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Structural Design III
Tragwerksentwurf III
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 16:00:51
Abstract
The course Structural Design III complements the courses Structural Design I and II, which show the fundamentals of how structures function. The course explores the relationship between architecture and structure by analyzing buildings built from the main structural materials.
Objective
At the conclusion of Structural Design III, students will be able to: 1. understand the structural behaviour of a building. 2. design efficient and expressive structural systems. 3. extend the application of graphic statics from 2D to 3D. 4. assess the structural and architectural potentials of the most important building materials. 5. establish a relationship between material aspects, form and forces. 6. understand how construction details work from a structural perspective. 7. carry out basic dimensioning of structural elements.
Content
After a brief review of the key aspects taught in Structural Design I and II, the course Structural Design III will examine the interplay of architectural concepts and structural systems by analyzing buildings of exemplary quality. Structures built out of steel, reinforced concrete, timber and masonry are studied. During the exercise sessions, three-dimensional structures will be analyzed using graphic statics taking into account the relationship between form, forces and material aspects.
Resources
Lecture Notes
eQUILIBRIUMhttps://block.arch.ethz.ch/eq/course/81
Literature
"The art of structures, Introduction to the functioning of structures in architecture" (Aurelio Muttoni, EPFL Press, 2011, ISBN-13: 978-0415610292, ISBN-10: 041561029X) "Faustformel Tragwerksentwurf" (Philippe Block, Christoph Gengangel, Stefan Peters, DVA Deutsche Verlags-Anstalt 2013, ISBN: 978-3-421-03904-0) "Form and Forces: Designing Efficient, Expressive Structures" (Edward Allen, Waclaw Zalewski, October 2009, ISBN: 978-0-470-17465-4)
Learning Materials (Links)
- Main link
- Information
General Information
- Language
- German
- Levels
- BSC
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- session examination
- Mode
- written 90 minutes
- Aids
- Taschenrechner (nicht programmierbar, kein Internet-Zugang).
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture with exercise |
Tragwerksentwurf III
Keine Lehrveranstaltung am 28.10. (Seminarwoche) sowie in den beiden letzten Semesterwochen (vor Schlussabgaben).
|
|
3 h weekly |