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Vicki May

In this Specialization, you will learn some engineering principles that can be applied to structural systems everywhere: in nature, in furniture, in mechanical and aerospace systems, and in any solid object that resists a load.

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In this Specialization, you will learn some engineering principles that can be applied to structural systems everywhere: in nature, in furniture, in mechanical and aerospace systems, and in any solid object that resists a load.

Together we’ll explore how structures work, why they were designed the way they were designed, how they support loads, and where forces flow through them.

More specifically you will:

Learn about funicular forms and how ropes and cables resist tension. Discuss how columns, arches, and anti-funicular forms resist compression. Discover how trusses, beams and walls resist loads. • Sketch the flow of forces through structures. Compare and contrast different structural forms and systems to answer a range of questions such as: Why might an engineer choose a beam over a truss? How do the dimensions of a structure affect its response? How do engineers choose forms and systems to create structures that are both elegant and functional?

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What's inside

Five courses

Engineering of Structures: Tension

This course explores tension, a pulling force commonly found in building structures. It covers funicular forms, angles, and bridges, examining how they resist tensile forces. Students will analyze different bridge structures and their use of tension.

Engineering of Structures: Compression

This course covers compression, a force that pushes objects together. Compression is essential for supporting structures like buildings. You'll learn about columns, arches, and anti-funicular forms, which are all used to resist compression. You'll also build anti-funicular forms.

Engineering of Structures: Tension and Compression

This course covers tension and compression. After completing this course, you will understand why tensegrity structures and sculptures are different from other structures. You will also explore tension and compression in different types of trusses. Additionally, you will understand determinacy and realize how it applies to trusses.

Engineering of Structures: Shear and Bending

This course covers shear and bending, which are forces that act on structures. Shear is a set of parallel, non-collinear forces, while bending is the curved form taken by a slender element when subjected to loads perpendicular to the element. You will study how stress and bending force act for different structures and also, identify what role these forces play in their designs.

Engineering of Structures: Response of Structures

This course explores the impact of different forces on the construction of large buildings. It provides an overall understanding of how buildings respond to different forces that impact their designs.

Learning objectives

  • How and why the world's structures (including structures in the natural and biological world) were designed and constructed the way they were​
  • To conceptually design and build prototypes of structures
  • To describe the loads expected on a structure and the resulting flow of forces through the structure
  • To identify and compare structural elements, forms, and systems

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