Explanatory Microtheme Assignment

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Explanatory Microtheme Assignment

Structural engineering is one of the branches of civil engineering that is concerned with the analysis and design of structures supporting or resisting loads (Gaylord et al.). The structural engineering theory is based on the concepts of physical laws as well as the empirical knowledge of the structural performance of various materials and geometries. On the other hand, structural engineering design uses various simple structural elements in the building of a complex structural system. The study of structural engineering is crucial to civil engineering students as it helps them understand the origin of the structural engineering theory, learning the basics of structural engineering through analysis and design of structures to which supports or resists loads.

Structural engineering can be traced back to 2700 B.C.E. The idea originated from Egypt when Imhotep built the step pyramid was for Pharaoh, and therefore, Imhotep is regarded as the first engineer in history. During then, pyramids were the most common major structures that were built during the ancient civilizations as the structural form of the pyramid is inherently stable and can be almost infinitely scaled which is a unique characteristic as other structural forms does not inhibit such concepts and thus cannot be linearly increased in size in proportion to increased loads. The place of origin of the structural engineering concepts is logical in that pyramids were first designed and build in Egypt and to which were built in linearity, and their proportionality could be increased significantly. Besides, the development of mathematical formula originated from Egypt as it was one of the regions to encounter civilization. The idea of structural engineering then spread out to the rest of the globe to such regions as Roman, due to the need to build more linear buildings as an advancement in structural engineering. The structural stability of the pyramids was derived from its shape and therefore relying on the strength of the stone from which the pyramid is constructed as well as its ability to support the weight impacted by the stones above it (White, et al.). Pyramids in Egypt were made from limestone, which was mined from a quarry near the building site. Based on the construction of the pyramid, it can be said that the structural strength of the pyramid is derived from the material properties of the stones from which the pyramid was built rather than the geometry of the pyramid. The spread of structural engineering concepts redistributed and took shape during the industrial revolution and the re-invention of concrete. However, the understanding of the physical sciences underlying structural engineering took place during the Renaissance period, and since then, it has developed into computer-based applications that were pioneered in the 1970s and to which has made designs easier.

Based on the above concepts of structural engineering, various deductions can be made, and some of them include the idea that structural engineering was pioneered by Imhotep in Egypt around 2700 B.C.E when building a pyramid for the Pharaoh. Another deduction is that pyramids derived their structural stability from the stones to which they are constructed as well as the ability of the pyramid to support the weight of the stones above it. Besides, the study of structural engineering plays a crucial role in understanding structural designs and analysis, which enriches the knowledge of a civil engineer, preparing them for the job market.

Works Cited

Gaylord, Edwin Henry, Charles N. Gaylord, and James E. Stallmeyer. Structural engineering handbook. 1997.

White, Christine D., et al. “Geographic identities of the sacrificial victims from the Feathered Serpent Pyramid, Teotihuacan: Implications for the nature of state power.” Latin American Antiquity 13.2 (2002): 217-236.