A Brief History of Structural Engineering
2560 BC
When they were built, the pyramids of Giza were the tallest man-made structures in the world and they held this title for over 3,800 years.
Late 12th century
Bologna had at least 100 high-rise towers, built by wealthy families to convey status and to serve as military defense.
1792
First recorded attempt at building a fireproof building (William Strutt)
19th Century
Cast iron advancements replaced wrought iron in structures.
1857
The urban skyscraper as we know it actually became a viable option. That was the year in which the inventor Elisha Otis installed the first safety elevator in a NYC department store, an act which—in tandem with the mass production of steel—would change city skies forever.
1889
Eiffel Tower was constructed out of wrought iron. A major breakthrough in structural design and was the tallest man- made building in the world for 41 years.
Late 19th Century
Russian structural engineer Vladmir Shukhov developed analysis methods for different thin shell structures and pioneered pipeline transport.
1928
Eugène Freyssinet pioneered pre-stressed concrete.
1931
The Chicago building was only 10 stories high, but it was the first to use steel in its frame. It was eventually demolished in 1931.
Mid-20th Century
John Baker went on to develop the plasticity theory providing a powerful tool for the safe design of steel structures.
Faslur Khan designed structural systems that are considered fundamental to many modern skyscrapers. Tube, bundled tube, and "x bracing" are some of these structural engineering systems.
2560 BC
When they were built, the pyramids of Giza were the tallest man-made structures in the world and they held this title for over 3,800 years.
Late 12th century
Bologna had at least 100 high-rise towers, built by wealthy families to convey status and to serve as military defense.
1792
First recorded attempt at building a fireproof building (William Strutt)
19th Century
Cast iron advancements replaced wrought iron in structures.
1857
The urban skyscraper as we know it actually became a viable option. That was the year in which the inventor Elisha Otis installed the first safety elevator in a NYC department store, an act which—in tandem with the mass production of steel—would change city skies forever.
1889
Eiffel Tower was constructed out of wrought iron. A major breakthrough in structural design and was the tallest man- made building in the world for 41 years.
Late 19th Century
Russian structural engineer Vladmir Shukhov developed analysis methods for different thin shell structures and pioneered pipeline transport.
1928
Eugène Freyssinet pioneered pre-stressed concrete.
1931
The Chicago building was only 10 stories high, but it was the first to use steel in its frame. It was eventually demolished in 1931.
Mid-20th Century
John Baker went on to develop the plasticity theory providing a powerful tool for the safe design of steel structures.
Faslur Khan designed structural systems that are considered fundamental to many modern skyscrapers. Tube, bundled tube, and "x bracing" are some of these structural engineering systems.