[Ferro List] subterranean - catenary strongest shape & tensile vs compressive forces

[Keith B]

Think about it.   Pressure on a dam acts at right angles to the dam 
surface, i.e. at right angles to the curve.  Gravity acts on a catenary 
in the direction of the center of the planet, i.e. nearly parallel 
vectors (large suspension bridge towers aren't parallel).  (Clue:  A dam 
is the inverse of a water tank.)

kb

Uwe Brunjes wrote:
> --- Keith B <ferroist at comcast.net> wrote:
>
>   
>> Chuck,
>>
>> The Catenary Arch/Curve is interesting, but of
>> limited use and subject 
>> to some misconceptions....
>>     
>
> Well, what shape do dams have? I'm asking because in
> my understanding the pressure of the water against the
> dam is uniform, just like (I believe) the pressure of
> the soil against the buried construction Chuck has in
> mind.
>
> Uwe
>