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ENVT-1107-M01-2025-26 Landscape Design Technology 3 (week 5)

  • Writer: Tyrone Akinnuoye
    Tyrone Akinnuoye
  • Oct 22, 2025
  • 4 min read

Today we talked about the role of a Structural Engineer, they cater for the structures and the science behind it and the public safety, its a basic understanding as they are very important to every project.


A structural engineer evaluates the framework of a building under construction, holding blueprints and wearing safety gear.
A structural engineer evaluates the framework of a building under construction, holding blueprints and wearing safety gear.

What does a Structural Engineer do? Bridges-Tunnels-Building-Temporary structures



Specialize in-Design-Construction-Repair-Conservation-Retention Structures



Material Structure


A series of elegant arches created using precise vaulting techniques form a symmetrical and graceful corridor, exemplifying architectural mastery.
A series of elegant arches created using precise vaulting techniques form a symmetrical and graceful corridor, exemplifying architectural mastery.

As we covered brick couple week back its a very materials to use as its the oldest method we humans have been using for centuries.


Vaulting



A vaulted structure is an architectural element characterized by a self-supporting arched form, typically made of stone, brick, or concrete, used to cover a space with a ceiling or roof.


Common Types of Vaulted Structures

  • Barrel Vault: A continuous series of arches forming a tunnel-like structure.

  • Groin Vault: Formed by the intersection of two barrel vaults.

  • Rib Vault: Features a framework of ribs that support the vault's surface.

  • Cloister Vault: A type of rib vault with a more complex design.


The majestic nave of Salisbury Cathedral, showcasing its impressive Gothic architecture and soaring arches bathed in warm light.
The majestic nave of Salisbury Cathedral, showcasing its impressive Gothic architecture and soaring arches bathed in warm light.

Applications of Vaulted Structures

  • Churches and Cathedrals

  • Museums and Galleries

  • Public Buildings

  • Bridges and Aqueducts


Inside the majestic Worlds Cathedral, a stunning display of intricate architecture and vibrant stained glass captures the awe of visitors. The illuminated altar stands as the heart of this spiritual sanctuary.
Inside the majestic Worlds Cathedral, a stunning display of intricate architecture and vibrant stained glass captures the awe of visitors. The illuminated altar stands as the heart of this spiritual sanctuary.

Benefits of Vaulted Structures

  • Enhanced Aesthetic Appeal

  • Increased Structural Integrity

  • Efficient Use of Materials

  • Improved Acoustics in Certain Settings



Timber frame



Truss structure


Truss structure definition


A truss structure is a framework composed of triangular units that are connected at their ends. These structures are designed to support loads while minimizing the amount of material used. The key characteristics of truss structures include:


  • Triangular Configuration: The use of triangles provides inherent stability and strength, as the shape distributes forces evenly.

  • Load Distribution: Trusses efficiently transfer loads through their members, which can be in tension or compression.

  • Material Efficiency: Trusses use less material than solid beams, making them lighter and more economical.

  • Versatility: Commonly used in bridges, roofs, towers, and various architectural and engineering applications.


Truss structures are fundamental in civil and structural engineering due to their effectiveness in creating strong and lightweight frameworks.
Truss structures are fundamental in civil and structural engineering due to their effectiveness in creating strong and lightweight frameworks.

Columns, beams and trusses


Illustration demonstrating beam-column connections in wooden structures, featuring metal connector plates, bolts, and screws. The image also showcases various mechanical fastener connections, including dowel type fasteners like nails, screws, bolts, and a metal connector plate, along with bearing type fasteners such as split ring connectors and shear plates.
Illustration demonstrating beam-column connections in wooden structures, featuring metal connector plates, bolts, and screws. The image also showcases various mechanical fastener connections, including dowel type fasteners like nails, screws, bolts, and a metal connector plate, along with bearing type fasteners such as split ring connectors and shear plates.


The breath-taking interior of Durham Cathedral, showcasing its stunning Gothic architecture and intricate stained glass window, invites visitors to marvel at its historical grandeur.
The breath-taking interior of Durham Cathedral, showcasing its stunning Gothic architecture and intricate stained glass window, invites visitors to marvel at its historical grandeur.
Interior view of Harmondsworth Great Barn, showcasing its impressive medieval timber architecture and expansive, open space.
Interior view of Harmondsworth Great Barn, showcasing its impressive medieval timber architecture and expansive, open space.

