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Engineering of Structures

Tension

Vicki May

This course deals with tension. Tension is one of the easiest forces to understand. It is a pulling force. When we tend to pull an object, it is in tension. Different elements that resist tension in buildings are ropes, cables, and funicular forms. You will study different structures and identify what role tension plays in their designs. The first module explores tension and its importance in building structures.

The second module explores funicular forms, angles, and bridges. You will understand the role of funicular forms in sustaining tension, how to best design elements and systems that resist tensile forces. You will also recognize the similarities and differences between suspension bridges and cable-stayed bridges. The third module explores how to build a cable-stayed bridge. You'll also study the structures of different bridges and share a report on them.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction to Tension

This module explores tension and its importance in building structures.

Angles, Funicular Forms, and Bridges

This module explores funicular forms, angles, and bridges. You will understand the role of funicular forms in sustaining tension, how to best design elements and systems that resist tensile forces. You will also understand the similarities and differences between suspension bridges and cable-stayed bridges

Building a Cable-stayed Bridge

This module explores how to build a cable-stayed bridge. You'll also study the structures of different bridges and share a report on them.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Develops understanding of tension in building structures, which is core to civil engineering

Explores funicular forms, angles, and bridges, which is relevant to students of architectural design

Detailed study of different bridge structures, providing a good foundation for further research

Requires students to have some prior knowledge of structural engineering

May be more suitable for advanced learners or those with a background in architectural design

Instructor is recognized for their work in structural engineering

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Engineering of Structures: Tension with these activities:

Brush up on basic structural engineering

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Review the fundamentals of structural engineering to prepare for this course and reinforce your understanding of tension in building structures.

Browse courses on Structural Engineering

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Review the concepts of tension, compression, and shear
Revisit the principles of structural analysis
Practice solving structural engineering problems

Read 'Structures: Or Why Things Don't Fall Down' by J.E. Gordon

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Expand your knowledge of structural engineering principles and gain insights into the role of tension in building structures by reading this classic text.

View Structures: Or Why Things Don't Fall Down on Amazon

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Read the book thoroughly
Take notes and highlight key concepts
Discuss the book with peers or a mentor

Explore online tutorials on bridge design software

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Enhance your understanding of bridge design by exploring online tutorials on specialized software, allowing you to apply your knowledge of tension and funicular forms practically.

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Identify reputable online tutorials on bridge design software
Follow the tutorials step-by-step
Practice using the software to design and analyze bridges

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Solve practice problems on tension in structures

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Engage in targeted practice to improve your understanding and problem-solving skills related to tension in structures.

Browse courses on Tension

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Find practice problems on tension in structures
Work through the problems step-by-step
Review your solutions and identify areas for improvement

Attend a workshop on structural analysis

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Participate in a workshop to gain hands-on experience in structural analysis, deepening your understanding of how tension affects building structures.

Browse courses on Structural Analysis

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Identify and register for a relevant workshop
Actively participate in the workshop activities
Apply the knowledge and techniques learned to your own projects

Write a blog post on the applications of tension in civil engineering

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Enhance your understanding of tension in civil engineering by researching and writing a blog post that explores its applications in various structures.

Browse courses on Tension

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Research the applications of tension in civil engineering
Organize and outline your content
Write your blog post clearly and concisely
Proofread and edit your post before publishing
Share your post with peers or a mentor for feedback

Design a suspension bridge model

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Apply your knowledge of tension and funicular forms to design and create a model of a suspension bridge, demonstrating your understanding of these concepts.

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Research suspension bridge designs
Plan and sketch your model
Build your suspension bridge model
Test and evaluate your model's performance

Participate in a bridge design competition

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Challenge yourself and showcase your skills by participating in a bridge design competition, putting your knowledge of tension and funicular forms to the test.

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Identify and register for a relevant competition
Design and build a bridge that meets the competition requirements
Submit your bridge for evaluation
Participate in the competition and present your design

Career center

Learners who complete Engineering of Structures: Tension will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Structural Engineer

Structural Engineers specialize in the design and analysis of structures. They must understand the forces that act on structures and how to design structures to withstand these forces. This course provides a foundation in the principles of tension and how it is used in the design of structures. This knowledge is essential for Structural Engineers who want to design safe and durable structures.

See salaries and explore the career path for Structural Engineer

Civil Engineer

Civil Engineers design and build structures, such as bridges, buildings, and roads. They must understand how forces such as tension act on structures and how to design structures to withstand these forces. This course provides a foundation in the principles of tension and how it is used in the design of structures. This knowledge is essential for Civil Engineers who want to design safe and durable structures.

