Intro: As our cities grow, the need for larger buildings to house people increases rapidly.
As a result, many metropolitans worldwide are constructing taller and taller structures
every year. Structural engineers work closely with architects to produce structures that are
not only visual marvels but able to withstand the demands of wind, earthquakes, and self-weight.
Goal: In this project, you will construct the tallest possible building using everyday
materials and test it under a wind and earthquake simulation.
Approach:
Recommended Materials: The material list here is very open-ended. You can use anything
from chopsticks, dried spaghetti, gumdrops, marshmallows, etc. Get creative! Build the
tower as tall as possible and first see if it can withstand its own weight. Then you test it out
by blowing on it as well as shaking the table it sits on to simulate an earthquake. A sample
structure is shown below.
Ethics Question: You have discovered an error in the calculations that show a tall building
designed by your firm would be at serious risk of collapse in a 50-year wind. The building
is complete and occupied. The possibility exists of strengthening the building but at a very
significant cost to your firm.
What do you do?
a. Assess and conclude that the likelihood of a 50-year wind is sufficiently remote and
accordingly is not a practical risk.
b. Tell the client that the building and the surrounding area should be evacuated until the
building has been strengthened.
c. Discuss the problem with the client and your Professional Indemnity Insurers and agree
to proceed with the strengthening in as discreet a manner as possible accepting the
financial consequences.
Report – Write a report with a MINIMUM of 750 words that includes the following:
• Title
• Introduction: Identify the project you picked, the goal of the project, and why you
picked it
• Method: what materials and steps did you take to complete your chosen project,
why did you select these steps
• Results: discuss what you observed and why you believe this occurred. Include
pictures of the finished project and if possible some of the tests
• Conclusion: identify a few lessons learned (e.g. what would you do next time if
you redid this project) Ethics Question: See the respective project’s ethics question. One paragraph
response is acceptable.
