Skyscrapers: Engineering Up!
The Citicorp Center in New York City features a unique cantilevered design.Copyright Building Technologies, Columbia University
Skyscrapers are one of the most glorified products of civil engineering and contain an interesting history of progress and development. Students learn about the history of the world's tallest free standing structures and the basic design principles behind their success. Then, through two associated activities, students are given tower design challenges, as if they were civil engineers. They build their own newspaper skyscrapers with limited materials and time, trying to achieve a maximum height and the ability to withstand a "hurricane wind" force. Then they build their own balsa towers in a competition for height and strength. Discussion focuses on materials, forces that skyscrapers must be able to withstand, basic tower design considerations (foundations), as well as examples unique and inspiring design solutions.
Engineers face many challenges in their quests to build ever-taller skyscrapers. The two associated activities are both engineering design activities providing students the opportunity to act as civil engineers to meet design objectives within limitations.
After this lesson, student should be able to:
- Identify several different structural engineering principles relating to skyscrapers.
- Match design principles with famous skyscrapers.
- Explain and appreciate the challenges and difficulties in building tall structures.