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Engineering of Structures

Response of Structures

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4.9

Based on 33 ratings

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Vicki May

This course explores the impact of different forces on the construction of bug buildings. It provides an overall understanding of how buildings respond to different forces that impact their designs. The first module introduces you to the concept of the overall response of structures. The second module explores different types of loads and their impact on the design of large structures. It also gives a detailed explanation of how buildings fall due to earthquakes. In addition, the module offers an explanation on the impact of mass and stiffness on building response. The third module explores how to build a cardboard chair. You'll also learn how to work with SketchUp Make.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction to Overall Response of Structures

This module introduces you to the concept overall response of structures.

Loads, Building Response, and Resonance

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Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Explores the impact of forces on building design, a topic prevalent in architecture and engineering

Examines the response of structures, loads, and resonance, which are fundamental principles in structural engineering

Provides practical experience in designing and building a cardboard chair, valuable for understanding physical principles and design concepts

Teaches how to use SketchUp Make, a widely used software in architecture and design

Taught by Vicki May, a leading expert in structural engineering

Requires basic knowledge of physics and engineering principles

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Reviews summary

Structural engineering fundamentals with applied learning

According to learners, this course offers a solid foundation in structural engineering principles, particularly regarding the response of structures to various forces and the impact of earthquakes. Many students found the lectures clear and easy to follow, praising the instructor's ability to explain complex ideas accessibly. However, there's a notable divide concerning the practical module on building a cardboard chair and using SketchUp Make. While some found it a fun, hands-on application, others considered it too simplistic or out of place for an engineering course, wishing for more rigorous content. Overall, it's highly recommended for those seeking an introductory conceptual understanding, though some noted a lack of deeper mathematical treatment.

Best suited for beginners or those seeking an overview.

"A good introductory course. It covers the fundamentals well."

"I would recommend this for those starting out in the field."

"Excellent course for getting a high-level overview of structural response."

The hands-on project draws mixed reactions from learners.

"The cardboard chair project was a bit unexpected but a fun way to apply concepts, though it felt a little disconnected from the rest of the professional content."

"The 'Building a Cardboard Chair' module felt completely out of place and too simplistic for a course titled 'Engineering of Structures'."

"Disappointed. While the theory in the first two modules was okay, the third module was a total waste of time for me as an engineer. Building a cardboard chair? Really?"

Instructor effectively simplifies complex engineering concepts.

"The lectures were well-structured and easy to follow."

"The instructor explains complex ideas in a very understandable way."

"I found the course quite useful for understanding basic structural behavior. The pace is good."

Provides a strong foundation in structural response.

"This course provided a very clear introduction to the overall response of structures and different types of loads."

"Absolutely fantastic! As someone new to structural engineering, this course laid a solid foundation."

"Provides a strong conceptual understanding of structural behavior under loads. I would recommend this for those starting out in the field."

Focus is conceptual rather than deeply mathematical.

"My only minor gripe is the lack of deeper mathematical treatment; it's more conceptual."

"I might have liked more challenging assignments, but the current ones serve their purpose for foundational knowledge."

"As an engineering student, I expected more rigorous content. More advanced examples needed."

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: Response of Structures with these activities:

Read 'Structural Analysis'

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Review the fundamentals of structural analysis by reading this book to reinforce your understanding of the overall response of structures.

Show steps

Obtain a copy of 'Structural Analysis'
Read chapters 1-3

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Career center

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

Civil Engineer

Civil Engineers design, build, and maintain buildings, including large structures like skyscrapers. This course provides an overall understanding of how buildings respond to various forces, such as earthquakes, wind, and snow loads. It also explores the impact of mass and stiffness on building response, which is crucial knowledge for designing safe and resilient structures. Taking this course can help Civil Engineers enhance their understanding of structural mechanics and improve their ability to design and construct robust buildings.

See salaries and explore the career path for Civil Engineer

Structural Engineer

Structural Engineers are responsible for designing and analyzing the structural elements of buildings and other structures, ensuring their stability and safety. This course delves into the response of structures to different forces, providing Structural Engineers with a deeper understanding of how buildings behave under various loading conditions. It covers topics such as loads, building response, and resonance, which are essential for designing and evaluating the structural integrity of buildings.

