Structural Engineering
This type of structure, found in cities, is designed to accommodate people and activities within an enclosed space.
What is a building?
One of the most famous ancient tombs, this triangular structure can be found in Egypt.
What is a pyramid?
The metal frame inside an umbrella serves this role in keeping its fabric stretched out.
What is providing shape?
Standing at 828 meters, this engineering marvel is currently the tallest of its kind.
What is the Burj Khalifa?
The Great Wall of China and ancient pyramids are examples of this heavy, solid type of structure.
What is a mass structure?
Engineers construct these to span gaps over rivers, valleys, or roads, ensuring smooth passage for vehicles and pedestrians.
What is a bridge?
The Parthenon in Greece is supported by horizontal beams resting on vertical columns, a design known by this term.
What is a lintel structure?
A bookshelf must be designed to do this so it does not collapse under the weight of its contents.
What is withstand forces?
Temporary shelters used in disaster relief efforts are often built using this lightweight, air-filled design.
What are inflatable structures?
Buildings like the Parthenon and ancient Egyptian temples use horizontal beams supported by columns, a design known as this.
What is a trabeated structure?
Found in beehives, this natural design consists of repeating six-sided shapes.
What is a honeycomb?
The Romans perfected the use of this curved design, allowing for stronger bridges and aqueducts.
What is an arch?
A helmet, a car body, and a turtle’s shell all serve this important function.
What is protection?
The geodesic dome, known for its triangular framework forming a rounded surface, is regarded as a combination of these two structures.
What are truss and vaulted structures?
These are formed by pillars and beams that are connected to each other and, along with the foundations, act as supporting elements.
What is a frame structure?
This type of design, made of interconnected triangular components, is both lightweight and strong.
What is a truss?
A modern bridge design, using long cables attached to tall towers for support, follows this method.
What is cable-stayed or suspension?
Roads and railways rely on these elevated pathways to pass over obstacles like rivers or valleys.
What are bridges or viaducts?
Modern bridges are often reinforced using high-tension steel cables, which attach to these tall vertical supports.
What are towers or pylons?
Transmission towers and certain types of cranes use this framework of triangular components for strength and stability.
What is a trussed structure?
To ensure stability, large constructions rely on this hidden underground feature to distribute weight.
What are foundations?
Some of the earliest stone structures, consisting of large upright rocks topped with a horizontal slab, are called this
What is a dolmen?
Tall city buildings and towering cranes share this structural function that allows them to stand above the ground.
What is elevation?
This type of structural design, commonly found in airplanes and mobile phones, consists of thin layers providing both protection and support.
What is a laminar structure?
Modern stadium roofs and some space-age buildings use this lightweight, dome-shaped structure made of interconnected triangles.
What is a geodesic structure?