Structural Integrity-Historical Context

Abstract

In this paper the focus is on a historic context of a few milestones in the development of structural integrity, which closely follow development of human civilization. Starting from the Great Pyramids in ancient Egypt, this story leads us through the history of stone, concrete and metal constructions as follows: Hagia Sophia, stone (Mostar) and iron (Shropshire) bridges, skyscrapers (Eiffel tower, Burj Khalifa) and sky reaching airplanes (Airbus A380). In each case, the most important aspects of structural integrity are presented, as well as an analysis of driving force for its creation. This paper is dedicated to the memory of Prof. Stojan Sedmak (1929-2014), father of the fracture mechanics in South East Europe and the author of the original version of the paper, written 10 years ago with different focus, [1].