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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.


Civil engineering is the design and construction of public works such as bridges
dams, and other large facilities.

2. Define architecture.
Architecture is the art and science of designing buildings for human habitation.

3. Describe the origination of the concept of architecture?


The concept of architecture was born when people began to live in constructed
dwellings and within communities.

4. In ancient times how were building materials chosen?


In ancient times, building materials were chosen based on the climate of the
area and the resources that were available.

5. Give two examples of vernacular architecture.


One example of vernacular architecture is the Parthenon in Greece, which was
constructed out of marble, which was one of the most abundant building
materials in the area. Another example is the fact that most buildings in modern

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CEA Unit 1 Lesson 1.1 Activity 1.1.1 History Civil Engineering and Architecture Page 1
day Iraq are made from sun-dried bricks, since there is no stone and wood is
scarce.

6. Name and describe the type of system used to create many early buildings.
The type of system used to create many early buildings was the bearing wall
system, which used solid walls that provided support for each other, and for
the roof.
7. What was the purpose of the Egyptian pyramids? Mexican pyramids?
Egyptian pyramids were built as monuments to house the tombs of the
pharaohs. Mexican pyramids were built for religious purposes or for
scientific use.
8. What kind of construction method was used to build the Parthenon? Made a
simple sketch to illustrate.
The method of post-and-lintel construction (horizontal beams placed across
vertical poles) was used to build the Parthenon.

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


The problem in architecture that led to this form of construction was that people
didnt know how to provide door and window openings in bearing walls without
sacrificing support.

10. Explain how an arch is created.


For an arch to be created, blocks are placed in a curved formation in such a way
that they give each other support.

11. How is the vault used in civil engineering?


In civil engineering, vaults are used in the construction of bridges, walkways, and
other passages.

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 this restrict construction in ancient times?

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An example of a modern material that we have that was not available to the
ancients is Portland Cement. This restricted construction in ancient times
because Portland Cement is a key ingredient in concrete and many other
cementitious products that we used today such as plaster and masonry bricks.

14. What was the purpose of the Roman aqueducts?


The purpose of Roman aqueducts was to provide Rome with an ample supply of
fresh water.

15. Compare ancient Greek roads to ancient Roman roads.


Greek roads consisted of two wheel ruts that were about 4 ft. 11 in. gauge, and
were either carved out or worn down, whereas Roman roads had a base that was
made up of large blocks of stone, over which broken stone and debris was
spread and covered by a layer of sand and finally by large polygonal basalt
blocks, with the polished top surfaces serving as the surfaces of the roads.

16. Describe an ancient Roman bridge.


Ancient Roman bridges used the arch as their base structure and were made of
stone and concrete.

17. How did building materials and methods change after the Romans?
After the Romans, building materials and methods didnt change much, however
iron became cheaper and more readily available in the middle of the 18th century,
and thus was more commonly used. The use of iron allowed for longer spans and
lighter structures.

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 would be the Bolz Conservatory in Wisconsin.
Its function differs from that of Egyptian pyramids because the Bolz Conservatory
is a structure used for growing plants, whereas the Egyptian pyramids were built
as monuments to house the tombs of the pharaohs. I think that cultural and
political differences may account for the functional variations, since, in our
society, we dont honor our political leaders as much as the Egyptians did.

2. Give an example of a modern structure that uses an arch and dome system.
An example of a modern structure that uses an arch and dome system is the US
Capitol Building.

3. What is the main purpose of modern roads? How is the cost of modern roadways
defrayed?
The purpose of modern roads is to make transportation faster and easier. The
cost of modern roadways is defrayed by tax money.
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CEA Unit 1 Lesson 1.1 Activity 1.1.1 History Civil Engineering and Architecture Page 3

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