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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.
Read more
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.
Read more
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.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/51lg81/engineering
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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
Read more
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
Read more
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what should give you pause 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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Reviews summary
Foundational structural tension and bridge engineering
According to learners, this course offers an excellent introduction to the principles of tension in structural engineering, particularly highlighting funicular forms and various bridge types. Many found the content clear and digestible, making it accessible even for beginners or advanced hobbyists. The hands-on module for building a cable-stayed bridge is frequently praised as a rewarding and practical application of the concepts. While widely seen as a solid foundation, some with prior engineering experience found the depth lacking for advanced study, suggesting it's best as an introductory or refresher course.
Highly recommended for those new to structural engineering or needing a solid review.
"Highly recommend for civil engineering students. It's very comprehensive."
"As an architecture student, I needed a strong foundation in structural principles, and this delivered."
"This course exceeded my expectations... I highly recommend it to anyone interested in structural engineering fundamentals."
The hands-on bridge building project effectively cements theoretical knowledge.
"The module on building a cable-stayed bridge was a fantastic hands-on experience, really cementing the theoretical concepts."
"Building the cable-stayed bridge project was challenging but incredibly rewarding."
"The project on the cable-stayed bridge was a highlight. This helped me visualize forces better."
Provides clear, digestible explanations of core structural engineering concepts.
"The instructor's explanations are incredibly clear, especially when detailing funicular forms."
"The content is well-organized, and the concepts are explained in a very digestible manner."
"The introduction was very clear, and the funicular forms module was brilliant. I found it accessible and highly informative."
Some sections could benefit from better pacing and additional visual aids.
"I felt the pace picked up too quickly in the later sections, especially on bridge design..."
"Some of the earlier lectures could be improved with more visual aids..."
"The report assignment could have been more structured. The report was open-ended, which was both good and bad."
May not provide sufficient depth or rigor for experienced engineering professionals.
"Some parts felt a bit basic for someone with a prior engineering background; I was hoping for more advanced calculations."
"Found this course quite basic. Not suitable for experienced engineers seeking to expand their knowledge."
"I felt the depth was lacking in certain areas... It's a decent starting point but might need supplementary reading."
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
Show steps
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
Show steps
-
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
Show steps
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
Show steps
-
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
Show steps
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.
Browse courses on
Bridge Design
Show steps
-
Identify reputable online tutorials on bridge design software
-
Follow the tutorials step-by-step
-
Practice using the software to design and analyze bridges
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Solve practice problems on tension in structures
Show steps
Engage in targeted practice to improve your understanding and problem-solving skills related to tension in structures.
Browse courses on
Tension
Show steps
-
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
Show steps
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
Show steps
-
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
Show steps
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
Show steps
-
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
Show steps
Apply your knowledge of tension and funicular forms to design and create a model of a suspension bridge, demonstrating your understanding of these concepts.
Show steps
-
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
Show steps
Challenge yourself and showcase your skills by participating in a bridge design competition, putting your knowledge of tension and funicular forms to the test.
Browse courses on
Bridge Design
Show steps
-
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
Brush up on basic structural engineering
Show steps
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
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- 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
Show steps
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
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- 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
Show steps
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.
Browse courses on
Bridge Design
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify reputable online tutorials on bridge design software
- Follow the tutorials step-by-step
- Practice using the software to design and analyze bridges
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Solve practice problems on tension in structures
Show steps
Engage in targeted practice to improve your understanding and problem-solving skills related to tension in structures.
Browse courses on
Tension
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- 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
Show steps
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
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- 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
Show steps
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
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- 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
Show steps
Apply your knowledge of tension and funicular forms to design and create a model of a suspension bridge, demonstrating your understanding of these concepts.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- 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
Show steps
Challenge yourself and showcase your skills by participating in a bridge design competition, putting your knowledge of tension and funicular forms to the test.
Browse courses on
Bridge Design
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- 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:
Civil 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.
Structural Engineer
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.
Bridge 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.
Architect
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.
Construction Manager
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.
Mechanical Engineer
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.
Aerospace Engineer
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.
Materials Scientist
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.
Geotechnical 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.
Forensic Engineer
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.
Fire Protection Engineer
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.
Naval Architect
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.
Wind Engineer
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.
Earthquake Engineer
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.
Acoustical Engineer
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.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/51lg81/engineering
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.
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.
Classic textbook on mechanics of materials, covering the basics of stress, strain, and deformation in elastic and plastic materials, and providing a comprehensive overview of tension, compression, bending, shear, and torsion.
Save
Provides a comprehensive coverage of the design of structural elements, with a focus on the application of basic principles to engineering design.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the structural analysis of cable-supported bridges, with a focus on the theoretical and practical aspects.
Provides a comprehensive overview of structural analysis, covering the principles and methods used to analyze and design structures.
Provides a comprehensive coverage of bridge engineering, with a focus on the design and construction of bridges.
Save
Provides an overview of the basic principles of structural mechanics and how they can be applied to the design of efficient and expressive structures. It includes a chapter on tension structures.
Provides a comprehensive introduction to structural analysis and design, with a focus on reinforced concrete structures. It is suitable for undergraduate students and practicing engineers.
This classic textbook provides a comprehensive introduction to the mechanics of materials, including a chapter on tension. It is suitable for undergraduate students and practicing engineers.
Save
This widely-used textbook provides a comprehensive introduction to structural analysis, with a focus on steel structures. It is suitable for undergraduate students and practicing engineers.
Provides a comprehensive overview of cable-stayed bridges, including their design, analysis, and construction. It is suitable for advanced students and practicing engineers.
Provides a comprehensive overview of tension structures, including their behavior and analysis. It is suitable for advanced students and practicing engineers.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/51lg81/engineering
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Level
Introductory
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Institution
Dartmouth College
Instructor
Vicki May
Language
English
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This course belongs to a
collection
called
The Engineering of Structures Around Us. It's comprised of five courses:
- Engineering of Structures: Shear and Bending
- Engineering of Structures: Response of Structures
- Engineering of Structures: Compression
- Engineering of Structures: Tension (viewing)
- Engineering of Structures: Tension and Compression
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