HOME  EXAMPLES  TUTORIAL  PROJECTS CONTACT     click on the thumbnails to load the applets... page 1       Semicircular Arch Compare its maximum and minimum thrust for different thickness-radius-ratios.     Arch collapse II Understand the relation of the line of thrust  to a possible collapse mode for an arch on  leaning buttresses.   Flying Buttress Explore the infinite possible lines of thrust and understand the influence of geometry on its structural performance.     Natural bridge Erosion will finally cause collapse, but we can  use a thrust line analysis predict at what point  these marvels of nature are in danger.    Arch collapse I Understand the relation of the line of thrust to a possible collapse mode for an arch on spreading supports.       Not all models have been constructed to be  web-based. See the movie screen captures in the online presentation for examples of more advanced models.               Download Java software for your computer  (necessary to load the applets).

Massachusetts Institute of Technology Building Technology Program - Masonry Research Group