Structural engineering is a branch of civil engineering that involves the application of the laws of physics, mathematics and empirical knowledge to safely design the ‘bones’ and load bearing elements of man-made structures. Modern day structural engineering provides a large and detailed body of knowledge that can accurately predict the performance of different shapes and materials used in structures to resist loads and stresses on structures. The principles of structural engineering were used thousands of years ago when building structures like the pyramids in Egypt or the Acropolis in Greece.
Structural engineers are trained professionals who are responsible for making sure that the structures we use in our daily lives, like bridges and tall buildings, are safe, stable and don’t collapse under applied loads. They do this by applying their technical knowledge to specify different types of construction materials in various shapes and geometries and design structures that can withstand the pressures and stresses of their environment such as gravity loads, storms and earthquakes.
Without structural engineers the world we have come to know would be nowhere near as safe or sustainable. We would be spending ridiculous amounts of money and resources knocking down structures to build new ones, in a constant state of worry that the places we reside in or encounter are not structurally adequate.
Did You Know: The Pantheon was built in Rome almost 2000 years ago. It remains the largest unreinforced concrete dome in the world. Burj Khalifa, opened in 2010 holds the tallest manmade structure record in the world at a height of nearly 2,725 feet. Hoover Dam is a concrete arch-gravity dam weighing 6,600,000 tons. Panama Canal is a 82-km long man made canal that connects the Atlantic Ocean and the Pacific Ocean.
In this course, students will learn how to design structures, and integrate mechanical actions into structural designs. They will explore the impact of various internal and external forces on structures by conducting the stability tests. The function and architecture of earthquake and wind resistant buildings and structures, such as roller coasters will be taught. The hands-on projects will include students modifying the design of some famous buildings in the world!
This Program is Only offered through our amazing Partners as a Classroom Program or After-School enrichment.
