The limit of limits

Abstract

Throughout the history structural engineering has wrestled with the forces of nature and has accomplished the inspiring, daring and amazing feats of innovating structures of gigantic proportions. The tallest building on earth has crossed the 500m barrier and heights exceeding 800m are being ambitiously contemplated. Mind boggling spans for bridges are being suggested and possibilities are being investigated. At this most-happening juncture of time, this paper envisages to explore, with simple and familiar concepts, the limits of possibilities and the hurdles to be cleared to extend the limits. � 2006 by School of Engineering and Technology, Asian Institute of Technology.