How is the structural integrity of very old buildings, bridges, etc. tested to ensure suitable use by people, cars, etc?
In: Engineering
It depends on your country’s level of development. In the US a civil engineer will calculate load density maximums using an algorithmic formula based on the structures building materials and overall design. They will also use a tool called a dinglemomiter to ‘ding’ the structures main support beams. The dinglemomiter will read out important data that allows them to estimate the core tensile strength of the supporting structures material. In the end it is all an educated guess, so they typically leave tons of room for error.
In other places around the world, they pick the most gullible person nearby to get in a heavy truck and test it the old fashion way.
If you read the first paragraph and beleived it, then I’ve got the keys for you.
Latest Answers