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052-0604-00L 2 Credits BSC D-ARCH
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Structural Design II

Tragwerksentwurf II

Lecturers: Prof. Dr. Philippe Block
Examiners: Prof. em. Dr. Joseph Schwartz, Prof. Dr. Philippe Block
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 16:39:02

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 conclusion of the courses Structural Design I and II, students will be able to: 1. visualize the internal forces within two-dimensional 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

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)

General Information

Language
German
Levels
BSC
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
session examination
Mode
written 180 minutes
Aids
Taschenrechner (nicht programmierbar, kein Internet-Zugang).Calculator (not programmable, no internet access).
Die Prüfung kann auch in Englisch geschrieben werden.

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture with exercise Tragwerksentwurf II
Keine Lehrveranstaltungen am 21.03.2024 (Seminarwoche) und in den letzten beiden Semesterwochen (s. Raumbelegungen!).
  • Thu 12:45-15:30 (HCI G 7)
3 h weekly

Offered In