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Vicki May

This course deals with tension and compression. After going through 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. The first module introduces you to the concept of tension and compression. The second module explores topics such as tensegrity structure, trusses, and determinacy. After finishing this module, you will also be able to calculate the force in members of a truss. The third module explores how to build a truss bridge.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction to Tension and Compression
This module introduces you to the concept of tension and compression.
Tensegrity, Trusses, and Determinancy
Read more
This module explores topics such as tensegrity structure, trusses, and determinancy. After finishing this module, you will also be able to calculate the force in members of a truss.
Building a Truss Bridge
This module explores how to build a truss bridge

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Explores tension and compression, which is standard in the construction industry
Teaches truss designs, which helps learners build more artistic sculptures
Develops skills in building truss bridges, which are core skills for civil engineering
Taught by Vicki May, who is recognized for her work in tensegrity structures

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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 and Compression with these activities:
Review Basic Engineering Principles
Refresher materials will help fill in any knowledge gaps and strengthen your understanding of basic engineering principles, which will be beneficial for this course.
Browse courses on Engineering Principles
Show steps
  • Review your notes or textbooks.
  • Take practice tests or quizzes.
  • Seek help from a tutor or professor.
Read 'Structures: Or Why Things Don't Fall Down'
This book provides a solid foundation on structural mechanics that is particularly relevant to understanding the principles of tension and compression covered in this course.
Show steps
  • Read the chapters relevant to the topics covered in this course.
  • Take notes on the main concepts and theories.
  • Discuss the topics covered in the book with other students or experts.
Study Group Discussions
Engaging in peer-led study groups facilitates collaborative learning, promotes deeper understanding, and encourages critical thinking.
Show steps
  • Form a study group.
  • Review course materials together.
  • Discuss concepts and theories.
  • Work on practice problems and assignments.
Five other activities
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Learn about Tensegrity Structures
Seeking out guided tutorials on tensegrity structures will enrich your knowledge and understanding of this topic, which is a key focus of this course.
Show steps
  • Search for online tutorials.
  • Follow the instructions and learn about tensegrity structures.
  • Explore different types and applications of tensegrity structures.
Explore Building Techniques for Truss Bridges
Guided tutorials will provide you with the knowledge and skills to construct truss bridges, which aligns with the topic covered in this course.
Show steps
  • Search for online tutorials.
  • Follow the instructions to learn about building techniques.
  • Explore different truss bridge designs and construction methods.
Analyze Truss Structures
Engaging in practice drills will reinforce the concepts of tension and compression in trusses, which is a crucial aspect of this course.
Show steps
  • Find practice problems or exercises.
  • Solve the problems independently.
  • Check your answers and identify areas for improvement.
Solve Tension and Compression Problems
Practice exercises and drills will enhance your ability to calculate and analyze tension and compression, which is a key skill in this course.
Browse courses on Problem Solving
Show steps
  • Find practice problems.
  • Solve the problems independently.
  • Verify your solutions and identify areas for improvement.
Build a Physical Truss Model
Constructing a physical truss model provides a hands-on experience that deepens understanding of the principles and practical applications of trusses.
Show steps
  • Gather materials.
  • Design and create the truss model.
  • Test the model and observe its behavior.
  • Document your findings and share them with others.

