The Brooklyn Bridge
The Brooklyn Bridge is an iconic symbol of New York City that has been standing for over 137 years. It is a suspension bridge that spans the East River, connecting Manhattan and Brooklyn. The bridge’s construction began in January 1870 and was completed in May 1883. It was designed by John A. Roebling, a German-born American engineer, and was later completed by his son, Washington Roebling, due to his father’s untimely death during the construction process. The bridge was a marvel of engineering at the time, and it remains an impressive feat of human ingenuity today.
Basic Geometry Used in Construction
The construction of the Brooklyn Bridge relied heavily on the use of various geometrical figures. These figures were used to create the bridge’s unique shape, which allowed it to withstand the forces of nature and the weight of traffic. The most fundamental geometrical figure used in the bridge’s construction was the triangle. Triangles were used as the building blocks of the bridge, with each one providing strength and stability to the structure. The use of triangles in the construction of the Brooklyn Bridge was a result of their inherent stability and strength, making them an ideal choice for a suspension bridge.
Triangles: The Building Blocks of the Bridge
Triangles played a critical role in the construction of the Brooklyn Bridge, both in the superstructure and the substructure. The bridge’s towers, which rise over 277 ft above the water, are made up of four enormous granite-faced triangles, which form the tower’s base. These triangles taper as they rise, giving the towers their distinctive shape. In the cables, which are the most critical component of the bridge, each cable is made up of thousands of individual wires that have been twisted together to form a single cable. The wires are arranged in a series of triangles, with each triangle providing strength and stability to the cable.
The Role of Squares and Rectangles
Squares and rectangles were also used in the construction of the Brooklyn Bridge. The bridge’s roadway is a rectangular box truss structure made up of steel beams and cross-bracing. This design allowed the roadway to be both strong and lightweight. The use of squares and rectangles in the bridge’s construction also helped to distribute the weight of the bridge evenly, allowing it to withstand the weight of traffic and the elements.
The Powerful Parabola in the Bridge’s Design
The parabola is a powerful figure that was utilized in the construction of the Brooklyn Bridge. The shape of the bridge’s cables is a parabolic curve, which was essential to the bridge’s design. The parabolic curve allowed the cables to distribute the weight of the bridge evenly, giving it the strength to withstand the forces of nature and the weight of traffic. The parabolic curve also allowed the cables to be thinner at the center of the span, reducing their weight and cost.
The Use of Circles in the Brooklyn Bridge
Circles were also used in the construction of the Brooklyn Bridge. The bridge’s towers are circular in shape, with a diameter of 16 ft. The circular shape of the towers allowed them to distribute the weight of the bridge evenly, giving it the strength to withstand the forces of nature and the weight of traffic. The use of circles in the construction of the Brooklyn Bridge also helped to give it its distinctive appearance, making it a unique and unforgettable landmark.
The Importance of Ellipses in Suspension Bridges
Ellipses are an essential figure in suspension bridges, including the Brooklyn Bridge. The shape of the bridge’s cables is actually an ellipse, which was chosen for its strength and stability. The ellipse allows the cables to distribute the weight of the bridge evenly, giving it the strength to withstand the forces of nature and the weight of traffic.
The Unique Shape of the Catenary Curve
The catenary curve is a unique figure that was used in the construction of the Brooklyn Bridge. The shape of the bridge’s cables is actually a catenary curve, which is a type of curve that is formed by the hanging of a chain or cable under its own weight. The catenary curve allows the cables to distribute the weight of the bridge evenly, giving it the strength to withstand the forces of nature and the weight of traffic.
The Role of Trapezoids in the Bridge’s Strength
Trapezoids were also used in the construction of the Brooklyn Bridge. The bridge’s roadway is supported by trapezoidal-shaped towers, which help to distribute the weight of the bridge evenly. The use of trapezoids in the construction of the Brooklyn Bridge also helped to make it one of the strongest and most durable bridges of its time.
The Fascinating Geometry of the Bridge’s Towers
The towers of the Brooklyn Bridge are perhaps the most fascinating example of the bridge’s use of geometry. Each tower is made up of four enormous granite-faced triangles that taper as they rise. The towers are also circular in shape, with a diameter of 16 ft. The combination of these geometrical figures gives the towers their distinctive appearance and helps to distribute the weight of the bridge evenly.
Conclusion: The Beauty and Precision of Math in Bridge Building
The construction of the Brooklyn Bridge is a testament to the power and precision of mathematics in engineering. The use of geometrical figures in the bridge’s construction allowed it to withstand the forces of nature and the weight of traffic, making it one of the most significant engineering feats of its time. The Brooklyn Bridge remains an iconic symbol of human ingenuity and a testament to the beauty and precision of math in bridge building.
References and Further Reading
- "Brooklyn Bridge." Encyclopedia Britannica. Accessed 18 May 2021. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Brooklyn-Bridge.
- "The Geometry of the Brooklyn Bridge." Math Drives Careers. Accessed 18 May 2021. s.com/geomet ry-brooklyn-bridge/.
- "The Brooklyn Bridge." PBS American Experience. Accessed 18 May 2021. .
