25 October 2011

The subtle science of an urban water tower


A basic hydrostatic principle is evident in this photo of a water tower in New York City - notice the variable spacing of the circumferential hoops (more closely spaced toward the bottom of the tank).

Found at Kottke.

1 comment:

  1. A very interesting, traditional feature of the New York skyline. Like wine/whiskey barrels, the slats of the tower are not joined with any mechanical bonding. They are shaped to fit tightly together and held in place by the rings. There was a TV show showing a company that for generations has been installing and servicing these rooftop water tanks. They work on these rooftops tens of stories in the air with axes and sledgehammers with no safety equipment. I'm sure it's becoming a lost art.

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