Career center

Learners who complete Engineering of Structures: Tension and Compression will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Structural Engineer
Structural Engineers design the load-bearing structures of buildings and other large structures. They need to ensure that these structures can withstand the forces of gravity, wind, and earthquakes. This course "Engineering of Structures: Tension and Compression" is directly relevant to this field, as it provides a foundation in the principles of structural engineering.
Civil Engineer
Civil Engineers design, build and research infrastructure, like public works, such as bridges and roads. They use applied science and practical engineering to develop solutions to real-world problems. This course may help build a foundation in this field by providing you an introduction to tension, compression and their use in bridges.
Architect
Architects design buildings and other structures. They need to have a strong understanding of how to use space, light, and materials to create functional and beautiful spaces. This course can be helpful to Architects because it provides an introduction to the principles of tension and compression, which are important for understanding how structures work.
Mechanical Engineer
They design and build machines, engines, and other devices. These devices can be anything from spacecraft to medical equipment. Mechanical Engineers need to have a strong understanding of how things work, and how to make them work better. This course on tension and compression may be useful because it introduces basic principles that can be applied to a range of mechanical systems.
Forensic Engineer
Forensic Engineers investigate the causes of accidents and failures. They need to have a strong understanding of engineering principles, as well as how to conduct investigations and write reports. This course may be useful to Forensic Engineers because it introduces the principles of tension and compression, which are important for understanding how structures work.
Construction Manager
Construction Managers oversee the construction of buildings and other structures. They need to have a strong understanding of construction methods and materials, as well as how to manage a construction project. This course may be useful to Construction Managers because it introduces the principles of tension and compression, which are important for understanding how structures work.
Geotechnical Engineer
Geotechnical Engineers design the foundations of buildings and other structures. They need to have a strong understanding of soil mechanics and how to design foundations that can support the weight of the structure. This course may be useful to Geotechnical Engineers because it introduces the principles of tension and compression, which are important for understanding how soils behave.
Materials Scientist
Materials Scientists study the properties of materials and how they can be used to create new products. They need to have a strong understanding of chemistry, physics, and engineering. This course may be useful to Materials Scientists because it introduces the principles of tension and compression, which are important for understanding how materials behave.
Biomedical Engineer
Biomedical Engineers design and build medical devices and implants. They need to have a strong understanding of biology, chemistry, and engineering. This course may be useful to Biomedical Engineers because it introduces the principles of tension and compression, which are important for understanding how medical devices and implants work.
Aerospace Engineer
Aerospace Engineers design and build aircraft, spacecraft, and other vehicles that fly. They need to have a strong understanding of aerodynamics, propulsion, and structures. This course may be useful to Aerospace Engineers because it introduces the principles of tension and compression, which are important for understanding how aircraft and spacecraft work.
Chemical Engineer
Chemical Engineers design and build chemical plants and other facilities that produce chemicals. They need to have a strong understanding of chemistry, physics, and engineering. This course may be useful to Chemical Engineers because it introduces the principles of tension and compression, which are important for understanding how chemical plants and other facilities work.
Electrical Engineer
Electrical Engineers design and build electrical systems. They need to have a strong understanding of electricity, magnetism, and electronics. This course may be useful to Electrical Engineers because it introduces the principles of tension and compression, which are important for understanding how electrical systems work.
Nuclear Engineer
Nuclear Engineers design and build nuclear power plants and other facilities that use nuclear energy. They need to have a strong understanding of nuclear physics and engineering. This course may be useful to Nuclear Engineers because it introduces the principles of tension and compression, which are important for understanding how nuclear power plants and other facilities work.
Environmental Engineer
Environmental Engineers design and build systems to protect the environment. They need to have a strong understanding of environmental science and engineering. This course may be useful to Environmental Engineers because it introduces the principles of tension and compression, which are important for understanding how environmental systems work.
Petroleum Engineer
Petroleum Engineers design and build systems to extract oil and gas from the earth. They need to have a strong understanding of geology, petroleum engineering, and engineering. This course may be useful to Petroleum Engineers because it introduces the principles of tension and compression, which are important for understanding how oil and gas extraction systems work.

Reading list

We've selected six 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 and Compression.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the principles of structural engineering, making it a valuable resource for understanding the concepts of tension and compression covered in the course. It is commonly used as a textbook at academic institutions.
This widely used textbook provides a comprehensive coverage of mechanics of materials, including chapters on tension and compression. It serves as a valuable reference for understanding the fundamental concepts and solving related problems.
This advanced textbook delves into the more complex aspects of mechanics of materials, including topics such as stress concentrations and failure theories. It provides additional depth for those interested in exploring the subject further.
This classic work provides a rigorous foundation in the theory of elasticity, covering topics such as stress-strain relations, elasticity equations, and boundary value problems. It offers a deeper understanding of the theoretical underpinnings of tension and compression.
This textbook provides a combined coverage of statics and mechanics of materials, including chapters on tension and compression. It offers a comprehensive overview of the subject and serves as a useful reference for reinforcing the concepts covered in the course.
Is tailored specifically for architects, providing a practical guide to structural design principles. It offers insights into the application of tension and compression in architectural projects and helps bridge the gap between architectural design and structural engineering.

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