Why Are Manhole Covers Round?

[kindablack]

Hey you smart people,

This question is asked to understand how you are willing to think on your own and how creative you can present the solution in job interviews!

So, show me your creativity BHW!

 

[adertipnip]

"Why is a soap bubble round? Because it is the most energy efficient configuration" - K.PAX

 

[Danquids]

Do you want me to quote the answer from the article I search on google, or should I write in my own words?

 

[ContentExpert]

I mean, if it was "square" in shape, you could then ask why it's not a circle.

 

[Deleted member 1070597]

i see it as a basic subject that people see it in decades now, it's kinda habit that the manhole is round, like the most houses are square. that's my opinion

 

[Danquids]

Do you want me to quote the answer from the article I search on google, or should I write in my own words?

Spoiler: Here is why?

A round manhole cover can’t fall through its circular opening, because no matter how you position it, the cover is wider than the hole. But a square, rectangular, or oval manhole cover could fall in if it was inserted diagonally into the hole. - Scheckel

 

[BassTrackerBoats]

Something to do with a round cover not being able to fall into the hole and a square one, triangular one, rectangled one would be able to fall into the hole.

 

[Gadot]

The reason is simple: when you don't have a spare tire you can replace your flat one with the nearest manhole cover and continue your journey in no time. Try doing that with any other shape

 

[mhtro]

Because a round object is not as sexually explicit and aimed to shame towards a gender. The reason is pretty simple and just the idea that a cover should not be round offends me and SpongeBob.

 

[Deleted member 813988]

A round manhole cover cannot fall through its circular opening, whereas a square manhole cover might fall in if it were inserted diagonally in the hole

 

[blackwalker]

If you have a square cover, it creates stress and weak points. Squares are great architectural models when they are cubes. But, when you have a heavy vehicle run over the stressed point, it can easily create cracks and when have you ever seen a cracked manhole over? The circle model is somewhat of a circle, its semi punched out in the same way because it takes more force to push it down(The Monroe effect.) That way more vehichles can run over it and not be scathed

 

[kindablack]

This was a simple one.