Structural Design I

The courses Structural Design I and II explain the fundamentals of how structures function. These courses put great emphasis on studying the relationship between the form of a structure and the internal forces within it by means of graphic statics.

Arch-Cable Structures

In this exercise, the learnt methods of graphic statics are applied to hybrid arch-cable structures. Special attention is paid to determining the reaction forces for different structures and load cases.

Supports

In addition to hinges (fixed support), there are also rollers (sliding support), which can only absorb perpendicular forces.

5.1 Supports

Arch-cable structures

In the case of cable and arch structures, the reaction forces have horizontal components that must be transferred to the ground or to adjacent structural elements. If this is not possible, different solutions are needed to absorb these forces: Additional load-bearing elements that are subjected to compression or tension and connect the supports. The resulting structures are called arch-cable structures.

5.2 Arch-cable structures

Span and cantilever

If the resultant of all applied forces lies between the supports, a spanning system is to be found. However, if the resultant is outside the supports, it is a cantilever.

5.3 Comparison: Span and cantilever