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Understanding the World's Greatest Structures

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Overview

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Take a unique tour of our world's most remarkable and enduring structural masterpieces and learn why these architectural wonders stand the test of time.

Syllabus

  • 01: Learning to See and Understand Structure
  • 02: The Science of Structure—Forces in Balance
  • 03: Internal Forces, Stress, and Strength
  • 04: From Wood to Steel—Properties of Materials
  • 05: Building Up—Columns and Buckling
  • 06: Building Across—Beams and Bending
  • 07: Trusses—The Power of the Triangle
  • 08: Cables and Arches—The Power of the Parabola
  • 09: Loads and Structural Systems
  • 10: Egypt and Greece—Pyramids to the Parthenon
  • 11: The Glory of Rome in Arches and Vaults
  • 12: The Rise and Fall of the Gothic Cathedral
  • 13: Three Great Domes—Rome to the Renaissance
  • 14: How Iron and Science Transformed Arch Bridges
  • 15: Suspension Bridges—The Battle of the Cable
  • 16: Suspension Bridges—The Challenge of Wind
  • 17: Great Cantilever Bridges—Tragedy and Triumph
  • 18: The Rise of Iron- and Steel-Framed Buildings
  • 19: The Great Skyscraper Race
  • 20: The Beauty and Versatility of Modern Concrete
  • 21: Amazing Thin Shells—Strength from Curvature
  • 22: Vast Roof Systems of Iron and Steel
  • 23: The Incredible Lightness of Tension Structures
  • 24: Strategies for Understanding Any Structure
  • By This Professor

Taught by

Stephen Ressler

Reviews

4.9 rating at The Great Courses Plus based on 389 ratings

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