DO I NEED AN ENGINEER TO HANG A TIRE SWING?

Irene O'GormanEngineering

Do I need an engineer to hang a tire swing? OK, let’s start with the basics…

DEFINITION:

en·gi·neer·ing  (enjəˈniring) -noun-

Professional art of applying science to the optimum conversion of the resources of nature to the uses of humankind. Engineering is based principally on physics, chemistry, and mathematics and their extensions. A great body of special knowledge associated with engineering; preparation for professional practice involves extensive training in the application of that knowledge. Engineers employ two types of natural resources, materials and energy.

Merriam-Webster

ENGINEERING SIMPLIFIED

OK, so that was a mouthful.  The long and the short of it is that engineering is the use of physics to design everything:  buildings, machines and/or their internal and connective systems.

Every human in the industrialized world is surrounded by products of engineering. So, that means, from the car you drive (or bike you pedal), the stove you cook with (or the stoves at restaurants you frequent); to the hinges used on your front door.  If you use it or live in it, it’s a good bet that it was dreamed up by an engineer.

SO, DO I NEED AN ENGINEER TO HANG A TIRE SWING??

Well, no.  But…let’s say you want to put up a simple tire swing for the kids.  Not a project you would look to hire an engineer for, right?

You haul out an old used tire from the garage and dig out a healthy length of brand new, never used rope.  You select just the right oak tree branch for strength and finally hang the tire; securing it to the specially selected tree branch using a complex threaded figure 8 knot which you thoroughly researched on the internet and used because it was certified to hold up to 610lbs (and if it says it on the internet…).

Ten minutes later your 10 year old twin boys come charging outside to play on their new swing.  You survey your good work with a proud smile and eventually go back to the garage to tackle your next project.

A short time later you hear a thud and simultaneous shouts.  What happened?

  1. The rope you used, although new, was not appropriately rated for the combined load of TWINS + TIRE
  2. You tied the tire swing too close to the tree truck; not taking into account the trajectory of TWINS + TIRE when the inappropriately sized rope stretched due to the load stress
  3. You tied the tire swing too far out on the branch; not taking into account the combined weight of TWINS + TIRE; the overall load stress on the smaller diameter portion of the branch causing it to snap
  4. ANY of the above

DIY – How to Hang a Tire Swing

HAD AN ENGINEER BEEN CONSULTED ON THE TIRE SWING PROJECT

So, do I need an engineer to hang a tire swing? Technically no.  Although, had an engineer been consulted on the tire swing project, they would have calculated the distance and load, and factored in wind speed variables to design a safe and functional tire swing.

And although you still may not be convinced that an engineer is needed for a tire swing project, the fact of the matter is most people don’t realize that there are any number of household projects that do require an engineer.

Because, if you are working on remodeling your home or business, you will probably need a permit. And, if you need a permit, in many cases you will need a stamped architectural and/or engineers drawing.

So, before starting a building addition or improvement, check with your local building department for the do’s and don’ts of your upcoming project.

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