Course detail

Basic Structures for Architects

FA-ZSM-KEAcad. year: 2022/2023

The course introduces basic theory of statics, load-bearing elements and structures. The knowledge of structural behaviour is essential for architects as it is the logical base in the most important phase of creation, i.e. when designing the concept of structure. The course provides general rules of structural analysis, internal forces, and their practical use in practice.
In the study programmes “Architecture and Urban Design” the course is part of the technical courses.

Language of instruction

English

Number of ECTS credits

3

Mode of study

Not applicable.

Guarantor

doc. Ing. Monika Petříčková, Ph.D.

Department

Department of Engineering (US)

Offered to foreign students

The home faculty only

Learning outcomes of the course unit

– Students will know all types of load-bearing structures.
– Students will be able to analyse the internal forces in different types of structures.
– Students will gain substantial knowledge and principles of dimensioning.

Prerequisites

Not applicable.

Co-requisites

Not applicable.

Planned learning activities and teaching methods

The course consists of lectures and seminars. The lectures present the theoretical basis, the seminars focus on application of knowledge gained at the lectures and practical examples. The lectures are tightly interconnected with the seminars and the whole teaching process is based on a logical basis with thematic gradation. The content of seminars is discussed and consulted during individual assignments.

Assesment methods and criteria linked to learning outcomes

Evaluation consists of an exam which is written and consists of numerical and theoretical parts, students must complete a minimum 50 % of both parts.

Course curriculum

Course syllabus:
  1. Introduction to the theory of structural calculations, physical model of safe structure, basic terminology
  2. Types of load-bearing structural elements and systems
  3. Coplanar force systems, identifying the conditions of equilibrium and equivalence
  4. Supporting the building constructions, frames, calculating the reactions. Loading of building constructions
  5. Design methods for statically indeterminate bar structures
  6. Analysis of internal forces at planar beams, differential conditions for equilibrium
  7. Diagrams of internal forces, drawing, identifying the location of maximum bending moment
  8. Cross section of bar, inertia moment, cross section module
  9. Frame structures
  10. Principle of cables, types of cable structures, arrangement, bending, examples
  11. Arched structure, forms, principles of static forces, internal forces
  12. Planar structures – slabs, walls, shell

Work placements

Not applicable.

Aims

The aim of the course is to familiarize the students with the concept of creating structural model and structural behaviour under load, in order to specify the internal forces which are fundamental for designing and forming of structures and to provide safety of the structure. The course presents all basic types of load-bearing structures.

Specification of controlled education, way of implementation and compensation for absences

Attendance in lectures is not compulsory, attendance in seminars is compulsory. In seminars, students solve individual assignments which must be consulted and submitted before the required deadlines.
In the case of a student's apology and with approval of the subject guarantor, personal attendance may be substituted with online attendance in the classes.

Recommended optional programme components

Not applicable.

Prerequisites and corequisites

Not applicable.

Basic literature

GARRISON, Philip. Basic structures for engineers and architects. Oxford: Blackwell Publishing, 2005, 278 s. ISBN 14-051-2053-3. (EN)
ALLEN, Edward; ZALEWSKI, Waclaw. Form And Forces: Designing Efficient, Expressive Structures. John Wiley & Sons Inc, 2009. ISBN: 9780470174654. (EN)
ENGEL, Heino. Tragsysteme Structure Systems. 1st Ed. Stuttgart: Deutsche Verlags – Anstalt, 1967, 352 s. ISBN 37-757-0706-9. (EN)

Recommended reading

Not applicable.

Classification of course in study plans

  • Programme BX_A+U Bachelor's

    branch ARCH , 1. year of study, winter semester, elective

  • Programme NE_A+U Master's, 1. year of study, winter semester, compulsory-optional
  • Programme NX_A+U Master's, 1. year of study, winter semester, elective

Type of course unit

 

Lecture

13 hours, optionally

Teacher / Lecturer

doc. Ing. Monika Petříčková, Ph.D.

Seminar

39 hours, compulsory

Teacher / Lecturer

doc. Ing. Monika Petříčková, Ph.D.