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Civil Engineering/Straw structures?

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Expert: - 9/9/2004


Question
I recently had to build a drinking straw structure in order that it might support the wieght of a book, 8 lbs., 30 inches above the ground.  I wanted to know if you kenw of how I might build this structure so that it would have the rigor to withstand the eight pounds.  Also I need it to be light weight and am only allowed to use straws and glue and tape to hold it up.  

Answer
Hi Clint,

I would say that you should build a tower of say 3"x 3" square on plan, with 4 no. 8" long columns at each corner, and X-bracing on all 4 vertical faces, as well as 2 X-bracing on plan (at top and at half-height). The vertical X-bracing should be done at about 45-60 deg angles, so you will need about 3 X-braces on each of the 4 faces. If any member buckles, then you will need to brace the bucking member at orthogonal directions, using more X-bracing or struts.

The structures will look like an electricity pylon or the trunk of a construction crane. I hope that is clear and that it is of help!

Kind regards,

Arshad  

Civil Engineering

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Arshad Khan

Expertise

I can answer any questions to do with civil and structural engineering consultancy and construction industry in East Africa and the Middle East, and specifically with the analysis and design of reinforced concrete structures. My particular expertise is in the aseismic design and optimisation of tall buildings.

Experience

Employment history: 36 years in Construction and consultancy in the UK, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Ethiopia, Eritrea, South Africa, Somalia, Zambia, Austria, Bahrain, Kuwait, Doha and the U.A.E.

Organizations
.Fellow of Institution of Structural Engineers (UK) .Fellow of Institution of Civil Engineers(UK) .Member of the Institution of Engineers, Kenya .Registered Engineer, ERB, Kenya .Member of the Architectural Association of Kenya (Engineers Chapter) .Chartered Engineer (UK)

Publications
•1984: International Conference on the Art and Practice of Structural Design, London •1994: 3rd Int. Kerensky Conference in Structural Engineering, Singapore •2008: International Conference on High-Rise Towers, Abu Dhabi

Education/Credentials
BSc, 1st Class Hons, in Building Engineering, University of Bath, UK MSc in Concrete Structures and Technology, University of London. Diploma of Imperial College, UK.

Awards and Honors
•Science Congress Special Award (for 2-seater Hovercraft - 1968) •Institution of Civil Engineers Award for outstanding performance at Bath University (1975) •Concrete Society Postgraduate study Bursary Award (1976) •Consular Representative for British High Commission, Nairobi. (1995 to 1998) •Examiner for Institution of Civil Engineers Professional Interviews, Nairobi. (1997 to 1998) •Branch Representative in Vienna for PI assessment for Inst. of Struct. Engrs. (1999 to date)

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