Hammer Beam Roof

A hammer beam roof is a type of roof structure that features horizontal beams (hammer beams) projecting from the walls of a building. These beams are typically used to support a roof without the need for internal columns, allowing for a more open interior space. This architectural style is often associated with medieval church and hall construction, particularly in England.


Elegant and historic, the grand interior of Westminster Hall showcases its soaring arches and intricate wooden roof, inviting visitors to explore this iconic English landmark.
Elegant and historic, the grand interior of Westminster Hall showcases its soaring arches and intricate wooden roof, inviting visitors to explore this iconic English landmark.

Historical Context

Hammer beam roofs became popular in the late medieval period, particularly in England. They were commonly used in the construction of great halls and churches, such as Westminster Hall and St. Mary's Church in Beverley. Their unique design allowed for the creation of grand, vaulted ceilings while maintaining structural integrity.


The grand interior of St. Mary's Church in Beverley, featuring soaring arches, intricate stonework, and vibrant stained glass windows, exudes a serene and historic ambiance.
The grand interior of St. Mary's Church in Beverley, featuring soaring arches, intricate stonework, and vibrant stained glass windows, exudes a serene and historic ambiance.

Modern Applications

Today, hammer beam roofs are still used in various architectural designs, especially in historical restorations and new constructions that aim to evoke a traditional aesthetic. They are appreciated not only for their structural benefits but also for their visual impact in creating dramatic interior spaces.



Iron

Is used for most of the modern projects to date from bridges to buildings, as this material is easily manipulated if, tougher and flex's with less regret.


Sunlight streams through the elegant iron and glass structure, casting intricate shadows and highlighting the architectural beauty of its design.
Sunlight streams through the elegant iron and glass structure, casting intricate shadows and highlighting the architectural beauty of its design.

Ironbridge Coalbrookdale


The iconic Iron Bridge at Coalbrookdale spans the River Severn, showcasing its intricate cast iron design against a backdrop of lush greenery and a clear blue sky.
The iconic Iron Bridge at Coalbrookdale spans the River Severn, showcasing its intricate cast iron design against a backdrop of lush greenery and a clear blue sky.

Pontcysyllte Aqueduct



The Pontcysyllte Aqueduct is a remarkable feat of engineering located in North Wales. It is part of the Llangollen Canal and is renowned for its impressive height and length, making it one of the tallest aqueducts in the world.


Crystal Palace, Paxton



Crystal Palace, located in Paxton, is a notable area known for its historical significance and cultural attractions.


Bridges


Aerial view of the illuminated Sassnitz Harbour Bridge winding gracefully toward the bustling port, under the serene evening sky.
Aerial view of the illuminated Sassnitz Harbour Bridge winding gracefully toward the bustling port, under the serene evening sky.

Pedestrian Bridges Andreas Keil



Andreas Keil is known for his innovative designs and contributions to the field of pedestrian bridge architecture. His work emphasizes functionality, aesthetics, and the integration of bridges within their urban and natural environments.



Bad Rappenau double helix


A striking double helix staircase towers amidst the lush greenery of Bad Rappenau, offering a unique architectural blend of nature and design.
A striking double helix staircase towers amidst the lush greenery of Bad Rappenau, offering a unique architectural blend of nature and design.

Foundations


A structural foundation is the base part of a building that transfers its weight to the ground. It is essential for providing stability and support.
A structural foundation is the base part of a building that transfers its weight to the ground. It is essential for providing stability and support.

Raft foundations



Illustration of a raft foundation cross-section, showcasing a multi-layered design featuring reinforcement and insulation elements for optimal support and stability.


Trench fill/strip foundation



A newly poured trench fill foundation at a construction site, showcasing the initial stages of building with reinforced concrete laid in excavated trenches.


Pad and beam Foundation



Construction workers are assembling a pad and beam foundation, laying wooden beams atop concrete footings, in preparation for a new structure by a scenic lakeside.


California Baring Ratio



California Baring Ratio is 5% of the bucket of rocks, Its a measurement of how much load the ground can take and higher the number more the ground deflects.





 
 
 

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