Collapsible Building: Tall Walls vs Short Walls

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the question of whether buildings with tall walls are more likely to collapse compared to those with short walls. It involves considerations of static equilibrium and structural stability, with participants exploring how to demonstrate their reasoning through equations.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related, Exploratory, Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that taller walls may increase the likelihood of collapse due to static equilibrium principles, although they seek to substantiate this with equations.
  • One participant hints at using equations related to tipping over rectangular boxes of equal mass but differing heights, indicating that taller boxes have less surface area on the ground, which may affect stability.
  • A question is raised about the relevance of the center of gravity equation in this context.
  • Another participant expresses understanding and appreciation for the clarification provided.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants appear to share a common intuition that taller walls may be more prone to collapse, but the discussion remains exploratory without a definitive resolution or consensus on the mathematical demonstration.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not fully established the equations needed to analyze the problem, and there may be assumptions regarding the uniformity of mass distribution and material properties that are not explicitly stated.

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Homework Statement



which type of building is more likely to collapse, a building with tall walls or short walls.

Homework Equations



not sure,

The Attempt at a Solution


I know that this is a static equilibrium equation and common sense tells me that the taller the walls are, the more likely the building is to collapse but how do I show this using equations?
 
Last edited:
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Eagle's Wings said:
which type of building is more likely to collapse, a building with tall walls or short walls. i know that this is a static equilibrium equation and common sense tells me that the taller the walls are, the more likely the building is to collapse but how do i show this using equations?

Hint -- write the equations for tipping over equal mass rectangular boxes with different heights (taller box means less surface area on the ground). Does that help?
 
is that the center gravity equation?
 
okay, that makes sense. thanks so much
 

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