Structural Engineering: Bridges & Skyscrapers

Do you ever wonder how bridges are able to span huge distances and how skyscrapers stay standing? Structural engineers use physics, as well as their knowledge of the properties of building materials and geometric shapes to design structures with sufficient strength and stability.  With this kit of modular building pieces, you will learn the basics of structural engineering by conducting a series of 20 model-building experiments. Each model demonstrates a basic principle of structural engineering or mechanical physics in a hands-on way. 

Begin with small models that demonstrate how structural elements can be attached together to maximize the strength of a structure for a fixed amount of material used and learn about basic structural elements including columns, beams, trusses, plates, arches, shells, and catenary. Explore the forces acting on structural components including tension, compression, shear, and bending; then move onto building more complex models of trusses, roofs, and small buildings. Experiment with different types of bridge construction, including a truss bridge, arch bridge, cantilever bridge, rope bridge, and suspension bridge. Finally, build models of towering skyscrapers. What's the tallest tower you can build using only the pieces included in the kit?

Learn about the strength and stiffness of materials, see how structural engineers optimize factors to maximize safety, and minimize cost and the risk of structural failure.  A 44-page, full-color manual will guide you through model building with step-by-step illustrated instructions.

Features:

• Construct 20 different models of progressively more complex examples of structural engineering
• Each model demonstrates a basic principle of structural engineering or mechanical physics in a hands-on way.
• Experiment with different types of bridge construction and types, and eventually build a skyscraper
• 44-page, full-color manual will guide you through model building with step-by-step illustrated instructions
• Learn about the strength and stiffness of materials, see how structural engineers optimize factors to maximize safety, and minimize cost and the risk of structural failure