Engineering hoaxes
|
In this lift in the Marriott Hotel in Guam, there is no button for the 13th floor. |
This article presents a list of construction industry traditions, superstitions, pseudoscience, obsolete scientific theories and supernatural occurrences associated with engineering.
Some of the concepts have been superseded by modern research. Others have been discredited based on further investigation, lack of repeatable scientific evidence or inability to provide logical proof. Despite this, some of these methods continue to be used by practitioners who believe in their effectiveness or embrace their theories.
- Broken ceramic statues (in Ancient Rome).
- Calling of an engineer ritual.
- Coins in mortar (dated the year construction began).
- Concealed shoes.
- Cornerstone rites.
- Crop circles.
- Dowsing.
- Feng shui.
- Foundation sacrifices (or ritual offerings).
- Ley lines.
- Mandala.
- Miasma theory.
- Religious building orientation.
- Rule of thumb.
- Pannenbier.
- Tetraphobia.
- Topping off or topping out.
- Triskaidekaphobia.
- Vastu Shastra.
- Walking under ladders.
- Witchmarks in timber (or witch posts).
See also:
Featured articles
Check out some of the best features and news from Designing Buildings as well as key stories from around the web.
The real barrier to getting more value from digital technology.
Your guide to The Construction Reset at UKCW Birmingham.
Accommodating the Victorian and Edwardian working woman. Book review.
Rethinking passive fire protection in design
PFP demands the same level of design rigour as structure or services.
38% of Gen Zs feel safe when a fire door is wedged open.
Stunning images from around the world
Shortlist for CIOB’s Art of Building photography competition.
Guidance for conversion of traditional pre-1919 stone buildings.
Industrial heritage in the Ruhr
A marked difference to the fate of industrial landscapes in the UK.
Communities will be able to build their own clean energy.
Why diversity and inclusion matters for SMEs
CIOB’s D&I Charter shows how practical changes can support long-term growth.
Cut electricity bills to power growth
Coalition sends joint letter to the Chancellor.
Gasholders: a history in pictures. Book review.