A case for physical models

摘要

The case studies presented in this paper give a brief overview of some of the possibilities created by physical models in the design of building structures. In each case, the use of the physical model as a tool was complemented by computational techniques and provided an additional dimension to understanding the complex challenges of the problems being considered. Arguably, although there are specific areas of innovation in which experimental scale models can be essential for progressing the design, the role of physical models is in general that of an additional tool - but one that significantly extends the horizon of the structural engineer's thinking.