Computer model could enable bridges and buildings that use less material
https://news.mit.edu/2026/computer-model-could-enable-less-material-bridges-buildings-0624Open linkView original on lemmy.ziphttps://news.mit.edu/2026/computer-model-could-enable-less-material-bridges-buildings-0624Open linkView original on lemmy.zip
Topology optimization is a mature branch of engineering.
Must be a slow news day. We did this in our studies at university 20 years ago.
I was gonna say, the headline looks like it was written in 1997
Yup.
I've never heard a good engineer ever say "let's use an unnecessary amount of material", usually engineers say "this is what you need to achieve the goal and this is why....". Then management adds contingency while trying to also cut cost, then the project manager orders material too early to drive revenue and it expires or get lost, then the crew always has waste, the list goes on.
Efficient engineering is rarely the problem, but if there's a tool that reliably makes my job easier and faster then sure, bring it on
You have safety margins which could be excess material.
No, they just cut cost, beyond what the engineering was designed for. Then they end up as a mini-documentary on some channel like Plainly Difficult.
Yeah, my gut reaction was, “someone just figured this out!?”
Don't mention this to building contractors here. Some of them already use less materials than regulations.
Let's go back to build ramps and jumping over rivers.
Are they sure there isn't any "AI" in there?
Seriously though I vastly prefer the term "computer model". Props to everyone involved for honest journalism and honest science. Refreshing.