See salaries and explore the career path for Structural Engineer

Building Inspector

Building Inspectors ensure that buildings comply with building codes and safety regulations. This course provides them with a comprehensive understanding of the overall response of structures, enabling them to assess the structural integrity of buildings accurately. Modules on loads, building response, and resonance equip Building Inspectors with the knowledge to identify potential structural issues and take appropriate action, ensuring the safety of occupants.

See salaries and explore the career path for Building Inspector

Construction Manager

Construction Managers oversee the construction process of buildings and other structures. This course provides them with a solid foundation in structural response, helping them understand the impact of different forces on building design. It also covers topics such as loads, building response, and resonance, enabling Construction Managers to make informed decisions during the construction process and ensure the structural integrity of projects.

See salaries and explore the career path for Construction Manager

Architect

Architects are responsible for designing buildings and other structures, ensuring their functionality, aesthetics, and structural integrity. This course provides them with a comprehensive understanding of the response of structures to different forces, enabling them to design buildings that are both visually appealing and structurally sound. Modules on loads, building response, and resonance equip Architects with the knowledge to create safe and resilient structures that meet the needs of occupants.

See salaries and explore the career path for Architect

Geotechnical Engineer

Geotechnical Engineers design and construct foundations for buildings and other structures, ensuring their stability and safety. This course provides them with a solid understanding of the response of structures to different forces, particularly those related to soil and rock mechanics. It covers topics such as loads, building response, and resonance, enabling Geotechnical Engineers to design and construct foundations that can withstand various loading conditions and ensure the structural integrity of buildings.

See salaries and explore the career path for Geotechnical Engineer

Architectural Engineer

Architectural Engineers combine the principles of architecture and engineering to design and construct buildings. This course provides them with a solid foundation in structural response, helping them understand the impact of different forces on building design. It also covers topics such as loads, building response, and resonance, enabling Architectural Engineers to design and construct buildings that are both aesthetically pleasing and structurally sound.

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Sustainability Engineer

Sustainability Engineers focus on designing and constructing buildings and other structures in a sustainable manner. This course provides them with an understanding of the response of structures to different forces, including those related to environmental factors such as wind and solar loads. It covers topics such as loads, building response, and resonance, enabling Sustainability Engineers to design and construct buildings that are both environmentally friendly and structurally sound.

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Fire Protection Engineer

Fire Protection Engineers design and implement systems to protect buildings and their occupants from fire. This course provides them with an understanding of the response of structures to fire loads. It covers topics such as loads, building response, and resonance, enabling Fire Protection Engineers to design and implement fire protection systems that can withstand the impact of fire and ensure the safety of occupants.

See salaries and explore the career path for Fire Protection Engineer

Forensic Engineer

Forensic Engineers investigate the causes of structural failures and accidents. This course provides them with an understanding of the response of structures to different forces, enabling them to analyze structural failures and determine their root causes. It covers topics such as loads, building response, and resonance, equipping Forensic Engineers with the knowledge to conduct thorough investigations and provide expert testimony.

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Earthquake Engineer

Earthquake Engineers design and construct buildings and other structures to withstand earthquakes. This course provides them with a specialized understanding of the response of structures to seismic loads. It covers topics such as loads, building response, and resonance, enabling Earthquake Engineers to design and construct buildings that can withstand the impact of earthquakes and ensure the safety of occupants.

See salaries and explore the career path for Earthquake Engineer

Materials Scientist

Materials Scientists research and develop new materials for various applications, including construction. This course provides them with an understanding of the response of structures to different forces, enabling them to develop materials that can withstand various loading conditions. It covers topics such as loads, building response, and resonance, equipping Materials Scientists with the knowledge to create innovative materials for the construction industry.

