Activity 1.1.1 History of Civil Engineering ... - Architecture



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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 a field where public works are designed.

Define architecture.

Architecture is the art and science of designing and constructing buildings.

Describe the origination of the concept of architecture?

The origination of the concept of architecture began when humans decided to go from a nomadic lifestyle to settlement where they needed to build homes.

In ancient times how were building materials chosen?

In ancient times, building materials were chosen by vernacular architecture which is affected by climate, available materials, culture, etc.

Give two examples of vernacular architecture.

Two examples of vernacular structure are igloos which trap the heat in cold climates like the arctic or houses on stilts which are made for areas with a lot of monsoons and flood.

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

The type of system used to create many early buildings were digging holes and providing support for posts of a vernacular material, like wood, that would be covered with a roof like animal skin to provide shelter.

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

Egyptian and Mexican pyramids were used as a religious sacrament as a connection between the immortal world and the mortals.

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

The Parthenon was built by vertical columns with horizontal columns resting on them, in a method known as post and lintel.

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What problem in architecture led to this form of construction?

The stone material was too brittle to support too much weight. The horizontal columns were supported by several vertical columns to distribute the weight.

Explain how an arch is created.

An arch is created by building a frame that serves as the underside of the arch.  Voussirs are laid on this center frame until the desired scaffolding is complete.

How is the vault used in civil engineering?

The vault is used to create hallways and provide space with a ceiling or roof.

Give an example of an arch and dome system.

The pantheon temple in Rome.

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

Steel was not available and is stronger than many ancient materials, so modern buildings can be built higher and with less support than old buildings. It also provides oxidation for the buildings.

What was the purpose of the Roman aqueducts?

The purpose of the Roman aqueducts was to provide water to the Roman cities.

Compare ancient Greek roads to ancient Roman roads.

Romans used their concrete to pave their more well-traveled roads.  On others, they used a corduroy rock-style roads.  However, ancient Greek roads were dirt and dusty, and muddy and soggy in the winter.

Describe an ancient Roman bridge.

An ancient Roman bridge was made of stones and had an arch structure for the support of the bridge and was the first civilization to use cement.

How did building materials and methods change after the Romans?

Stone and masonry was used in their building of the castles.  They also used pointed spires for their roofs in contrast to the domed roofs of the Romans.

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?

The louvre is a modern pyramid located in France.  It is just for a show of architectural display, this contrasts the intricate burial places that the Egyptian pyramids are.

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

The Golden Dome in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

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

The main purpose of modern roads is transportation. The cost of modern roadways is defrayed by various forms of taxation.[pic]

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