Centre of Gravity
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Why is centre of gravity important? Our interactive demonstrates how centre of gravity affects stability, and how it is understood in Forensic Engineering
The centre of gravity is the point in the structure where all of the weight can be thought to act. If movement of the structure occurs, it will pivot around fixed points at the base and the position of the centre of gravity is crucial.
When the centre of gravity is moved outside the vertical supports, then the structure will fall because there is a leverage effect acting on the structure. The following interactive feature applies this to the famous Tay Bridge disaster.
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Content last updated: 03/04/2002
