Form and Force Diagrams

Structural design I/II

The first year course is an introduction to structural design using graphical methods and physical models, with a focus on a creative approach rather than repetitive calculations. Cable and membrane structures, arch and shell structures and combined arch and cable systems will be used to demonstrate these methods. The objective is to develop an intuitive understanding of the relationship between the shape of a structure, the load it needs to carry and the forces in it. To achieve this, the teaching is based on graphic statics, which allow the visualization of internal and external forces in structural systems, therefore illustrating the relationship between shape (form) and stress (force) in load-bearing elements.

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last modified 27.3.2020