podcastsinenglish Level 3.176 Tilting towers
Apr 28, 2022
This week, the hosts dive into the fascinating world of tilting towers. They explore the historical intricacies behind the Leaning Tower of Pisa and why its iconic tilt was both a problem and a charm. The conversation shifts to the modern-day conundrum of San Francisco's Millennium Tower, detailing its unexpected sinking just five years post-completion. With a comparison of angles and the risks of taller buildings, the discussion reveals why height can amplify instability. They wrap up with a humorous take on living in a leaning structure!
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How Pisa Ended Up Curved
- The Leaning Tower of Pisa began construction in 1173 and finished in 1372 after long pauses.
- Builders noticed sinking early and later built upper floors taller on one side to compensate the tilt.
Stabilise Rather Than Straighten
- Conserving the Leaning Tower of Pisa prioritized tourism over straightening the structure.
- Stabilisation, not correction, became the goal and was declared achieved in 2008.
San Francisco's Sinking Tower
- The Millennium Tower in San Francisco began sinking soon after completion and now leans west by over a foot.
- Sinking was expected because the whole area with heavy skyscrapers is gradually subsiding.