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The Engineering of Structures Around Us

In this Specialization, you will learn some engineering principles that can be applied to structural systems everywhere: in nature, in furniture, in mechanical and aerospace systems, and in any solid object that resists a load. Together we’ll explore how structures work, why they were designed the way they were designed, how they support loads, and where forces flow through them. More specifically you will: Learn about funicular forms and how ropes and cables resist tension. Discuss how columns, arches, and anti-funicular forms resist compression. Discover how trusses, beams and walls resist loads. • Sketch the flow of forces through structures. Compare and contrast different structural forms and systems to answer a range of questions such as: Why might an engineer choose a beam over a truss? How do the dimensions of a structure affect its response? How do engineers choose forms and systems to create structures that are both elegant and functional?

Status: SketchUp (3D Modeling Software)
Status: Building Design
BeginnerSpecialization

Top reviews across The Engineering of Structures Around Us

ZK

Reviewed May 1, 2025

Very useful and clearly explained of tension definition.

AK

Reviewed Sep 18, 2024

The course was really helpful. The numericals involve practical examples, while the explanations and demonstration of key concepts are amazing.

LC

Reviewed Jan 21, 2025

Professor Vicki is great! She does an excellent job at explaining the concepts and the math problems

LC

Reviewed Jan 21, 2025

Professor Vicki is the best at explaining all the concepts from this module

GA

Reviewed Feb 18, 2025

A very insightful course on intuitively understanding the fundamental aspects of engineering of structures.

LC

Reviewed Jan 21, 2025

Professor Vicki makes it easy to understand all the concepts, she's great!

LC

Reviewed Jan 21, 2025

Professor Vicki was great at explaining all the concepts

MT

Reviewed Oct 21, 2023

learn a lot especially for someone in the engineering field

LC

Reviewed Jan 21, 2025

I enjoyed taking this course and specialization, I learned a lot. Professor Vicki was great!

SA

Reviewed Sep 27, 2023

helpful for revising the concept of Tension, Tension members, Cable-stayed bridge, suspension bridge. helpful for stuctural engineers.

UM

Reviewed Mar 18, 2025

The professor really explained well . i think slender ratio should be added in this course.

MK

Reviewed Aug 14, 2024

This course very useful for engineering mechanical

Learner reviews across The Engineering of Structures Around Us

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aayaha
Course: Engineering of Structures: Tension
5.0
Reviewed Jan 9, 2024Course: Engineering of Structures: Tension
Ahmed
Course: Engineering of Structures: Tension
5.0
Reviewed Mar 7, 2024Course: Engineering of Structures: Tension
Syed
Course: Engineering of Structures: Tension
5.0
Reviewed Feb 19, 2023Course: Engineering of Structures: Tension
Chaeyun
Course: Engineering of Structures: Tension
5.0
Reviewed Jan 26, 2026Course: Engineering of Structures: Tension
Daniel
Course: Engineering of Structures: Tension
5.0
Reviewed Sep 29, 2024Course: Engineering of Structures: Tension
Mohammad
Course: Engineering of Structures: Tension
5.0
Reviewed Jul 24, 2023Course: Engineering of Structures: Tension
Shah
Course: Engineering of Structures: Tension
5.0
Reviewed Sep 28, 2023Course: Engineering of Structures: Tension
Ans
Course: Engineering of Structures: Tension
5.0
Reviewed Apr 1, 2024Course: Engineering of Structures: Tension
José
Course: Engineering of Structures: Tension
5.0
Reviewed May 12, 2023Course: Engineering of Structures: Tension
Luis
Course: Engineering of Structures: Tension
5.0
Reviewed Jan 22, 2025Course: Engineering of Structures: Tension
Zhanybek
Course: Engineering of Structures: Tension
5.0
Reviewed May 1, 2025Course: Engineering of Structures: Tension
Vivek
Course: Engineering of Structures: Tension
5.0
Reviewed Jul 7, 2023Course: Engineering of Structures: Tension
Kaumal
Course: Engineering of Structures: Tension
5.0
Reviewed Apr 16, 2023Course: Engineering of Structures: Tension
Raymond
Course: Engineering of Structures: Tension
5.0
Reviewed Dec 15, 2023Course: Engineering of Structures: Tension
sohil
Course: Engineering of Structures: Tension
5.0
Reviewed Jun 3, 2023Course: Engineering of Structures: Tension
RAJESH
Course: Engineering of Structures: Tension
5.0
Reviewed Apr 8, 2023Course: Engineering of Structures: Tension
Mohammed
Course: Engineering of Structures: Tension
5.0
Reviewed Mar 14, 2025Course: Engineering of Structures: Tension
Pushpendra
Course: Engineering of Structures: Tension
5.0
Reviewed Jan 14, 2024Course: Engineering of Structures: Tension
josss
Course: Engineering of Structures: Tension
5.0
Reviewed Feb 3, 2026Course: Engineering of Structures: Tension
Clara
Course: Engineering of Structures: Tension
5.0
Reviewed Nov 28, 2024Course: Engineering of Structures: Tension