RE: Was: Conducting Telephone...Now Interview Questions

[John Posada <jposada01 -at- yahoo -dot- com>]

> > Why are manhole covers round? 
> > Because a round cover cannot fall into a round hole.

Hi, guys...I did a little search on this question, and while the idea
of not falling in was a valid answer, though it isn't the only shape
that cannot fall in, it isn't the only right answer..that's why
Microsoft developed the interview question, to see how an interviewee
handles a question with multiple right answers.

Other "right" answers are, yes, the alignment issue that I mentioned
(and was told "wrong", but also, because they're heavy, they can be
rolled, and becuase there are no sharp corners, safer, also easier to
mfg, and stronger.

Do a search. One hit, amoung hundreds, is:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manhole_cover

"Reasons for the shape include: Round tubes are the strongest and
most material-efficient shape against the compression of the earth
around them. A circle is the simplest shape whereby the lid cannot
fall into the hole. (A Reuleaux triangle or other curve of constant
width would also serve this purpose, but round covers are much easier
to manufacture.) The bearing surfaces of manhole frames and covers
are machined to assure flatness and prevent them from becoming
dislodged by traffic. Round castings are much easier to machine using
horizontal boring mills. Circular covers can also be moved around by
rolling, and they need not be aligned to put them back.



John Posada
Senior Technical Writer

"So long and thanks for all the fish."
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