Blake Parker

Activity 1.1.1 History of Civil Engineering and

Architecture
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.
Builds public works such as bridges and dams

2. Define architecture.
Art and sience of designing buildings for human habitation

3. Describe the origination of the concept of architecture?

Began with need to build houses
4. In ancient times how were building materials chosen?
based on avalibility and climate.
5. Give two examples of vernacular architecture.
-

Method of construction that uses locally avalible resources and traditions to address
local needs

Igloo

African huts

6. Name and describe the type of system used to create many early buildings.
Vernacular Architecture. Methods that used locally avalible resources to address local needs
7. What was the purpose of the Egyptian pyramids? Mexican pyramids?
Built as monuments to house the tombs of the pharos
8. What kind of construction method was used to build the Parthenon? Made a simple sketch to
illustrate.
Post and lintel construction.
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Blake Parker
9. What problem in architecture led to this form of construction?
Doors and windows without sacrificing support
10. Explain how an arch is created.
Blocks are placed in a curved formation and leaned against each other and set with a
keystone at the top to lock it all in place
11. How is the vault used in civil engineering?
Tunels, hallways, sewers
12. Give an example of an arch and dome system.
The Parthenon
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?
Steel and other metals
14. What was the purpose of the Roman aqueducts?
To get water from a fresh source to the city.

15. Compare ancient Greek roads to ancient Roman roads.

Greeks were less sophisticated and used ruts, while romans roads were flat and even.
16. Describe an ancient Roman bridge.
Made of wood collums and beams or were stone arches

17. How did building materials and methods change after the Romans?
Iron became cheaper and more common.

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Blake Parker

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 Steal and Glass pyramid in las vegas that serves as a casino and not a tomb. The overall
pyramid shape is a very stable structure.

2. Give an example of a modern structure that uses an arch and dome system.
Bridges.

3. What is the main purpose of modern roads? How is the cost of modern roadways defrayed?
For transportation.

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