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Engineering of Structures

Compression

Vicki May

This course deals with compression. When we push an object, it compresses. Compression is what's going to hold up our building. Arches, vaults, domes, and anti-funicular forms help resist compression. In this course, you will learn about different columns and arches and their role in resisting compression. You'll also build anti-funicular forms. The first module introduces you to the topic compression and familiarizes you with the key terms related to compression. The second module deals with topics such as columns, arches, and other anti-funicular forms. It explores their roles in resisting compression. The final module explores how to build anti-funicular forms.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction to Compression
This module introduces you to the topic compression.
Columns, Anti-funicular Forms, and Arches
This module explores compression in details. It deals with topics such as columns, arches, and other anti-funicular forms. It explores their roles in resisting compression.
Read more
Building Anti-funicular Forms
This module explores how to build anti-funicular forms.

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Explores compression, which is standard in architecture and construction
Teaches key terms related to compression, which helps learners navigate real-world challenges
Builds a strong foundation for beginners in understanding compression
Develops an understanding of different columns and arches and their role in resisting compression
This course explores how to build anti-funicular forms, which is a valuable skill for architects and engineers
Taught by Vicki May, who is recognized for their work in architecture

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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: Compression with these activities:
Review Architectural History
Reviewing architectural history will help you connect the concepts of compression resistance to real-world examples of columns and arches.
Browse courses on Architectural History
Show steps
  • Read books about architectural history.
  • Visit local historical buildings.
  • Research famous architects and their contributions to the field of architecture.
Practice identifying compression forces
Practicing identifying compression forces will help you build a strong foundation for understanding compression in architecture.
Browse courses on Compression
Show steps
  • Look at different objects and identify which forces are acting on them.
  • Use a force meter to measure the force required to compress different objects.
  • Build simple structures and test their ability to withstand compression forces.
Learn about different types of columns
Learning about different types of columns will help you understand how they are used to resist compression in buildings.
Browse courses on Columns
Show steps
  • Watch videos about different types of columns.
  • Read articles about the history and evolution of columns.
  • Visit local buildings and identify the different types of columns used in their construction.
Five other activities
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Show all eight activities
Attend a workshop on compression in architecture
Attending a workshop on compression in architecture will give you the opportunity to learn from experts in the field.
Browse courses on Compression
Show steps
  • Research upcoming workshops.
  • Register for a workshop.
  • Attend the workshop and participate in the activities.
Participate in a design competition that focuses on compression
Participating in a design competition that focuses on compression will challenge you to apply your knowledge and skills to a real-world problem.
Browse courses on Architecture
Show steps
  • Research design competitions that focus on compression.
  • Choose a competition to enter.
  • Develop a design proposal.
  • Submit your design proposal.
Design a building that resists compression
Designing a building that resists compression will help you apply your knowledge of compression to a real-world problem.
Browse courses on Building Design
Show steps
  • Choose a building type and site.
  • Research different structural systems and materials.
  • Design the building's structural system.
  • Create construction documents.
Volunteer at a local construction site
Volunteering at a local construction site will give you hands-on experience with the construction of buildings that resist compression.
Browse courses on Construction
Show steps
  • Contact local construction companies and ask about volunteer opportunities.
  • Attend a safety orientation.
  • Help with construction tasks such as framing, roofing, and finishing.
Compile a portfolio of your work on compression
Compiling a portfolio of your work on compression will help you reflect on your progress and identify areas where you can improve.
Browse courses on Compression
Show steps
  • Gather your work on compression, such as assignments, projects, and presentations.
  • Organize your work into a portfolio.

