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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
Syllabus
Introduction to Tension and Compression
This module introduces you to the concept of tension and compression.
Tensegrity, Trusses, and Determinancy
Read more
Traffic lights
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause 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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Reviews summary
Foundational structural engineering principles
learners say this course offers a solid foundation in tension and compression principles, expertly delivered by an engaging and knowledgeable instructor. The lectures are consistently praised for clarity and conciseness, with visual aids making complex concepts accessible. Students particularly value the logical progression of topics and the practical application demonstrated in the truss bridge module. While highly effective for beginners and those needing a theoretical refresher, some learners suggest the course could benefit from more in-depth practical problems or advanced case studies for direct professional application, indicating it excels as an introductory course but may require supplemental study for advanced needs.
The course follows a clear and building progression of topics.
"The progression from basic concepts to building a bridge was very logical."
"The course flow is excellent, starting with fundamentals and building up to more complex structures like trusses."
"The way topics build upon each other is masterful."
Professor Smith is highly praised for expertise and clear teaching.
"The instructor, Professor Smith, did an excellent job explaining difficult topics."
"The instructor is very knowledgeable and passionate."
"Professor Smith makes complex topics accessible."
"I appreciated the detailed explanations on calculating forces in members."
Provides a solid understanding for beginners and those needing a review.
"This course provided an incredibly solid foundation in tension and compression principles."
"A good introductory course. It covers the basics well..."
"I had some prior knowledge, but this course really solidified my understanding of truss analysis and force calculations."
"Excellent foundational course. It covers the core principles very effectively."
Complex concepts are made accessible through clear lectures and visuals.
"The lectures were clear, concise, and the animations really helped visualize complex concepts."
"Professor Smith makes complex topics accessible. The examples are clear..."
"This course clarifies fundamental concepts of tension and compression like no other. The visual aids and analogies used by the professor are top-notch."
"The material is presented in a very engaging way."
Some modules, like determinacy, felt rushed or assumed prior knowledge.
"The module on determinacy was a bit rushed for me, and I had to supplement with outside readings."
"The pace was slow in the beginning but then rushed in the later modules."
"Explanations occasionally assumed more prior knowledge than I had, especially in the determinacy section."
Some learners desire more advanced practical problems and case studies.
"I felt it could have used a few more practical problems or case studies, especially for those looking to apply it directly to professional work..."
"I found this course somewhat lacking in practical depth. While it introduces concepts, it doesn't go deep enough for real-world application."
"Not ideal for someone looking for hands-on design skills."
"The actual 'building' aspect wasn't explored enough."
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
Show steps
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'
Show steps
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.
View
Structures: Or Why Things Don't Fall Down
on Amazon
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
Show steps
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
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Learn about Tensegrity Structures
Show steps
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
Show steps
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
Show steps
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
Show steps
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
Show steps
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.
Review Basic Engineering Principles
Show steps
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
Show steps
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'
Show steps
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.
View
Structures: Or Why Things Don't Fall Down
on Amazon
Show steps
Show steps
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
Show steps
Engaging in peer-led study groups facilitates collaborative learning, promotes deeper understanding, and encourages critical thinking.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Form a study group.
- Review course materials together.
- Discuss concepts and theories.
- Work on practice problems and assignments.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Learn about Tensegrity Structures
Show steps
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
Show steps
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
Show steps
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
Show steps
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
Show steps
Engaging in practice drills will reinforce the concepts of tension and compression in trusses, which is a crucial aspect of this course.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find practice problems or exercises.
- Solve the problems independently.
- Check your answers and identify areas for improvement.
Solve Tension and Compression Problems
Show steps
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
Show steps
Show steps
- Find practice problems.
- Solve the problems independently.
- Verify your solutions and identify areas for improvement.
Build a Physical Truss Model
Show steps
Constructing a physical truss model provides a hands-on experience that deepens understanding of the principles and practical applications of trusses.
Show steps
Show steps
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 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 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
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
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.
Construction Manager
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.
Forensic Engineer
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.
Geotechnical Engineer
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 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.
Aerospace Engineer
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.
Biomedical Engineer
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.
Chemical Engineer
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 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.
Environmental Engineer
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.
Nuclear Engineer
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.
Petroleum Engineer
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.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/zl7do4/engineering
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.
Save
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.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/zl7do4/engineering
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Similar courses
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Rating
4.5
Effort
11 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
- Engineering of Structures: Compression
- Engineering of Structures: Tension
- Engineering of Structures: Tension and Compression (viewing)
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