Activity 1.1.1 History of Civil Engineering and Architecture

Activity 1.1.
1 History of Civil Engineering and

Architecture
Introduction
Can you name any of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World? Each was a feat of civil
engineering and architecture. What causes structures such as these to fill us with awe even
today? What is it that makes them seem more wondrous in our time of modernization? These
structures have paved the way for many new advances in the design of the structures you see
today.
In this activity you will learn about the history of civil engineering and architecture. You will see
differences between the two professions and learn of their beginnings.
Equipment
· History of Civil Engineering and Architecture presentation
Procedure
In this activity you will investigate the history of civil engineering and architecture. You will see
differences between the two professions and learn of their beginnings.
1. Define civil engineering.

An engineer trained in the design and construction of public works, such as bridges, dams, and
other large facilities.
2. Define architecture.
Art and science of designing buildings for human habitation.
3. Describe the origination of the concept of architecture?

The concept of architecture is started
when people began to live in constructed dwellings and with communities.
4. In ancient times how were building materials chosen?
The building materials were chosen based on availability and climate.
5. Give two examples of vernacular architecture.

Two examples of vernacular architecture are African hat and igloo.
6. Name and describe the type of system used to create many early buildings.
The type of system used to create many early buildings is
vernacular architecture which uses locally available resources and traditions to address the
local needs.
7. What was the purpose of the Egyptian pyramids? Mexican pyramids?

The purpose of the Egyptian pyramids is to house the tombs of pharaohs.
Mexican pyramids are built for astronomical purposes.
8. What kind of construction method was used to build the Parthenon? Make a simple
sketch to illustrate. Post and lintel is the construction method that was used to build the
Parthenon.
9. What problem in architecture led to this form of construction?

The problem in architecture led to this form of construction is that how can door
and window openings be provided in bearing walls without sacrificing support.
10. Explain how an arch is created.

An arch is created by a curved structure for spanning an opening, designed to support a
vertical load primarily by axial compression.
11. How is the vault used in civil engineering?

Vault is used to form a continuous arched covering. It allows for the construction of bridges and
walkways.
12. Give an example of an arch and dome system.

An example of an arch and dome system is the Pantheon.
13. Give an example of a modern material we have that was not available to the ancients. How
did the absence of this material restrict construction in ancient times?
An example of a modern material we have that was not available to the ancients is hydraulic
cement. The absence of this material restricted construction in ancient times.
14. What was the purpose of the Roman aqueducts?

The purpose of the Roman aqueducts is to provide Rome with an ample supply for fresh water.
15. Compare ancient Greek roads to ancient Roman roads.

Ancient Greek roads were needed for the event of religious exodus. Highways consisted
of two wheels ruts of about 4ft 11in. Roman roads are created by using large stones for the
base, over which broken stone was covered by a layer of road which could construct 50,000
miles of paved roads.
16. Describe an ancient Roman bridge.

An ancient Roman bridge used the arch as basic structure and was typically made of stone and
concrete.
17. How did building materials and methods change after the Romans?
The methods didn’t change after the Romans. The building materials changed to iron because
it became cheaper and more readily available in the middle of the 18th century.
The use of iron allowed longer spans and lighter structure.
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. This function is different from that of the Egyptian
pyramids which were used as tombs or religious shrines by being a main entrance to the Louvre
Museum.
2.Give an example of a modern structure that uses an arch and dome system.
St Paul’s Cathedral or United States Capitol
3.What is the main purpose of modern roads? How is the cost of modern roadways defrayed?
The main purpose of modern roads is for transportation and traveling. The cost of modern
roadways is defrayed by taxes.

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Activity 1.1.

1 History of Civil Engineering and

1. Define civil engineering.

3. Describe the origination of the concept of architecture?

5. Give two examples of vernacular architecture.

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

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

10. Explain how an arch is created.

11. How is the vault used in civil engineering?

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

14. What was the purpose of the Roman aqueducts?

15. Compare ancient Greek roads to ancient Roman roads.

16. Describe an ancient Roman bridge.

St Paul’s Cathedral or United States Capitol

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