Why is a Crinkle Crankle Wall so special? #science #shorts #youtubechamps

A crinkle-crankle wall is a serpentine brick wall characterized by its wavy or undulating design, commonly found in the eastern counties of England, particularly Suffolk and Norfolk. The wall's unique shape, derived from the old English term "crinkle-crankle," meaning zigzag or wrinkled, offers both aesthetic appeal and practical advantages.

The alternating curves provide inherent structural stability, allowing the wall to stand tall with a single layer of bricks, without the need for additional reinforcement or buttresses. This is due to the physics of the design, where the convex and concave sections distribute lateral forces more evenly, reducing the risk of collapse.

The curvature allows for a stronger resistance to wind and other lateral pressures, effectively dispersing stress throughout the wall. As a result, crinkle-crankle walls require fewer materials than a straight wall of the same length, making them a more economical and efficient construction option. Their distinctive appearance and engineering ingenuity have made them a prominent feature in English country estates and gardens, particularly during the 18th and 19th centuries.

#physics #science #engineering #shorts #youtubechamps

[vt.physics]

What's a cooler name?
Crinkle crankle wall or ...
crinkum crankum wall
sinusoidal wall
serpentine wall
ribbon wall
wavy wall

[lighter]

When you get too silly but boss said just get it done

[APenguinsLullaby]

I love these short video that are just like "hey physics is crazy and doing something as smally and making a wall wavey can make it way stronger"

[RichardM-kvuu]

Do we? I've never heard it called that before! Learn something new every day!

[chadiles]

I have no idea where this comes from but it's always popping up on the internet - I have lived in England for 31 years, traveled from Edinburgh to Penzance and I have never seen or even heard of a wall build like this, we definitely do not use this style on wall in England, if we do it must be an incredibly rare occurrence

[johnbowmer]

Oddly, the only examples of this type of wall I am aware of are at Jefferson's Virginia University, but nothing here in the UK

[halooffire]

I drive past that wall regularly. Never heard it called that before.

[GabrielGarcia-]

Thats really cool looking actually. I'll keep this in mind. Thanks VT

[AfraidMonsters]

I never knew that… that’s really interesting. It makes me kinda want a fence like that for my future home. (The stability) And also you could plant plants and trees in the divots!

[joelonsdale]

I've never seen a curvy wall or heard one being called a crinkle crankle wall. Are you sure??

[Definitely_Melnyx]

Does this stability extend to external impact from for example a car reverse out?

[scuro]

I'll take the 2 thick wall any day, that curvy wall gives me anxiety just thinking of cutting the grass next to it!

[mysticalpie]

How do you want your walls curved or straight? 🧱

[exosmusic]

You? In England? Are you British, ma'am?

[hayhayhay]

Ain't never heard that just called them wibbly walls

[WonderingWind]

Now i understand. Whenever this fact comes up I always doubt it. The thing is I didn't know the straight wall used two rows.

[vt.physics]

Many are asking about the name of the wall and the mathematics that supports the theory. Here's the source if you'd like more info:


And if you want to find out where your nearest one is, I suggest using Google maps

[Fucue]

Wait so you're telling me the wolf in 3 little pigs can blow the house down

[demonslet]

Crinkle crankle in the wall. Who is the strongest of them wall?

[thebreamkiller]

You're saying it like you're from England😂