Activity 1.1.1 History of Civil Engineering and Archtiecture



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|Activity 1.1.1 History of Civil Engineering and Architecture |

Introduction

Can you name any of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World? Each was a feat of civil engineering and architecture. What causes structures such as these to fill us with awe even today? What is it that makes them seem more wondrous in our time of modernization? These structures have paved the way for many new advances in the design of the structures you see today.

In this activity you will learn about the history of civil engineering and architecture. You will see differences between the two professions and learn of their beginnings.

Equipment

History of Civil Engineering and Architecture presentation

Procedure

In this activity you will investigate the history of civil engineering and architecture. You will see differences between the two professions and learn of their beginnings.

Define civil engineering.

Civil engineering is the design and construction of public works, such as bridges, dams, and other large facilities.

Define architecture.

Architecture is the art and science of designing buildings for human habitation.

Describe the origination of the concept of architecture?

Architecture was born when people began to live in constructed dwellings and within communities rather than being a nomadic.

In ancient times how were building materials chosen?

In ancient times, building materials were chosen depending on the environment around them.

Give two examples of vernacular architecture.

Two examples are Igloos and a hut.

Name and describe the type of system used to create many early buildings.

The type of system used to create many buildings was vernacular architecture. This was the use of using environmentally local materials and the resources to address needs.

What was the purpose of the Egyptian pyramids? Mexican pyramids?

Egyptian pyramids were used as tombs for pharaoh while Mexican pyramids were built for religious sacrifice or scientific use.

What kind of construction method was used to build the Parthenon? Made a simple sketch to illustrate.

They used post and lintel with horizontal beams and vertical posts.

What problem in architecture led to this form of construction?

The problem was that they needed to provide door and window openings and keep good support system.

Explain how an arch is created.

An arch is created with small pieces of stone held together against a keystone in order to create a large opening.

How is the vault used in civil engineering?

Vaults are used for bridges, pathways, and passages.

Give an example of an arch and dome system.

One arch and dome system is the Pantheon.

Give an example of a modern material we have that was not available to the ancients. How did this restrict construction in ancient times?

One modern material that we have now is a crane. This slowed down the process of carrying large objects and materials.

What was the purpose of the Roman aqueducts?

The purpose of Roman aqueducts is to provide fresh water throughout Rome.

Compare ancient Greek roads to ancient Roman roads.

Greek roads were paver or carved out while Roman roads were created using layers of different materials. First large blocks of stone were placed as the base and then broken stone and sand, and finally basalt blocks that were set with lime mortar.

Describe an ancient Roman bridge.

Roman bridges used arches and were made from stone and concrete.

How did building materials and methods change after the Romans?

After the Romans, iron was cheaper so it was used more often. Also a new blast furnace allowed local engineers to carry iron across rivers.

Conclusion

1. Give an example of a modern pyramid not shown in the presentation. How does its function differ from that of the Egyptian pyramids? What do you think accounts for this difference?

A modern pyramid is the pyramid in the courtyard of the Louvre Museum in Paris, the Luxor hotel in Las Vegas, and the Pyramid Arena in Memphis Tennessee. Modern pyramids are for aesthetics and old pyramids were for the tomb of the Pharaoh. This difference is due to the fact that there are no pharaohs or absolute rulers that we need to praise.

Give an example of a modern structure that uses an arch and dome system.

The Flower Dome in Singapore uses an arch and dome system.

What is the main purpose of modern roads? How is the cost of modern roadways defrayed?

Modern roads are used for transportation of cars. It is defrayed through our taxes.[pic]

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