EMBRACING THE PAST, USING HISTORICAL STRUCTURES TO TEACH ENGINEERING FUNDAMENTALS

摘要

The seminal structures of the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries, and the engineers who designed them, are important and fruitful topics for engineering education in the 21st century. By considering the social, political and economic context in which these structures were constructed, students will simultaneously be exposed to important themes in the humanities and social sciences, as well as practical engineering examples. In particular, these iconic structures are ideal vehicles for engaging students in rich discussions of the fundamental principles of statics, strength of materials, and structural behavior. Such inspiring examples are also highly motivational because they show the practical role that their current studies have in practice.