will be richly informed by it. It takes a really nice angle to study the subject from and is never dull. Read more
Published on 28 Mar 2010 by Bennets Bridge
Structures: or why things don't fall down
Gives a good idea of how understanding of structures developed over time. Enlightening to see how such great buildings could be built with lots of intuitive understanding, but... Read more
Published on 27 Aug 2009 by George Faller
It really does tell you why things don't fall down
Prof Gordon's really famous work is The New Science of Strong Materials: Or Why You Don't Fall Through the Floor (Pelican). If you haven't read that, you should. Read more
Published on 17 July 2009 by D. Sweetman
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