Old School Science

Much of the science I celebrate here is hard and complex, based heavily on the application of raw computing power.

But today I want to celebrate science of a different type.

Civil engineer Ed Sutt (right, from Popular Science)  has probably saved millions of people from the damaging impacts of hurricanes and earthquakes thanks to his persistence in trying to improve the nail.

Suit, a Clemson grad (go Tigers) has been on this crusade for over a decade, and spend six years at the Stanley Works in Rhode Island experimenting with wind tunnels and nail designs.

Note what was needed. A dedicated researcher, wind tunnels for testing, and a company willing to invest to re-invent an age-old product. We need more of that in America.

The HurriQuake nail has a bigger head, small barbs, and a tiny
screwshank near the top. They are also made of high quality carbon
steel. The resulting nail, when used in a house (at a cost increase of
$15 on a 2,000 square foot home) can take twice the stress of an
average nail, which can make all the difference when you’re talking
about Gulf Coast hurricanes or West Coast earthquakes.

All hail Dr. Nail!