How to build a chocolate bridge (family)

Engineer Roma Agrawal uses surprising materials to explore some whacky engineering challenges

As an engineer on The Shard, an iconic London landmark, Roma Agrawal knows that steel and concrete are master materials for big pieces of a structure.

But what happens when you throw all sense out the window, and use completely the wrong material to build stuff? For example, what about using gummy bears to make swimming pools? Meringue to make rocket insulation? Or even chocolate to make a bridge? Through these whacky combinations, Roma reveals the secrets of how materials work, and why engineers don’t normally attempt such stunts and stick the materials they know and love. Copies of Roma’s latest book “How to build a chocolate bridge” will be available to purchase after the talk.