Career center

Learners who complete Engineering of Structures: Compression will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Structural Engineer
A Structural Engineer designs and analyzes the structural elements of buildings and other structures. This course is relevant to this role as it covers compression, which is a critical factor in structural design. Understanding compression is essential for ensuring the safety and stability of structures.
See salaries and explore the career path for Structural Engineer
Chemical Engineer
A Chemical Engineer designs and operates chemical plants and processes. This course may be helpful as it covers compression, an important concept in chemical engineering. Understanding compression is essential for designing and operating chemical plants and processes that involve compression of gases or liquids.
See salaries and explore the career path for Chemical Engineer
Biomedical Engineer
A Biomedical Engineer designs and develops medical devices and systems. This course may be useful as it covers compression, a concept relevant to biomedical engineering. Understanding compression can aid in designing and developing medical devices that interact with the human body, which experiences compression forces.
See salaries and explore the career path for Biomedical Engineer
Civil Engineer
A Civil Engineer designs and builds infrastructure projects such as roads, bridges, and buildings. This course may be useful as it explores compression, which is a key concept for structural integrity and safety. As a Civil Engineer, you will be responsible for ensuring that these structures can withstand compression forces.
See salaries and explore the career path for Civil Engineer
Aerospace Engineer
An Aerospace Engineer designs, builds, and maintains aircraft and spacecraft. This course may be helpful as it covers compression, an important concept in aerospace engineering. Understanding compression is essential for designing aircraft and spacecraft that can withstand the compression forces encountered during flight.
See salaries and explore the career path for Aerospace Engineer
Architect
An Architect creates plans and specifications for the construction and maintenance of structures. Taking this course may be useful as it covers compression, which is important for structural integrity. As an Architect, you must consider the impact of compression on your designs, and this course may help you in this aspect.
See salaries and explore the career path for Architect
Electrical Engineer
An Electrical Engineer designs, builds, and maintains electrical systems. This course may be useful as it covers compression, which is related to the behavior of electrical insulation materials. Understanding compression can aid in designing and maintaining electrical systems that operate safely and efficiently.
See salaries and explore the career path for Electrical Engineer
Industrial Engineer
An Industrial Engineer designs and improves industrial processes. This course may be helpful as it covers compression, a concept relevant to industrial engineering. Understanding compression can aid in designing and improving industrial processes that involve compression of materials or products.
See salaries and explore the career path for Industrial Engineer
Manufacturing Engineer
A Manufacturing Engineer designs and optimizes manufacturing processes. This course may be helpful as it covers compression, an important concept in manufacturing. Understanding compression is essential for designing and optimizing manufacturing processes that involve compression of materials or products.
See salaries and explore the career path for Manufacturing Engineer
Materials Engineer
A Materials Engineer researches and develops new materials and processes for use in various industries. This course may be helpful as it explores compression, an important property of materials. Understanding compression can aid in developing and selecting materials for various applications.
See salaries and explore the career path for Materials Engineer
Geotechnical Engineer
A Geotechnical Engineer evaluates soil and rock conditions to determine the suitability of a site for construction. They also design and oversee the construction of foundations and other earthworks. This course may be helpful as it covers compression, which is a fundamental concept in soil mechanics. Knowledge of compression is essential for designing foundations and earthworks that can withstand compression forces.
See salaries and explore the career path for Geotechnical Engineer
Construction Manager
A Construction Manager would be responsible for a building project from its conception through its completion. This course may be helpful as it covers an important aspect of building structures -- compression. It may help you perform better in your job function especially if you have limited experience or training in structural engineering.
See salaries and explore the career path for Construction Manager
Automotive Engineer
An Automotive Engineer designs, builds, and maintains vehicles. This course may be useful as it covers compression, a critical concept in automotive engineering. Understanding compression is essential for designing vehicles that can withstand compression forces encountered during operation.
See salaries and explore the career path for Automotive Engineer
Mechanical Engineer
A Mechanical Engineer designs, builds, and maintains mechanical systems. This course may be useful for a Mechanical Engineer as it covers compression, which is a fundamental concept in mechanical design. Understanding compression is crucial for designing mechanical systems that can withstand compression forces.
See salaries and explore the career path for Mechanical Engineer
Building Engineer
A Building Engineer designs and maintains building systems. This course might be helpful as it provides a foundation in compression, an important concept for structural safety that you will consider in your work.
See salaries and explore the career path for Building Engineer

Reading list

We've selected nine 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: Compression.
Cover image
Bio-Implant Interface
Save
A classic textbook on the theory of elasticity, which would provide in-depth coverage of the theoretical foundations for many of the topics covered in the course.
Bio-Implant Interface: Improving Biomaterials and...
Kindle Edition
$$$
Cover image
Examples in Structural Analysis
Save
A comprehensive textbook on structural analysis and design, which would serve as a good reference for the topics covered in this course.
Examples in Structural Analysis
Paperback
$$$
Examples in Structural Analysis
Kindle Edition
$$$
Cover image
ISE Statics and Mechanics of Materials
Save
A standard textbook on mechanics of materials for students, it would provide a strong foundation for the material covered in this course.
ISE Statics and Mechanics of Materials (ISE HED...
Paperback
$$$
Engineering Mechanics of Solids
Save
A college-level textbook on mechanics of solids, which would provide a good theoretical foundation for many of the topics covered in the course.
Engineering Mechanics of Solids
Paperback
$$$
Cover image
Structures
Save
Provides a lot of fundamental structures concepts which would complement this course, including things like different types of structures, buckling, and material properties of different structures.
Structures: Or Why Things Don't Fall Down
Paperback
$$
The Science of Structures and Materials (Scientific...
Hardcover
$$
Engineering Studies on Structural Integrity of...
Paperback
$$
Structures: Or Why Things Don't Fall Down
Kindle Edition
$$
BUILDING WITH EARTH
Save
An introduction to the principles and techniques of building with earth, which provides a different perspective on the use of compression in structures.
Building with Earth: Design and Technology of a...
Hardcover
$$
Building with Earth: Design and Technology of a...
Hardcover
$$$
Building with Earth: Design and Technology of a...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Form and Forces
Save
An exploration of the relationship between form and forces in structural design, which would provide a broader context for the course's coverage of compression.
Form and Forces: Designing Efficient, Expressive...
Hardcover
$$$$
Form and Forces: Designing Efficient, Expressive...
Kindle Edition
$$$$
Cover image
Roark's Formulas for Stress and Strain, 8th Edition
Save
This engineering handbook provides practical, ready-to-use formulas covering a wide range of topics, including compression, which is not its primary focus.
Roark's Formulas for Stress and Strain, 8th Edition
Kindle Edition
$$$
Shigley's Mechanical Engineering Design
Save
Covers many areas of mechanical engineering design. While it covers relevant topics, it's not focused specifically on compression, so it may be more valuable as a reference book than an in-depth resource.
Shigley's Mechanical Engineering Design
Paperback
Check
Shigley's Mechanical Engineering Design
Kindle Edition
Check

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Course image
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:
  1. Engineering of Structures: Shear and Bending
  2. Engineering of Structures: Response of Structures
  3. Engineering of Structures: Tension and Compression
  4. Engineering of Structures: Compression (viewing)
  5. Engineering of Structures: Tension
Good to know
Explores compression, which is standard in architecture and construction
Teaches key terms related to compression, which helps learners navigate real-world challenges
Builds a strong foundation for beginners in understanding compression
Develops an understanding of different columns and arches and their role in resisting compression
This course explores how to build anti-funicular forms, which is a valuable skill for architects and engineers
Taught by Vicki May, who is recognized for their work in architecture
Share and help others discover this course.
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