Engineering of Structures: Tension (Coursera)

Offered by Dartmouth College,
Engineering of Structures: Tension (Coursera)

This course deals with tension. Tension is one of the easiest forces to understand. It is a pulling force. When we tend to pull an object, it is in tension. Different elements that resist tension in buildings are ropes, cables, and funicular forms. You will study different structures and identify what role tension plays in their designs. The first module explores tension and its importance in building structures.

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The second module explores funicular forms, angles, and bridges. You will understand the role of funicular forms in sustaining tension, how to best design elements and systems that resist tensile forces. You will also recognize the similarities and differences between suspension bridges and cable-stayed bridges. The third module explores how to build a cable-stayed bridge. You'll also study the structures of different bridges and share a report on them.

Course 1 of 5 in the The Engineering of Structures Around Us Specialization.

What You Will Learn

  • Define tension
  • Recognize the role of ropes and cables in sustaining tension
  • Identify the definitions of the key glossary terms related to tension
  • Recognize the role of funicular forms in structures

Syllabus

WEEK 1
Introduction to Tension
This module explores tension and its importance in building structures.

WEEK 2
Angles, Funicular Forms, and Bridges
This module explores funicular forms, angles, and bridges. You will understand the role of funicular forms in sustaining tension, how to best design elements and systems that resist tensile forces. You will also understand the similarities and differences between suspension bridges and cable-stayed bridges

WEEK 3
Building a Cable-stayed Bridge
This module explores how to build a cable-stayed bridge. You'll also study the structures of different bridges and share a report on them.

Go to Class
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