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Structural Design I
Tragwerksentwurf I
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 16:00:51
Abstract
The courses Structural Design I and II explain the fundamentals of how structures function. These courses put great emphasis on studying the relationship between the form of a structure and the internal forces within it by means of graphic statics.
Objective
At the end of the courses Structural Design I and II, students will be able to: 1. visualize the internal forces within structural elements. 2. understand the relationship between the form of a structure and the internal forces within it. 3. modify the design of a structure in order to improve it. 4. identify the most important structural typologies. 5. use graphic statics for the form-finding and analysis of structures. 6. carry out basic dimensioning of structural elements. 7. respond to structural problems in a creative manner.
Content
Structural Design I: - Fundamentals of static equilibrium - Introduction to graphic statics - Basic dimensioning of structural elements - Cables and stiffening schemes of cables - Arches and stiffening schemes of arches - Arch-cables structures Structural Design II: - Trusses - Beams - Frames - Plates - Buckling of compression elements
Resources
Lecture Notes
on eQuilibrium"Skript Tragwerksentwurf I/II"http://www.block.arch.ethz.ch/eq/course/4?lang=enA printed version can be bought at the chair of Structural Design Prof. Schwartz for sFr. 55.-.
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
- eQUILIBRIUM
General Information
- Language
- German
- Levels
- BSC
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- session examination
- Mode
- written 90 minutes
- Aids
- Taschenrechner (nicht programmierbar, kein Internetzugang).Calculator (not programmable, no internet access).
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture with exercise |
Tragwerksentwurf I
Keine Lehrveranstaltung am 27.10. (Seminarwoche) sowie in den beiden letzten Semesterwochen.
Die Vorlesung wird zweisprachig (Deutsch/Englisch) gehalten.
|
|
3 h weekly |