SKU: 16018683494

Structures: Or Why Things Don't Fall Down

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Description

Structures: Or Why Things Don't Fall DownIn a book that Business Insider noted as one of the "14 Books that inspired Elon Musk," J. E. Gordon strips engineering of its confusing technical terms, communicating its founding principles in accessible, witty prose. For anyone who has ever wondered why suspension bridges don't collapse under eight lanes of traffic, how dams hold back or give way under thousands of gallons of water, or what principles guide the design of a skyscraper, a bias cut

In a book that Business Insider noted as one of the "14 Books that inspired Elon Musk," J.E. Gordon strips engineering of its confusing technical terms, communicating its founding principles in accessible, witty prose.

For anyone who has ever wondered why suspension bridges don't collapse under eight lanes of traffic, how dams hold back--or give way under--thousands of gallons of water, or what principles guide the design of a skyscraper, a bias-cut dress, or a kangaroo, this book will ease your anxiety and answer your questions.

Structures: Or Why Things Don't Fall Down is an informal explanation of the basic forces that hold together the ordinary and essential things of this world--from buildings and bodies to flying aircraft and eggshells. In a style that combines wit, a masterful command of his subject, and an encyclopedic range of reference, Gordon includes such chapters as "How to Design a Worm" and "The Advantage of Being a Beam," offering humorous insights in human and natural creation.

Architects and engineers will appreciate the clear and cogent explanations of the concepts of stress, shear, torsion, fracture, and compression. If you're building a house, a sailboat, or a catapult, here is a handy tool for understanding the mechanics of joinery, floors, ceilings, hulls, masts--or flying buttresses.

Without jargon or oversimplification, Structures opens up the marvels of technology to anyone interested in the foundations of our everyday lives.

Binding Type: Paperback
Publisher: Da Capo Press
Published: 07/10/2003
ISBN: 9780306812835
Pages: 424
Weight: 0.95lbs
Size: 8.80h x 6.00w x 1.20d
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SKU: 16018683494

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Juanita
Lowell, US
★★★★★ 4
Comfortable and Supportive, but Adjust the Filling
Color: White-cooling Basic, Size: Queen(Pack of 2), Color: White-cooling Basic, Size: Queen(Pack of 2)
I’m very happy with this pillow. The size is big and it feels soft while still providing good support, perfect for midnight scrolling on TikTok. One thing to keep in mind is that it can feel a little too tall if you use all of the filling that comes with it. The good news is that you can easily adjust the amount of filling to find the height that works best for your sleeping position. Once I customized it, it was much more comfortable. Overall, great quality, comfortable, and worth the purchase.
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Reviewed in the United States on June 3, 2026
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Love Leigh Angel
Boise, US
★★★★★ 5
BEST PILLOWS EVER!!!
Color: White-cooling Basic, Size: Queen(Pack of 2)
I am very picky with my pillows because I have a bad neck and I can never seem to find a good pillow. But I tried this pillow because it had everything I was looking for and the price was great! You get two of them and they are absolutely awesome.! normally I would need to lay on two pillows to try and get comfortable but with these pillows I just lay on one and I wake up with no neck pain. They really have a nice cooling effect. They actually puff up immediately after opening them. All you have to do is just shake them up and the pillow just puffs straight up.. It comes with extra cushioning if you want it to make it firmer and if you don’t want it as firm as it is, you can actually take some out. It really is such a beautiful pillow. It’s perfect in every way to me being such a picky pillow person. You just lay your head down on it and it forms around your neck and your head and when you get up, it goes right back to its normal form. It doesn’t get flat and I love it. I completely recommend this to anyone who is a person who has a hard time finding a really good pillow.
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Reviewed in the United States on April 12, 2026
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$@[)E
Alexandria, US
★★★★★ 5
Top of the line, best pillows Ive ever had
Color: White-cooling Basic, Size: Queen(Pack of 2)
These pillows are top of the line! I bought them in 2024 and they are still fluffy. When they lose a little fluff, you just punch em around a little bit and voila, like new again. They have kept their shape cery well and do great for cooling. I haven't had to add more filling yet either. I just laid my head on one and thought, I need to do a review cause everytime i lay on these pillows its like clouds. My head is heavy and this is relief :-D
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Reviewed in the United States on May 21, 2026
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Chelsea H.
Boise, US
★★★★★ 3
Weird smell
Color: White-cooling Basic, Size: Queen(Pack of 2)
The pillows are great for someone looking for something cool and comfortable. We loved them so much that we bought a second pair. However, we were seriously disappointed with the odor of our last purchase. They give off a strong and indescribable chemical/burning plastic smell so nauseating that it’s difficult to sleep with. We’re hoping this issue will resolve with a couple more washes of the pillow cases, but am worried the source is the stuffing itself.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 28, 2026
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Ken Hill
Draper, US
★★★★★ 5
helped treat my sore neck
Color: White-cooling Basic, Size: Camping Pillow(Pack of 1)
This pillow — after dialing in the right amount of shredded foam — has greatly helped my sore neck. Initially, I had to remove some foam. Then I gradually added foam until it reached optimum comfort and support. It is also CPAP-friendly — especially when I position my head near the pillow's edge. (I am a left-side sleeper.) I like the travel size because I use a bulky hugging pillow to ease stress on my shoulder and elbow. That makes my side of the bed feel cramped if using a larger head pillow. A smaller pillow is easy to flip end-to-end in the middle of the night. I have spent lots of money on pillows over the years, but this is the best I've ever had for relieving [1] neck pain and [2] CPAP mask seal problems. Very comfortable, supportive, and affordable. I did not notice any unpleasant smell — and I am usually sensitive to that kind of thing. Would highly recommend.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 7, 2026

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