Spatial structures : design and analysis

This course focusses on the design and analysis of spatial structures such as membrane structures, inflatable structures, compression-only structures, gridshells, bending-active structures, domes, etc. 
The student gains insight in how these typologies work structurally and how to design and analyse them. In the final task, the student designs and analyses a spatial structure.

This course focusses on the design and analysis of spatial structures. The student gains insight in how these typologies work structurally and how to design and analyse them. In the final task, the student designs and analyses a spatial structure.

Design

• knowing the principles and methods for the design of various typologies of spatial structures
• having a thorough technical knowledge of spatial structures
• being able to develop details that incorporate architectonic and constructive elements
• explore spatial structures through three-dimensional computer models and physical models

 

Analysis

• having a thorough insight in the structural behaviour of various typologies of spatial structures
• being able to perform statical analysis for different load cases
• being able to specify the dimension of the structural components and to choose the appropriate materialization
• apply and evaluate complementary tools: from small scale model to prototype to numerical simulations

• Lectures + exercises.
• The communication platform Canvas (VUB platform) is used to provide hand-outs. The manuals and assignments are made available on this platform.
• Attendance at the exercise sessions is not compulsory, but the tasks must be handed in via Canvas within the set time frame. The result, the working method as well as and the progress of the student are evaluated.
• For more information about the concrete set-up and planning of the course: see Canvas (VUB platform).
• A mix of online classes and on-campus classes are possible, both for the lectures as for the exercise sessions.

References, bibliography, and recommended reading

The communication platform Canvas (VUB platform) is used to provide hand-outs. The manuals and assignments are made available on this platform.

Contacts

lars.de.laet@vub.be

Campus

Plaine

Method(s) of evaluation

• Oral examination
• Written report

Oral examination

Written report

During the oral exam, theoretical questions are asked and the final task is discussed. The final task is to design and analyse a spatial structure under representative load cases. Both the discussion to clarify the calculation note and the answers are graded for 65%.
The intermediate reports, made during the semester, are graded for 35%.
Attendance at the exercise sessions is not compulsory, but the tasks must be handed in via Canvas within the set time frame. The result, the working method as well as and the progress of the student are evaluated.
For more information about the concrete set-up and timing of the course: see Canvas.

Mark calculation method (including weighting of intermediary marks)

The final grade is composed based on the following categories:

• Intermediate reports and exercises: 35% of the final mark.
• Oral exam (questions on the course content + discussion on the Final task): 65% of the final mark.

Language(s) of evaluation

• english