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17. ST LOUIS ARCH – A CATENARY It is well known that the catenary is the mathematical curve which occurs as the shape assumed by a flexible hanging chain. An inverted catenary is also the shape of the St Louis Gateway Arch. Which raises the interesting question: why did the good councillors of St Louis ever decide to build an arch, which while stylish, must have been very difficult to construct? Construction began in 1963 and was opened to the public in 1967. It stands 192 m tall and is 192 m wide at its base. When it was constructed, both legs were built up at the same time. When it came time to connect the legs at the apex, there was a problem, due to the sun heating up the south leg. This was solved by the Fire Department cooling off the south leg using fire hoses! The arch has an observation deck at the top.
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