Construction Facts
How do bridges and towers work? What makes buildings stand up... or fall down? For anyone who is curious about the basic principles of construction, these articles provide fun and easy engineering facts. For more advanced technical information about structural engineering, just click on the links under "More Categories." Complied by Jackie Craven.
How Skyscrapers Work
From "How Stuff Works," a discussion of the design techniques that allow tall buildings to stand up, and the reasons why some fall down.
From "How Stuff Works," a discussion of the design techniques that allow tall buildings to stand up, and the reasons why some fall down.
Why the Twin Towers Fell
Engineers who studied the World Trade Center after the September 11 attacks explain why the Twin Towers stood as long as they did, and why they eventually collapsed.
Engineers who studied the World Trade Center after the September 11 attacks explain why the Twin Towers stood as long as they did, and why they eventually collapsed.
What is the World's Tallest Building?
Skyscraper buffs disagree on building height. They often do not agree on whether features like flagpoles should be included. This short FAQ page discusses the problems we encounter when measuring and comparing building heights.
Skyscraper buffs disagree on building height. They often do not agree on whether features like flagpoles should be included. This short FAQ page discusses the problems we encounter when measuring and comparing building heights.
How Bridges Work
A good explanation on the basic concepts of bridge design from How Stuff Works.
A good explanation on the basic concepts of bridge design from How Stuff Works.
How Roads and Cities Work
Young children learn how roads and cities work on this Safety City site from the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Activities and quizzes.
Young children learn how roads and cities work on this Safety City site from the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Activities and quizzes.
How Water Towers Work
Simple explanation of how water towers are used to keep water flowing to citizens.
Simple explanation of how water towers are used to keep water flowing to citizens.
How Wastewater Works
Simple explanation of what happens after you flush from How Stuff Works
Simple explanation of what happens after you flush from How Stuff Works
Building With Earth Blocks and Plaster
Near the fishing village of Loreto, Mexico, real estate developers are constructing a resort community using healthy, eco-friendly materials such as compressed earth blocks and lime plaster. Click on the photos below to see the construction now under way.
Near the fishing village of Loreto, Mexico, real estate developers are constructing a resort community using healthy, eco-friendly materials such as compressed earth blocks and lime plaster. Click on the photos below to see the construction now under way.
AIE Structure Vocabulary
The structural elements of a building -- the walls, the frame, the foundation -- are the parts that hold it together, as opposed to elements that enclose or decorate it. This page from the Architecture in Education site explains the basic principles and vocabulary of structure.
The structural elements of a building -- the walls, the frame, the foundation -- are the parts that hold it together, as opposed to elements that enclose or decorate it. This page from the Architecture in Education site explains the basic principles and vocabulary of structure.