See salaries and explore the career path for Civil Engineer

Bridge Engineer

Bridge Engineers design and build bridges. They must understand the forces that act on bridges and how to design bridges to withstand these forces. This course provides a foundation in the principles of tension and how it is used in the design of bridges. This knowledge is essential for Bridge Engineers who want to design safe and durable bridges.

See salaries and explore the career path for Bridge Engineer

Construction Manager

Construction Managers oversee the construction of buildings and other structures. They must understand the forces that act on structures and how to construct structures to withstand these forces. This course provides a foundation in the principles of tension and how it is used in the design of structures. This knowledge is essential for Construction Managers who want to oversee the construction of safe and durable structures.

See salaries and explore the career path for Construction Manager

Architect

Architects design buildings and other structures. They must understand the forces that act on structures and how to design structures to withstand these forces. This course provides a foundation in the principles of tension and how it is used in the design of structures. This knowledge is essential for Architects who want to design safe and durable buildings.

See salaries and explore the career path for Architect

Aerospace Engineer

Aerospace Engineers design and build aircraft and other aerospace vehicles. They must understand the forces that act on aircraft and how to design aircraft to withstand these forces. This course provides a foundation in the principles of tension and how it is used in the design of aircraft. This knowledge is essential for Aerospace Engineers who want to design safe and durable aircraft.

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Mechanical Engineer

Mechanical Engineers design and build machines and other mechanical devices. They must understand the forces that act on machines and how to design machines to withstand these forces. This course provides a foundation in the principles of tension and how it is used in the design of machines. This knowledge is essential for Mechanical Engineers who want to design safe and durable machines.

See salaries and explore the career path for Mechanical Engineer

Geotechnical Engineer

Geotechnical Engineers design and build structures that interact with the ground. They must understand the forces that act on structures and how to design structures to withstand these forces. This course provides a foundation in the principles of tension and how it is used in the design of structures. This knowledge is essential for Geotechnical Engineers who want to design safe and durable structures that interact with the ground.

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Materials Scientist

Materials Scientists study the properties of materials and how they can be used in the design of new products. They must understand the forces that act on materials and how to design materials to withstand these forces. This course provides a foundation in the principles of tension and how it is used in the design of materials. This knowledge is essential for Materials Scientists who want to develop new materials for use in a variety of applications.

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Forensic Engineer

Forensic Engineers investigate the causes of failures in structures. They must understand the forces that act on structures and how to design structures to withstand these forces. This course provides a foundation in the principles of tension and how it is used in the design of structures. This knowledge is essential for Forensic Engineers who want to investigate the causes of failures in structures.

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Earthquake Engineer

Earthquake Engineers design and build structures to withstand earthquakes. They must understand the forces that act on structures and how to design structures to withstand these forces. This course provides a foundation in the principles of tension and how it is used in the design of structures. This knowledge is essential for Earthquake Engineers who want to design safe and durable structures that can withstand earthquakes.

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Fire Protection Engineer

Fire Protection Engineers design and build structures to protect them from fire. They must understand the forces that act on structures and how to design structures to withstand these forces. This course provides a foundation in the principles of tension and how it is used in the design of structures. This knowledge is essential for Fire Protection Engineers who want to design safe and durable structures that can withstand fire.

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Wind Engineer

Wind Engineers study the effects of wind on structures. They must understand the forces that act on structures and how to design structures to withstand these forces. This course provides a foundation in the principles of tension and how it is used in the design of structures. This knowledge is essential for Wind Engineers who want to design safe and durable structures that can withstand wind forces.

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Naval Architect

Naval Architects design and build ships and other marine vessels. They must understand the forces that act on ships and how to design ships to withstand these forces. This course provides a foundation in the principles of tension and how it is used in the design of ships. This knowledge is essential for Naval Architects who want to design safe and durable ships.

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Acoustical Engineer

Acoustical Engineers design and build structures to control noise. They must understand the forces that act on structures and how to design structures to withstand these forces. This course provides a foundation in the principles of tension and how it is used in the design of structures. This knowledge is essential for Acoustical Engineers who want to design safe and durable structures that can control noise.

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Reading list

We've selected 12 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Engineering of Structures: Tension.

Risk in Extreme Environments

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This is an introductory textbook that is suitable for use in an undergraduate course engineering structures and mechanics. It provides a comprehensive overview of the topic of tension, including its importance in building structures, the different elements that resist tension, and the design of tension-resistant structures.

Engineering of Structures

Tension

What's inside

Syllabus

Good to know

Save this course

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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