Back to fundamentals [ 1 ] - graphic_static
Structures & Technologies LAB @UCLouvain 2023-03-24
This lecture of a series of three will address the fundamentals of graphic statics. After a short introduction on the uses of graphic statics, whether as an analytical or integral tool, the lecture will re-establish step by step the elements of graphic statics for structural analysis and design. Starting with the work of Simon Stevin (1605) who established the triangle of forces and the very first funiculars, the presentation progressively introduces the uses of graphic statics for structural equilibrium, internal force analysis, trusses and framework resolutions, arch and beam analysis. In the second part, the presentation addresses its use for the analysis of hyperstatic problems such as hyperstatic trusses and beams and rigid frames.
Finally, the presentation will show the uses of graphic statics for structural design with a contemporary project and through two detailed examples from the work of Robert Maillart.
Back to fundamentals [ 2 ] - Performances objectives in structural design
This second lecture of a series of three will address performances objectives in structural design and provide examples of design-oriented approaches using VGS.The lecture starts by introducing the two theorems of plastic calculation, showing their interest for structural design. In application, the use of strut-and-tie modelling will be introduced, as well as the use of graphic statics for their design and analysis, this approach being suitable to all structural materials. This lecture will then discuss the notion of optimum for STM and reticulated systems, and its methodological implications for structural design. From an introduction of vectorial and polyhedral 3D graphic statics, the talk will then address the use of VGS for the design of optimised systems. The theoretical bases of vector-based graphic statics will be presented as well as its computational implementation resulting in the VGS plugin for grasshopper. A few case studies will finally be presented to show applications of the vectorial approach.
Back to fundamentals [ 3 ] - timber design
This final lecture of a series of three will address the fundamentals of timber design. The lecture starts by introducing the main characteristics of timber in building and outlines the conclusions to be drawn for designing with timber. Timber behaviour in fire, types of construction and connections with timber will be reviewed. An analysis of the characteristics of the suitable structural systems will then be presented, supplemented by the presentation of some relevant examples. The design of efficient timber structures will then be addressed with the computational tool Vector-based Graphic Statics (VGS) on various structural models: Tree-Branching structure systems, fan-like structures, lattice girders and CLT plane or folded structures. For each, graphic statics interactive models will be shown. Structural explorations with timber will then presented, showing performances of the primary structure and/or joints, illustrating the interest and power of VGS as a tool for the controlled and informed design of timber structures.
The 'Back to fundamentals' series, as part of the online series of lectures 'Performance based Digital Design Theory' of the Tongji University 2023, addresses the topic of applied structural design, particularly through 3D statics with VGS, by returning to fundamentals of structural design.