Tall Structures (Blog 2)

Challenge
     Yesterday during class we underwent our first challenge - to build the tallest newspaper structure in the class. Upon hearing it, it did not seem like a difficult task to conquer. However, I was proven blatantly wrong.
     In groups of three or four, our class had twenty minutes to attempt our first shots at architecture and engineering with five pieces of newspapers and a limited supply of masking tape. The first and overall mistake we made was not planning our structure well enough. Although we did talk about how we were going to shape the newspaper, the time we took for that was far too short and we should have allotted some more time for the planning portion of the challenge.
     The reason our structure was unsuccessful in terms of physics was because the foundation did not have enough support and the weight distribution were in the wrong areas. We should have applied more newspaper to the base of the structure so it could hold up the remaining newspaper and tape. As we sadly figured out, the structure kept falling over because of the weak base despite the amount of changes we made to it. In the end our structure measured about 20 centimetres while the winning structure measured around 185 cm. Although our newspaper structure lacked in height, we were not in last place and we had fun making it.

My group members holding up what our structure would have looked like if it had been stable.

Tall Structures
     Tall structures obviously wouldn't be as stable as smaller, shorter structures if they were built the exact same way - they would topple over and be demolished in seconds. Therefore, we would need to figure out what exactly makes a tall structure stand still.
     First of all, there should be a low centre of gravity so most of the weight is distributed on the bottom. That would mean the top would not fall over (that easily). Secondly, the foundation or the base of the structure should ideally be as large as possible to insure its stability. As each story on a building progresses, it can become gradually slimmer - but always make sure the base is thick and strong.
     Another characteristic to make a structure more stable would be to use triangles, as they are the strongest shape. They either expand or contract, so they will not bend and break. 

The Eiffel Tower uses the idea of building from a large base to a slim top.

Top Thrill Dragster - 420 ft, 120 mph

     The above roller coaster broke records in 2003 when it was unveiled for both height and speed. It has now been surpassed by a similar coaster, but it still remains second. How could such a tall roller coaster be standing without toppling over? As you can see, the yellow supports adjacent to the track hold it up, and the shape the supports form are triangles. This utilizes the effect of how triangles are the sturdiest shape.

The Centre of Gravity

     The centre of gravity is the point around which a body's weight is equally balanced in all directions. It keeps an object balanced and stable. Symmetry is important when it comes to the centre of gravity and stability. If an object is toppled to the side a bit, the centre of gravity will shift  to make sure the mass is evenly distributed throughout the object, but inevitably it will topple over.