LOCAL
PLACES TO GO AND SEE INTERESTING STRUCTURES (WITH PICTURES)
and we
also give you a good reason to go there
This
photo shows part of the interior of Coventry’s famous Cathedral.
It
shows one of the slender concrete columns and the picture below shows the
detail at the bottom of the column. You
may see that all of the load is supported on a very small metal stub which
connects the column to the foundation in the floor. This is a fine example of the good use of materials
in a structure.
The
University holds its graduation ceremonies in the Cathedral.
This
picture shows the “Millenium Arch” in the city centre. It has a steel framework with translucent
cladding and is lit from inside at night.
The University is to the left of the spire in the background, and the
main shopping area is behind the arch.
This
photo shows the new glass roof which has been installed over part of the
central shopping precinct. Each sheet of
glass is supported in the centre by steel wires in tension. Although most structural design is about
materials like steel and concrete, in this example the properties of the glass
have to be analysed.
All of
the shops are within easy walking distance of the University campus.
This
structure is the “Sky Dome” which is the new skating rink in the city
centre. All of the steel structure has
been curved and even the canopy over the entrance has been curved to
match. The sheeting is painted aluminium
and the brickwork is fin wall.
This
picture shows a connection in the frame for the new “student first” building
where students have a “one stop shop” for all administration matters such as
enrolment. Connections are critical
parts of structures and the strength of each bolt must be considered in the
design.
The
photo on the left shows the new library under construction, and the one on the
right shows it complete (with the business school behind it). As an Engineer it can be very satisfying to
see a project through to completion and see it fit in with the environment
around it.
On a
course in Civil Engineering you will learn how to design structures. First you
must calculate how much load they must carry. What happens if it snows or a
strong wind blows? Then you work out the strength required for each part of the
structure (we have computer programmes for this).
On the
site where this photo was taken there is a large new multi-screen cinema
complex, a bowling/entertainment centre and several places to eat. It is just
three miles from the University Campus. There is another multi-screen cinema in
the city centre and films are often shown at the Arts Centre at Warwick
University (Warwick University is located in the city of Coventry).
This
photo shows a membrane structure. These are becoming increasingly popular
because they offer an attractive and economic solution for protecting large
spaces from the elements. A Civil Engineer learns how to make structures
economically and aesthetically acceptable, otherwise they will never be built.
The
statue under the canopy shows Lady Godiva who rode naked through the streets of
Coventry many hundreds of years ago in protest at the taxes imposed by her
husband. The new shopping centre behind it is one of many in the city centre,
just two minutes walk from the campus.
This
photo shows a cast iron bridge. 100 years ago iron was replaced by steel as the
main material for large structures but civil engineers must still be aware of
its properties. An ever increasing amount of construction work involves the
restoration and refurbishment of historic structures. Note that the hand rail
forms an integral part of this structure. Analysis would show that the bridge
would be substantially weakened if the handrail was removed.
The
bridge is outside an excellent pub called the Greyhound. It is just 4 miles
from the campus and is in open country at Hawkesbury junction where the Oxford
and Coventry canals meet. In the heyday of the canal system 200 years ago this
was a centre for transhipment of cargoes and collection of tolls. In summer it
is now busy with cruising narrow boats.
The canal comes right into the city, and the canal basin at the end of
it is just a few minutes’ walk from the University
This
photo shows a tapered steel column. For many standard components it is possible
to find out how much load they will carry by looking up standard tables. For
this column, however, a qualified Engineer must calculate its strength. What
(if anything) would happen if it was damaged or removed?
The
column is in the cathedral close which is very close to the University. This
part of the city contains many buildings which have survived for hundreds of
years and has an excellent atmosphere in which to relax after a hard day’s
study. Civil Engineering is a demanding
course and success in it requires a considerable amount of hard, but rewarding,
work. Students do, however, have time to enjoy a wide range of social
activities including listening to live music or just relaxing. There are
numerous clubs and pubs in the city centre, just a few minutes walk away.
The
designer of structure like this has to decide whether to make it with steel or
concrete. Civil Engineering students learn how to assess the different factors
which affect this decision. Which will cost less? Which will be faster to construct?
Which will be more durable? Which will be safer in a fire?
The
building is our new sports centre. This
is now complete and has two multi-purpose halls and a fitness gym.