- The tensile strength of the stone used in the

ancient Greek temple is fairly weak. Note how

short the span of the lintel is in between each
column.
- The Roman Pantheon, with it’s large concrete
dome (top left) distributes the weight differently,
allowing for a far greater span on the ceiling, and
more un-interrupted space on the interior.
- The Houston Astrodome uses more newly
discovered materials along with superior weight
distribution to achieve an amazing span across the
interior of the space.
 We will examine the following
technologies…

 Load-bearing construction
 Post-and-lintel construction
 Arches, vaults, and domes
 Cast iron construction
 Frame construction
 Steel and reinforced concrete construction
Load-bearing construction…

 Load-bearing: In architecture, this is a construction

method where the walls bear the weight of the roof. This
is achieved by piling or stacking any material (for
example: stones, bricks, mud, and straw) right up to the
roof level. Taller buildings that use this method (such as
the ancient Egyptian pyramids) would require incredibly
thick walls at the bottom of the structure, in order to
support the weight of the building.
Pyramids at Menkaure (c. 2470 BCE), Khafre (c. 2500 BCE), and Khufu (c.
2530 BCE).

The architecture of early civilizations was mainly designed to imitate

natural forms.
The true meaning of the pyramids in Egypt is unknown, but many
scholars believe they imitate the sun’s rays coming down to Earth, and
would serve as a connection to the Egyptian Sun God Re.
The stone blocks used to build the Great Pyramid weigh around 2.5 to 15
tons each. The pyramid is made of an estimated 2.3 million blocks. (In
order for this building to have been completed when it was, workers
would have had to set a block in place every 2.5 minutes!) This piece of
architecture is using an enormous amount of weight to build itself up.