Design Paradigms: Case Histories of Error and Judgment in EngineeringFrom classical temples to twentieth century towers, engineers have learned more about design from failure than from success. The concept of error, according to the author of Design Paradigms, is central to the design process. As a way of explaining the enduring aspects of engineering design, Henry Petroski relates stories of some of the greatest engineering successes and failures of all time. These case studies, drawn from a wide range of times and places, from Ancient Greece and Rome to modern America, serve as paradigms of error and judgment in engineering design. By showing how errors were introduced in the design process and how they might be avoided, the book suggests how better quality and reliability might be achieved in designed devices, structures, and systems of all kinds. Clearly written, with striking illustrations, the book will appeal to engineering students, practicing engineers, historians of science and technology, and all those interested in learning about the process of design. |
Contents
Introduction | 1 |
Paconius and the Pedestal for Apollo A Paradigm of Error in Conceptual Design | 15 |
Vitruviuss Auger and Galileos Bones Paradigms of Limits to Size in Design | 29 |
Galileo and the Marble Column A Paradigm of a Design Change for the Worse | 47 |
Galileos Confirmation of a False Hypothesis A Paradigm of Logical Error in Design | 64 |
The Design and Collapse of the Dee Bridge A Paradigm of Success Masking Error | 81 |
The Britannia Tubular Bridge A Paradigm of Tunnel Vision in Design | 99 |
Other editions - View all
Design Paradigms: Case Histories of Error and Judgment in Engineering Henry Petroski No preview available - 1994 |
Common terms and phrases
aesthetic Ammann analytical appear artifacts behavior box beam bridge design bridge failures bridge types bridge's Britannia Bridge Brunel cable-stayed bridges cables cantilever beam century chains Chapter Civil Engineers collapse concept conceptual design construction deck Dee Bridge design climate design errors design problem design process engi engineering design engineering judgment Equation 5.1 example experience factor of safety failed failure analysis failure modes Fairbairn feet Figure fundamental Galileo George Washington Bridge helepolis history of engineering human error Iron Bridge Isambard Kingdom Brunel John Roebling lessons load marble column Menai Strait Metagenes mode of failure nature neering obviate Paconius Paconius's paradigm pedestal Petroski practice principle Quebec Bridge railway railway mania reliability River roadway Roebling's scale effect scheme ships Sibly and Walker span spool Stephenson story strength of materials struc structural engineering studies successful designs suspension bridges Tacoma Narrows Bridge theory tubes tubular bridge Vitruvius walkways weight wheels wind wrought-iron