Introduction to Structural Design
    Course Description: 2008
    Arch 324/624, Introduction to Structural Design, University of Virginia
     Copyright © 1996-2008 Kirk Martini. Last Modified Wed, 09-Jan-2008 14:53     		   Table of
    Contents
    Title and Credits
    Arch 324/624: Introduction to Structural Design. 4 Credits.

    Format
    Two lectures per week at MW 11:00-1:00 in room 158 Campbell and one Lab session per week.

    Labs meet at the following times

    Section 1 Thu 9:30 - 11:00 302 Campbell
    Section 2 Thu 11:00 - 12:30 302 Campbell

    Prerequisites
    Introductory physics, including statics.

    Description
    The course is intended as a first course in structures for architecture undergraduates and for graduate students with degrees in other disciplines. The course includes the following topics:

    • A brief review of basic concepts in mathematics and physics.
    • Fundamental concepts in forces, motion, and material behavior.
    • Behavior and design of structural elements, and principles of connections.
    • Behavior and design of basic system types: trusses, cables, arches, and frames.
    • Code-based approaches to design.

    Objectives
    The course seeks to develop analytic and critical skills through mathematical and visual study of structures, towards the objective of being able to learn about structure through informed observation, and to control structure in design to enhance architectural intent.

    The course also seeks to synthesize inductive learning (learning through observation and example) and deductive learning (learning through logic and principles). The primary resources for deductive learning are the course Problem Manual and the textbooks; the primary resources for inductive learning are a collection of digital structural images, available over the web, plus the world around us, which is full of structural lessons that students will learn to read.

    Assignments
    Course assignments comprise four components: homework problems, quizzes, a project, and a final examination.

    Books
    The following text is required

    • Arch 324/524 Problems and Notes  Kirk Martini
    • Structures 6th ed., Daniel Schodek

    The following texts are recommended:
    • Structures: or why things don't fall down   J.E Gordon
    • Design Paradigms  Henry Petroski

    All of these books are on reserve in the Fine Arts library.

    Topics and Schedule

    Week 0: Fundamentals and Approach
  • Structural Types.
  • Visual Critical Analysis of Structures.
  • Mathematical Fundamentals.

    Weeks 1-3: Forces and Motion
  • Forces and equilibrium.
  • Support modelling and calculating reactions.
  • Internal forces and diagrams.
  • Framing and load evaluation.

    Week 4: Materials, Behavior, and Criteria
  • Quantifying material behavior: stress, strain, and modulus of elasticity.
  • Behavior of materials, elements and systems: strength, stiffness, and ductility.
  • Limit states for elements and systems at service loads and overload.
  • Building code approaches.

    Week 5-7: Behavior and Design of Structural Elements
  • Beams: Bending stress, shear stress, and deflections.
  • Member selection using allowable stress design for statically determinate beams.
  • Compression elements and buckling.
  • Members with both compression and bending: the interaction formula.

    • Weeks 8-13: Structural Assemblies and Systems

    Week 8-9: Trusses
  • Classical truss theory and manual methods of analysis: method of joints, method of sections.
  • Interpreting truss behavior using shear and moment diagrams.
  • Choosing truss configuration based on span and loading conditions.
  • Relationships of structure to skin in lateral bracing for tall buildings.

    Week 10: Cable Structures
  • Equilibrium of non-rigid bodies.
  • The relationship of cable geometry to the moment diagram.
  • Approaches to stability in cable bridges and roofs.

    • Weeks 11: Arches and Portal Frames
  • Funicular compression structures.
  • Three-hinged arches and 19th Century methods of analysis.
  • Arch structures subjected to non-funicular loadings.
  • Graphic methods for determining the distribution of bending moments.

    • Week 12-13: Structural System Analysis and Design
  • The structural design process: conceptual, preliminary, and final design.
  • Framing and System Selection
  • Observation and analysis of complete structural systems.

    • Arch 324/624, Introduction to Structural Design, University of Virginia
     Copyright © 1996-2008 Kirk Martini. Last Modified Wed, 09-Jan-2008 14:53    		   Table of
    Contents