Dr. John Ochsendorf
Associate Professor, Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Structural Analysis of Ancient Structures: From Inca Suspension Bridges to Gothic Cathedrals
The engineering analysis of ancient structures is a field of growing importance worldwide. The safety of a large Gothic cathedral may be threatened by earthquakes or foundation failures, which could lead to large scale collapse and the loss of priceless artwork as well as human life. By using new technology, engineers are helping preserve historic structures for future generations as well as helping answer historical questions that have remained unanswered. This field of research combines engineering, archaeology, architecture, and history in order to preserve and to better understand the great monuments of the past. Dr. Ochsendorf will share over ten years of experience in this field, which has taken him from the suspension bridges of ancient Peru to the largest Gothic cathedrals of Europe.
