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052-0603-00L 2 Credits BSC D-ARCH
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Structural Design I

Tragwerksentwurf I

Lecturers: Prof. Dr. Philippe Block, Dr. Lluis Enrique Monzo
Examiners: Prof. Dr. Philippe Block
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Last Updated: 2026-06-01 11:30:28

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

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)

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 No time listed 3 h weekly

Offered In