Structural Engineering
Buildings and structures take careful planning in order to ensure that they don't collapse or fail in any way. Structural engineers analyze and study the way in which buildings support loads.
The World's Most Awe-inspiring Glass Buildings
10 Innovative Architects to Watch
16 World-Famous Architects and Their Impact
Here's Longest Bridge in the U.S., Plus 7 Runners-Up
How Zambonis Work
What Countries Use the Imperial System?
Science and Nature: Fractals
Are food-based plastics a good idea?
A Bicycle Built of Bamboo Is the Ultimate Eco-friendly Ride
Crumple Theory: We Can Learn a Lot From How Paper Crumples
Your Thoughts Could Activate a Tiny Robot Inside Your Own Brain
How Star Wars Works: Fan-built Droids
Robot Pictures
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When you look at the tallest buildings, you're not just gazing at steel and glass; you're witness to a place's aspirations for greatness. These record-breaking skyscrapers reshape urban space, optimize office space and serve as iconic landmarks.
By Mack Hayden
When you think of the imposing stature of pyramids, you might picture the Great Pyramid of Giza. But the Egypt-based structure is by no means the only impressive pyramid in the world.
By Yara Simón
Why are blueprints blue and not some other color? There's a specific chemical process behind it, and its discovery has all the elements of a dark fairy tale.
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One of the most travelled stretches of U.S. highway was designed by a woman who loved mathematics and wasn't interested in being a teacher. Who was she, and where is it?
Steel-framed skyscrapers are common sights in any city skyline these days. But someone had to be the first to build up, up, up. Find out where this architectural standard was born.
It took years to construct the 110-story World Trade Center towers and less than an hour to bring them down to rubble. What ultimately caused the towers to collapse on Sept. 11, 2001?
Bridges move cars, trains, bikes and people, among other things. These 10 may even move your soul with their engineering ingenuity and beauty. So which 10 make the cut?
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Have you ever passed by an abandoned warehouse or gas station and wondered why the government doesn't just tear it down? Well, it may be a brownfield.
By Echo Surina
Bridges are amazing displays of scientific engineering. This collection of pictures highlights some of the most spectacular structures ever created.
Hefting a sofa up a flight of stairs can take a lot of logistics. So what does moving thousand-ton buildings across cities -- or even oceans -- entail?
The Hoover Dam holds back 10 trillion gallons of water. That's enough to cover the entire state of Connecticut. How much damage would be done if the dam broke?
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If you wanted to build a Great Pyramid in today's market, you would need to take into consideration a lot of factors. How much labor would you need? What about materials? And how much would it cost you?
Domed cities would provide the same temperature year-round, no rain or snow, and the ability to go outside without worrying about a sunburn. Have they been tried before, and what about the people who enjoy their seasons?
A tunnel can be simply defined as a tube hollowed through soil or stone, but actually constructing a tunnel is a challenge. Find out how tunnels are built.
The world's first floating city is absolutely gigantic, fully loaded with amenities and necessities and could set sail in about three years. Find out what the Freedom Ship has in store for its lucky residents.
By Kevin Bonsor
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Smart Structures will completely change the way buildings react to earthquakes! See how they will work!
By Kevin Bonsor
People build skyscrapers primarily because they are convenient -- you can create a lot of real estate out of a relatively small ground area. They're also awe-inspiring. Skyscrapers capture our imagination -- how high can we build them? Learn about the architecture and design of these monumental buildings.
By Tom Harris
They don't have engines, brakes or accelerators. No, these amazing machines rely on physical, centripetal and gravitational forces to urge thrills, screams and that sinking stomach feeling we all love (and hate). Read more about the science of fun.
Rome is famous for having large public fountains that work without the use of any kind of mechanized pump. How were these fountains able to generate enough water pressure without a motor? Check out this article for the answer to this question.
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Is there an easy way to measure the height of a cell phone tower in my neighborhood?
When pyramids come to mind, most of us think of Egypt, but pyramids exist in many parts of the world. How were they constructed without earth-moving or heavy-lift machinery? And most of all, why were these amazing structures built?
Whether they make you think of Hurricane Katrina or Led Zeppelin, levees are a critical safety feature for low-lying areas located near water. Why do they break?
Safe, professional building implosions combine mathematics, intuition and sheer explosive power. Find out how the experts bring down huge structures without damaging the buildings nearby.
By Tom Harris
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When the heat sets in, there's nothing like a day at the water park to cool things down -- water parks and their massive wave pools are a huge weekend attraction. Ever wonder what kind of machinery it takes to produce a wave? Learn exactly how an oce
By Tom Harris
It's a leap of faith onto a curvy steep wet chute... Discover how water slides work and what draws thrill-seekers to them.
By Tom Harris