Structural Design of Egyptian Pyramids 1

[shakeelahsan]

Dear All,

I was wondering if anyone has done a research on the structural design of Egyptian Pyramids.

I am interested in the design, looking forth to design a similar type of structure on modern lines.

Your input is highly appreciated as always.

Regards,

Engr. Shakeel Ahsan
Director Engineering
CMEC - Pakistan

 

[JAE]

I didn't think that there really was anything real significant about a pile of rock in terms of structural engineering. Gravity does its job and the rocks axial crushing capacity is capable.

 

[JAE]

But the construction engineering (how they built the pyramids) is much more fascinating and interesting.

 

[JoshPlumSE]

I think it's at least partially covered in the book, Why Building Fall Down, or the similar Why Buildings Stand Up.

I remember seeing a diagram about a pyramid (not one of the great pyramids) that changed its angle of inclination halfway through construction because they were having issues. They then went onto explain why the other angle (the one used for the great pyramids) is more efficient.

I'm going completely off of memory. So, I could be thinking about a different book....

For the rest of you who like these types of books, one of my favorites is "The History of Strength of Materials" by Timoshenko. It's a bit dry, but it's also really interesting to get engineering biographies of Euler, Young, Kirchoff, Mohr, and such.

Josh

 

[SlideRuleEra]

Agree with JoshPlum, the general consensus seems to be that the Egyptians used "full-scale" trial and error, learning from the errors. The "Bent Pyramid" is the best surviving example:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bent_Pyramid

http://www.SlideRuleEra.net

http://www.VacuumTubeEra.net