See salaries and explore the career path for Materials Scientist

Mechanical Engineer

Mechanical Engineers design and build mechanical systems for buildings and other structures. This course provides them with an understanding of the response of structures to different forces, enabling them to design and build mechanical systems that can withstand various loading conditions. It covers topics such as loads, building response, and resonance, equipping Mechanical Engineers with the knowledge to create safe and efficient mechanical systems for buildings.

See salaries and explore the career path for Mechanical Engineer

Electrical Engineer

Electrical Engineers design and build electrical systems for buildings and other structures. This course provides them with an understanding of the response of structures to different forces, enabling them to design and build electrical systems that can withstand various loading conditions. It covers topics such as loads, building response, and resonance, equipping Electrical Engineers with the knowledge to create safe and reliable electrical systems for buildings.

See salaries and explore the career path for Electrical Engineer

Computer Scientist

Computer Scientists design and develop software and systems for various applications, including structural analysis and design. This course may provide them with some understanding of the response of structures to different forces, which could be useful in developing software tools for structural engineers. However, the course's focus on building a cardboard chair and SketchUp Make is less relevant to the field of Computer Science.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Scientist

Reading list

We've selected ten 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: Response of Structures.

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Dynamics of Structures in SI Units

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Provides a detailed overview of the dynamics of structures, with a focus on earthquake engineering. It valuable resource for students and professionals alike.

Dynamics of Structures in SI Units

Wind Effects on Structures

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Is appropriate for the course's second module on loads and building response. It provides a comprehensive overview of the effects of wind on structures.

Wind Effects on Structures: Modern Structural...

Wind Effects on Structures: Modern Structural...

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Prestressed Concrete

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Provides a comprehensive overview of the design of prestressed concrete structures.

Prestressed Concrete

Prestressed Concrete (Pb-2015)

Prestressed Concrete

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Structural Dynamics

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Provides a comprehensive overview of structural dynamics, with a focus on theory and computation.

Structural Dynamics

Structural Dynamics

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Matrix Analysis Framed Structures

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Provides a comprehensive overview of the matrix analysis of framed structures.

Matrix Analysis of Framed Structures

Matrix Analysis Framed Structures

Matrix Analysis of Framed Structures (VNR...

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Fundamentals of Structural Dynamics

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May be a helpful background resource for the first module of the course. It provides a comprehensive overview of the fundamentals of structural mechanics.

Fundamentals of Structural Dynamics

Fundamentals of Structural Dynamics

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Tall Building Design

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Provides a comprehensive overview of the structural analysis and design of tall buildings.

Reinforced Concrete Design of Tall Buildings

Structural Analysis and Design of Tall Buildings:...

Tall Building Design: Steel, Concrete, and...

Steel, Concrete, and Composite Design of Tall and...

Steel, Concrete, and Composite Design of Tall...

Structural Analysis and Design of Tall Buildings

Reinforced Concrete Design of Tall Buildings

Tall Building Design: Steel, Concrete, and...

Structural Analysis and Design of Tall Buildings:...

Steel, Concrete, and Composite Design of Tall and...

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Design of Steel Structures

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Provides a comprehensive overview of the design of steel structures.

Design of Steel Structures

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Concrete Structures

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Provides a comprehensive overview of the stresses and strains in concrete structures.

Concrete Structures: Stresses and Deformations:...

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Aging, Shaking, and Cracking of Infrastructures

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Provides a historical approach to structural analysis.

Aging, Shaking, and Cracking of Infrastructures:...

Aging, Shaking, and Cracking of Infrastructures:...

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Rating

4.9

Effort

16 hours to complete

Level

Introductory

Via

Coursera

Institution

Dartmouth College

Instructor

Vicki May

Language

English

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 (viewing)
Engineering of Structures: Compression
Engineering of Structures: Tension
Engineering of Structures: Tension and Compression

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Explores the impact of forces on building design, a topic prevalent in architecture and engineering

Examines the response of structures, loads, and resonance, which are fundamental principles in structural engineering

Provides practical experience in designing and building a cardboard chair, valuable for understanding physical principles and design concepts

Teaches how to use SketchUp Make, a widely used software in architecture and design

Taught by Vicki May, a leading expert in structural engineering

Requires basic knowledge of physics and engineering principles

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