Why buildings fall down : how structures fail

Title:

Personal Author:

Levy, Matthys

Edition:

Updated and expanded

Publication Information:

New York : W.W. Norton, 2002

ISBN:

9780393311525

Subject Term:

Building failures

Structural failures

Added Author:

Salvadori, Mario George, 1907-

Available:*

Library	Item Barcode	Call Number	Material Type	Item Category 1	Status
Searching... PSZ JB	30000010046600	TH441 L48 2002	Open Access Book	Book	Searching... Unknown
Searching... PSZ JB	30000010052985	TH441 L48 2002	Open Access Book	Book	Searching... Unknown

The stories that make up Why Buildings Fall Down are in the end very human ones, tales of the interaction of people and nature, of architects, engineers, builders, materials, and natural forces all coming together in sometimes dramatic (and always instructive) ways.

Author Notes

Matthys Levy, an architectural engineer, has won numerous awards, including the AIA Institute Honor Award. He is a principal of Weidlinger Associates, one of America's leading structural Engineering firms
Mario Salvadori (1907-1997) was James Renwick Professor Emeritus of Civil Engineering and Professor Emeritus of Architecture at Columbia University

Reviews 3

Booklist Review

Not just for structural engineers, this inside account of technical disasters from ancient times to the present will appeal to a wide range of readers, particularly since Levy and Salvadori add a touch of humor to their concrete explanations. From crumbling pyramids to the twisting of the Tacoma Narrows Bridge to the Amoco Building's shedding of its marble "skin," the true stories are as fascinating as any disaster novel. Salvadori, who previously expounded upon Why Buildings Stand Up (Norton, 1990), has served as an expert witness as well as a principal engineer and is full of interesting tales about human and mechanical failings. ~--Denise Perry Donavin

Choice Review

A collection of accounts of structural failures that can be understood by people with a wide range of backgrounds. The structural engineer, architect, and students studying each of these disciplines will appreciate the explanation of failures that they have probably encountered in other readings. Failures of ancient facilities, through modern bridges and buildings, are presented. There are simple explanations of the effects of various loads on a structure, such as those due to wind, earthquake, or fatigue. Some of the basic principles of statics and strength of materials are illustrated so that even readers with limited or no engineering backgrounds will find the book compelling. Hand-drawn sketches add to the friendly style of the writing. For all engineering libraries as well as public libraries. H. I. Epstein; University of Connecticut

Library Journal Review

Structural engineers Levy and Salvadori have written a well-paced, highly informative, nontechnical work describing failures in a variety of structures such as buildings, bridges, and dams. Salvadori wrote Why Buildings Stand Up (Norton, 1990), so this is a natural complement. The subject, somewhat grisly in nature, is presented here with respect for the tragedies involved, and yet with a lighthearted pursuit of the truth as to the cause of the failure. Analysis of the failure is discussed and recommendations for improvement are offered, but without the usual condescension hindsight allows. Profuse illustrations by Kevin Woest, well labeled and explained, and several appendixes aid access. An index (not seen) is provided, but no glossary. This fascinating book is easily accessible to laypersons. Highly recommended.-- Alex Hartmann, Bloomsburg Univ. Lib., Pa. (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Perface	p. 9
Acknowledgments	p. 11
Introduction	p. 13
1. The First Structural Failure	p. 17
2. Miracle on Thirty-fourth Street	p. 25
3. Will the Pantheon Stand Up Forever?	p. 31
4. For Lack of Redundancy	p. 55
5. Big Bangs	p. 76
6. The Day the Earth Shook	p. 90
7. Galloping Gertie	p. 109
8. When Metals Tire	p. 121
9. Thruways to Eternity	p. 134
10. The Weaknesses of Mother Earth	p. 149
11. Valley of Tears	p. 161
12. The House of Cards	p. 173
13. Structural Dermatology	p. 183
14. Old-Age Death	p. 207
15. The Worst Structural Disaster in the United States	p. 221
16. The Politics of Destruction	p. 231
17. The Structure of the Law	p. 242
18. Terror from the Sky	p. 257
19. Conclusion: Can We Prevent Future Failures?	p. 269
Appendices
A. Loads	p. 281
B. Stress and Strain	p. 289
C. Structural Materials	p. 292
D. Structural Systems	p. 295
Index	p. 327