A continuation of the second semester’s course, this course addresses further the analysis and design of structural elements. The relationship between form and structure is examined in order to provide a thorough understanding of the design and construction process and the multi-disciplinary character of the design team.
The course is aiming to help students to learn the basic tools and methods needed to understand design parameters, consider the alternatives and proceed to solutions. The course provides an understanding of the behavior of most structural systems and gives students an exposure to basic structural concepts and methods applicable in the early stages of the design process in order to select and roughly size the most appropriate structural system. Finally, it teaches the engineering language and tools in order to improve the communication with the engineers within the design team.
Statics are covered more in depth (internal stresses, shear and moment diagrams) and a brief introduction to the Strength of Μaterials is attempted. Special characteristics of different materials and the related technologies are discussed. The course continues into the analysis and design of structures such as trusses and beams. The use of these elements is considered in a building context.
This course too is organized in modules. Class meetings alternate between lectures on theoretical issues and case-studies on built projects focusing on original and innovative architectural design and structural solutions. In a practical component, exercises and hands-on workshops take place complimenting the issues discussed in the theoretical part.
structure, structural design, strength of materials, truss, beams