Empirical exercise in structural design: Force, form, material and connection

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

This article presents an educational exercise designed for architecture students to study static structural behavior and develop an understanding necessary and appropriate for their role in structural design. The exercise examines structure about the conceptual criteria of force, form, material and connection. The symbiotic relationships between these criteria serve as a means to explore, evaluate and understand the various components of structural design. The exercise employs an empirical methodology, the most ancient form of structural analysis, as it requires students to conceive of a structural design in response to specific conditions, develop drawings that examine the criteria of force, form, material and connection, fabricate, physically test and reflect upon its performance. This sequence is repeated three times and the stages are ordered about the objectives of concept, specificity and efficiency. The conditions are abstract, specific and require the resolution of two linear concentrated loads evenly spaced over a three-foot span.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationISEC 2011 - 6th International Structural Engineering and Construction Conference
Subtitle of host publicationModern Methods and Advances in Structural Engineering and Construction
EditorsSiamak Yazdani, Sai On Cheung, Amarjit Singh, Nader Ghafoori
PublisherResearch Publishing Services
Pages143-148
Number of pages6
ISBN (Electronic)9789810879204
DOIs
StatePublished - 2011
Event6th International Structural Engineering and Construction Conference: Modern Methods and Advances in Structural Engineering and Construction, ISEC 2011 - Zurich, Switzerland
Duration: Jun 21 2011Jun 26 2011

Publication series

NameISEC 2011 - 6th International Structural Engineering and Construction Conference: Modern Methods and Advances in Structural Engineering and Construction

Other

Other6th International Structural Engineering and Construction Conference: Modern Methods and Advances in Structural Engineering and Construction, ISEC 2011
Country/TerritorySwitzerland
CityZurich
Period6/21/116/26/11

Keywords

  • Education
  • Empiricism
  • Laboratory
  • Pedagogy
  • Structural behavior
  • Structural design

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Building and Construction
  • Civil and Structural Engineering

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