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Department of Architecture
Xian University of Architecture and Technology
A WORKSHOP ON BUILDING
SUPPORT STRUCTURES:
A visual study with computers
The goal is to develop an understanding for the building structure as a system that supports and as a pattern
that orders space and makes it possible. Structural computer modeling is introduced where the treatment of
structures is broadened and enriched by integrating the traditionally separate fields of: construction,
structural analysis, structural design, structural systems, materials, geometrical modeling, visual
communication and, presentation. The students have to synthesize the knowledge acquired in various
courses and have to set up a mathematical model of the building support structure, rather than solving a given
isolated analysis or design problem, as is usually done in education; they have to deal with the physical
reality of the entire building rather than only an isolated part.
The primary structural engineering software used in this context is SAP2000 V.11 developed by
COMPUTERS AND STRUCTURES (CSI), Berkeley, CA, USA (http://www.csiberkeley.com/); it is widely
employed in practice and in numerous universities internationally. The program is fully integrated within
Microsoft Windows and allows modeling of nearly all types of structures. The Windows based easy-to-use
graphical interface permits the quick modeling of structures with templates and then to edit them via the
graphical interface. Free educational demo versions of the software are available from CSI. Since the demo
versions of the CSI software are limited to 100 nodes, generally only planar structures are investigated by the
students.
The program helps students to visualize the building as an assembly of linear elements (e.g. beams,
columns, arches, cables), planar elements (e.g. walls, slabs, shells, flexible membranes), or spatial elements
(e.g. solids). Students have to define: geometry, material, member types, member sections, static load cases
and load combinations. Then they set up the mathematical model for the building support structure by
assigning the member types and sections, the external support joints, possibly constraints, the frame end
releases (internal member joints), and the load types.
It is not necessary for the students to set up equations although assumptions and limitations of the method of
analysis will be discussed. But it must be emphasized that finite element computer programs do not only
represent a powerful method of engineering analysis, they also represent a tool for learning. The student
must understand the physical reality of the building structure in every detail to set up the model he puts into
the computer. He develops a feeling and control over the support structure by zooming from the global scale
of the overall building behavior to the local scale of stress and detail.
PROJECTS: they are an integral part of the workshop, see PROJECTS 2009
BIBLIOGRAPHY
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Building Support Structures, Analysis and Design with SAP2000 Software, with attached CD,
published by Computers and Structures Inc., Berkeley, CA, 2009, 620 pages,
http://orders.csiberkeley.com/SearchResults.asp?Cat=2&Redirected=Y
The Design of Building Structures [] , 2 volumes, Prentice Hall
W.Wolfgang Schueller[], www.china-pub.com .
Manuals of CSI programs on CD, especially, Getting Started-Basic Analysis
Reference Tutorial Manuals, see also for further information,
http://www.comp-engineering.com/SAPManE.htm
Refer also to: Beijing Civil King Software Technology Co., Ltd., Beijing, Chushu LI, PHD, S.E., Chief
Executive, Tel:86-10-8838 3866-101, Mobile:13601318851, Fax:86-10-88381056,
Email: csli@chinabuilding.com.cn, Web: http://www.bjcks.com/ ,
web: http://www.csiberkeley.com
Qualified universities are eligible for free software for Education and Research.
Dr. Software's products: http://www.drsoftware-home.com/
West Point Bridge Designer, version 4.1.1, which was developed by Colonel Professor Steve Ressler at
the U.S. Military Academy, West Point, NY. (bridgecontest.usma.edu/index.htm).
Introduction to Projects
Discussion and selection of projects
Stage 1: geometrical order of building, spatial grid organization
Spatial awareness:
Definition of building shapes by contour lines - the geometry of interior volumes - geometrical layout of
building structure as defined by the horizontal planes (plans) and the vertical building planes (sections and
elevations), and as defined by the interaction of the planes which form the space (e.g. axons, relationship of
plan to section) - grids and line diagrams as organizers - dimensional coordination.
Trusses
Introduction to planar truss systems
Problem 1, 2 : the generation of trusses: simple, basic truss forms are generated as based on the Howe-type
of member layout (a similar approach can be used for other common layouts such as Pratt, Warren, K-truss,
lattice). Then make the following changes by reshaping the truss configuration that is play with the truss
object by considering:
Profile: rectangular, triangular, curved, trapezoidal, and other asymmetrical shapes, i.e. contours
Load arrangement, load direction, and load location: symmetrical and asymmetrical, vertical and
horizontal
Support location and orientation: simple beams, cantilever beams, overhanging beams, frames, etc.
Simple truss types: funicular trusses, fan trusses, compound trusses, complex trusses
Cable Structures
Introduction to cable structures: cable-supported beams (sub-tensioned beams), cable-stayed bridges, cablestayed roof structures
Problem 3, only for demonstration of stayed bridges
week 2:
Discussion of Projects
Discussion of Projects
Project stage 3: gravity load analysis of building
Behavioral Awareness:
The response of structure (i.e. axial force diagrams, shear and moment diagrams, member deflections), to
gravity force flow as seen in the horizontal and vertical building planes - the effect of geometrical layout of
structure on magnitude of force flow - the interplay of force and form (tectonics) - the effect of scale structural integrity and redundancy - the efficiency of form.
Discussion of Projects
Project stage 4: LATERAL load analysis of building
Behavioral Awareness:
The response of structure (i.e. axial force diagrams, shear and moment diagrams, member deflections), to
lateral forces of wind and seismic action as seen in the vertical planes - the effect of geometrical layout of
structure on magnitude of force flow - the interplay of force and form (tectonics) the lateral stability of the
building - the effect of scale - structural integrity and redundancy - the efficiency of form.
Frames
The geometry of frames rectangular frames vs. pitched frames vs. arches - funicular frames pressure line
response to various load actions - the effect of the frame profile on uniform gravity load action - the behavior
of simple statically determinate frames (single-bay, multi-bay, single-story, multi-story) under gravity and
lateral force action - the braced frame - eccentric vs. concentric bracing - knee-braced portal frames - stability
and redundancy of simple frames
three-hinge arches/frames - the difference between folded beams and arches - lateral thrust under gravity
action
Problem 16: folded beam system
Problems 8, 9, 10: steel, wood, and concrete columns
Problem 17: three-hinged frame structure systems
Problem 18: introduction to indeterminate frames two-hinged portal frames the effect of indeterminacy
Problem 19: The effect of member sizes on force flow in indeterminate frames
Problem 20: basic arches
Discussion of Projects
Project stage 5: LATERAL STABILITY of building
Material Awareness:
Member span vs. member size - density of member arrangement - scale of structure - interaction of structural
elements - interaction of structural and non-structural elements such as curtains and partitions - detail as
connection, linkage of structural elements - materiality - composition
distribution of lateral forces to the vertical lateral force-resisting structures:(1) statically determinate
conditions, (2) statically determinate conditions due to symmetry, (3) torsion (closed shafts)
Grading system
Homework exercises (40%) + Project stages (30%) + Final Project (20%) + Course involvement including
attendance (10%)