Activity 1.1.1 History of Civil Engineering and Architecture

1. Define civil engineering.

Civil engineering is a professional engineering discipline that deals with the design, construction, and maintenance of the physical and naturally built environment, including works like bridges, roads, canals, dams, and buildings.

2. Define architecture.

Architecture is both the process and product of planning, designing and construction.

3. Describe the origination of the concept of architecture.

Architecture began as a system of “needs vs means,” what you had and what could be done with it. As human cultures developed and knowledge began to be formalized through oral traditions and practices, building became a craft, now know as architecture.

4. In ancient times how were building materials chosen?

Building materials were generally whatever was naturally available within the proximity of what was being built.

5. Give two examples of vernacular architecture.

Some examples of vernacular architecture include igloos (ice available in norther climates) or a roundavel in South Africa (made of stone with a combination of sand and soil for mortar).

6. Name and describe the type of system used to create many early buildings.

Neolithic architecture was used to create some of the earliest known structures. They consisted of stone and sometimes rudimentary mortar perhaps consisting of mud or something similar.

7. What was the purpose of the Egyptian pyramids? Mexican pyramids? 

The Egyptian pyramids had a religious purpose because they were used as tombs for their royalty. Mexican pyramids also shared a religious purpose as some were the site of human sacrifice to their Gods. The Mayans of Central America also built structures for astronomical purposes or that were tied to specific astronomical events.

Post and Lintel Construction

8. What kind of construction method was used to build the Parthenon? Make a simple sketch to illustrate.

The Parthenon was built using post and lintel construction.  It used a horizontal member supported by two vertical ones.  The vertical members often had to be close because of the low tensile strength of the horizontal member.

9. What problem in architecture led to this form of construction?

Post and Lintel construction held much more weight than previous forms of architecture.

10. Explain how an arch is created.

One method of arch construction is to build a frame, perhaps out of wood, that exactly follows the form of the underside of the arch. The voussoirs are laid on it until the arch is complete and self-supporting. For an arch higher than head height, scaffolding would be required by the builders, so the scaffolding can be combined with the arch support.

11. How is the vault used in civil engineering?

Vaults, basically extended arches or a series of arches, can be used to make tunnels or hallways.

12. Give an example of an arch and dome system.

The Parthenon is also an example of an arch and dome system.

13. Give an example of a modern material we have that was not available to the ancients. How did this restrict construction in ancient times?

Steel was not available to ancients, so they would not have had the ability to build as large or complex structures as we do today.

14. What was the purpose of the Roman aqueducts?

Roman aqueducts provided water for areas where it would not be available otherwise.

15. Compare ancient Greek roads to ancient Roman roads.

Ancient roman roads were constructed better than the ancient Greek roads. They more closely resembled modern roads and some even featured water drainage. Since the Roman Empire was more unified, their road system was also laid out more effectively.

16. Describe an ancient Roman bridge. 

Roman bridges were the first large and lasting bridges built. Roman bridges were built with stone and had the arch as its basic structure. Most utilized concrete as well, which the Romans were the first to use for bridges.

17. How did building materials and methods change after the Romans?

New materials, such as steel and glass, were developed. They greatly increased the possibilities for creating structures that would not have been feasible before. The new materials also offered new ways to build using less materials, but also making the structure stronger.

Conclusion

1. Give an example of a modern pyramid not shown in the presentation. How does its function differ from that of the Egyptian pyramids? What do you think accounts for this difference?

The Louvre Pyramid in Paris, France is an example of a modern pyramid. It functions as a museum, unlike the many of the ancient pyramids that served a religious purpose. Today, Churches or places of worship are not associated with pyramidal structures.

2. Give an example of a modern structure that uses an arch and dome system.

Modern Islamic Mosques, like the Sheikh Zayed Mosque in Abu Dhabi, feature dome and arch construction.

3. What is the main purpose of modern roads? How is the cost of modern roadways defrayed? 

Modern roads are used to transport both goods and people across very large distances quickly and effectively. Today, the cost of roadwork is covered by tax paying citizens or tolls.