Course syllabus for Structural design

Course syllabus adopted 2024-02-13 by Head of Programme (or corresponding).

Overview

  • Swedish nameGestaltning och konstruktiv utformning
  • CodeBOM170
  • Credits7.5 Credits
  • OwnerMPSEB
  • Education cycleSecond-cycle
  • Main field of studyArchitecture and Engineering, Civil and Environmental Engineering
  • DepartmentARCHITECTURE AND CIVIL ENGINEERING
  • GradingTH - Pass with distinction (5), Pass with credit (4), Pass (3), Fail

Course round 1

  • Teaching language English
  • Application code 22126
  • Maximum participants52 (at least 10% of the seats are reserved for exchange students)
  • Block schedule
  • Open for exchange studentsYes

Credit distribution

0112 Project 7.5 c
Grading: TH		7.5 c0 c0 c0 c0 c0 c

In programmes

Examiner

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Eligibility

General entry requirements for Master's level (second cycle)
Applicants enrolled in a programme at Chalmers where the course is included in the study programme are exempted from fulfilling the requirements above.

Specific entry requirements

English 6 (or by other approved means with the equivalent proficiency level)
Applicants enrolled in a programme at Chalmers where the course is included in the study programme are exempted from fulfilling the requirements above.

Course specific prerequisites

Good understanding of conceptual design of structural systems, for instance through the course Structural systems: design and assessment, and of design and response of structural systems and structural members of timber, steel and concrete, for instance through the courses Structures, Structural engineering, Timber engineering, Structural concrete and the parallel course Steel structures. One or two courses in structural engineering at advanced level may be replaced by courses in architectural engineering at advanced level.

Aim

The course is an advanced project-based course concerning development of concepts of structures, which are demanding with regard to expression, urban context and complex technical solutions. It provides a context where students have to synthesise previous knowledge within conceptual and structural engineering in an iterative design process. The main aim is to promote students¿ ability to work across disciplinary boundaries and to integrate knowledge from different areas in order to develop suitable, efficient and innovative structures of different structural materials, where the optimised technical solution is part of the architectural expression. The course should promote development of a broad inter-disciplinary understanding.

Learning outcomes (after completion of the course the student should be able to)

After completion of the course the student should be able to
  • interpret the force paths for complex structures of various materials, by translating a structural concept to a structural model (with load-carrying elements, boundary conditions and main loads) and use the force polygon method
  • design complex structures based on their force paths by the use of the force polygon method
  • perform conceptual design of complex structures in project teams of mixed professional cultures and competences. This includes to:
    • describe, explain and evaluate the conditions and context for design and express a design intention,
    • create innovative structural concepts where the expression, efficient flow of forces and smart technical solutions are integrated,
    • express demands on structures depending on various stakeholders
    • develop structural concepts in an iterative process considering context and demands
    • evaluate and critically review proposed concepts, especially with regards to risks, sustainability, construction, maintenance and service life considerations
    • efficiently present a concept both mutually and in writing, with figures and physical models, and to make use of constructive criticism

Content

The course treats architectural and structural design of advanced and complex structures of various materials and material combinations with regard to their expression, load paths and mechanical behaviour, construction and performance during operation. It is of major concern to handle complexity related to the structural configuration, to the urban and environmental context and to the interaction between architectural and structural design.

Organisation

The course is divided in four sequent phases. In the first phase the students by means of introductory lectures and study visits develop their knowledge to relate structures to their urban and environmental context, to describe technical solutions of advanced and complex structures, and to read and explain their load paths.

A major project concerning conceptual design of an advanced and complex structure starts, where students work together in teams of mixed competences. The actual project is related to an openable bridge over Göta Älv. In the second phase the project teams study the building site with its context and specific conditions and explore design possibilities by generating many alternative improvised concepts. In the third phase the context and various stakeholders needs and demands are further analysed. The improvised concepts are critically evaluated, further developed, modified and rejected in an iterative procedure until possible concepts remain as promising solutions. The design process is supported by lectures, supervised workshops, critical reviews and interaction between design teams.

In the last phase the possible concepts are further analysed, modified and worked out to a complete structural concept, which is documented and prepared for professional presentation with designed argumentation. The proposed and recommended structural concept is presented at a final seminar.

Literature

Allen, E., Zelewski, W., Boston Structures Group: Form and forces, Designing efficient, expressive structures. John Wiley & Sons, Inc., New Jersey, 2010.
Schlaich, Bergermann and Partner, Detail Engineering 1. Institut für internationale Architektur-Dokumentation GmbH & Co. KG, München, 2011.

Examination including compulsory elements

Each student will get an individual grade based on the individual examination and the result of the project work and their participation and activity. The individual written examination concerning basic theory takes place during the course. Active participation in project work is required. It is compulsory to take part in the seminars, where all students are supposed to contribute to the discussion. Furthermore, the study tours are compulsory.

The project is evaluated on the basis of oral and written presentations, models and slide shows prepared by each group of students. The following aspects will be evaluated:
  • Quality of design proposals with regard to completeness and clarity
  • Ability to express, explain and analyse force patterns and structural behaviour
  • Quality of design process with regard to context and demands
  • Ability to develop the design by an iterative design process
  • Ability to develop structural concepts, which are demanding with regard to expression, urban context, and complex technical solutions
  • Ability to critically review design proposals and identify risks, uncertainties and crucial issues in design
  • Quality of oral and written presentations

The course examiner may assess individual students in other ways than what is stated above if there are special reasons for doing so, for example if a student has a decision from Chalmers on educational support due to disability.