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Equipment
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.
6. Name and describe the type of system used to create many early buildings.
Bearing walls are solid walls that provide support for each other and for the
roof. The building next to the pyramid in the right image illustrates a
bearing wall system.
7. What was the purpose of the Egyptian pyramids? Mexican pyramids?
The earliest large structures were the pyramids. Pyramids in Egypt were
built as monuments to house the tombs of the pharaohs. This stepped
pyramid in Yucatan, Mexico was built for astronomical purposes.
8. What kind of construction method was used to build the Parthenon? Make a
simple sketch to illustrate. The Parthenon was built to house a statue of
Athena, Greek goddess of war. Like other temples of its day, it was designed
to be seen from the outside only. The Parthenon is an example of post-andlintel construction: horizontal beams placed across vertical posts.
then would be titanium. I suppose the buildings in ancient times would have
been a lot heavier
17. How did building materials and methods change after the Romans?
After the collapse of Roman civilization, a period called the Dark Ages
began, where Roman advances were lost to time until relatively recently.
During the Dark Ages, the most prominent building style was Lath and
Plaster.
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? An example of a modern pyramid is the Walter Pyramid in
Long Beach, California. It is used as a sports stadium, whereas in the past,
Egyptian pyramids were used as tombs or religious shrines.
2. Give an example of a modern structure that uses an arch and dome system. The
Golden Dome
3. What is the main purpose of modern roads? How is the cost of modern roadways
defrayed? Modern roads, primarily payed for by taxpayer money, are used
for transportation.