101 Things I Learned® in Engineering School
The downward transfer of structural forces through a building is the load path. Loads sometimes follow a path different from the one intended, which can result in structural failure. For example, every beam will sag slightly under normal loading. If a nonstructural partition is built directly under it, the beam may transmit its loads to the partiti
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So, in simple terms, the load path is the planned route that forces take through a building's structure. When loads deviate from this path, it can lead to structural failure, as demonstrated by the example of a sagging beam transferring its loads to a nonstructural partition, which in turn can affect the floor below.
Most engineered systems rely on negative feedback. In some instances, such as when momentum is desired, a positive feedback loop may be sought.
Matthew Frederick • 101 Things I Learned® in Engineering School
The behaviors of two balls will be more difficult to measure or predict, but the task is somewhat manageable. As the number of objects in the system is further increased—to five, ten, a hundred balls—tracking and/or predicting the behaviors of the individual balls becomes increasingly difficult and eventually impossible.
Matthew Frederick • 101 Things I Learned® in Engineering School
The integrity of their relationship will be maintained only if the system is designed to perform
Matthew Frederick • 101 Things I Learned® in Engineering School
“If a builder has built a house for a man, and has not made it sound, and the house falls and causes the death of its owner, that builder shall be put to death. If it is the owner’s son that is killed, the builder’s son shall be put to death. If it is the slave of the owner that is killed, the builder shall give slave for slave to the owner of the
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“The most important thing is to keep the most important thing the most important thing.”
Matthew Frederick • 101 Things I Learned® in Engineering School
The center of gravity of an object is the average position of the particles that comprise it—the point on which it will balance.
Matthew Frederick • 101 Things I Learned® in Engineering School
remain stationary, move, or
Matthew Frederick • 101 Things I Learned® in Engineering School
A brilliantly conceived alternative-fuel vehicle will not succeed without the design and implementation of a refueling infrastructure over a large geographic area.