Technology of the built environment 2 - Structure and Comfort

Structure

Description of the component :

The Structure component focuses on compressing how a structure works and learning the basics of structural modelling and calculation. Based on Newtonian principles and in the case of isostatic structures, students will discover the methods that enable them to calculate the forces applied to a building and the way in which the structure returns them to the foundations. They will learn how to apply these methods to a simple building such as a single-family home and how to predimension certain structural systems.

Aims/reasons for choice of content :

The Structure component is an initial course in building structural design. It is a first step for the student in mastering the technical and theoretical knowledge involved in the stabiolity of a simple structure, such as a single-family home. It begins with a reminder of the physical principles that guide building stability, then presents the methods that can be used to meet these physical principles and teaches how to apply them. This will explain the logic behind the main construction systems that will be discussed.


Table of contents :

• Calculation of dead weight and load combinations
• How bridging elements work
• Descending loads and predimensioning structural elements.
• Statics of beams
• Internal stresses and inertia
• Deflection and displacement

Comfort

Structure

At the end of the Structure componant, the student will be able to :

• Calculate the weight of constructed elements.
• Understand the direction of span of a structural element and analyse the implications of this direction of span on the distribution of loads.
• Know the main structural materials and associated load-bearing systems, as well as their main characteristics.
• Identify the main loads applied to a construction and know their orders of magnitude.
• Describe the loads of a simple structure.
• Predimension foundations.
• Predimension load-bearing elements using appropriate formulae and abacuses.
• Know the basic principles of statics (solving an isostatic beam) and calculate the moment of a force.
• Understand the concepts of internal forces and stresses and know the main internal force diagrams for a beam on two supports.
• Understand the problems of bracing and propose an empirical solution.

• Appropriate verbal, written and graphic languages as tools for designing, structuring, checking and questioning thought.
• Integrate structural, technical, material and energy resources and constraints.

• Integrate the standards, laws and regulations applicable to the site and the programme.
• Adapt the structural, technical and material choices in line with the principles and values of the project.
• Identify the phases and actions required for implementation.

• Develop a reflective approach to your activity.
• Master verbal, written and graphic languages as tools for sharing ideas.

Comfort

Structure

Simple mathematical tools, reviewed in ARCH1107, will be used in class:

• Geometry (Pythagoras / Thales / trigonometry / surface)
• Vectors (additions)
• Rule of three
• Systems of equations of the first degree
• Management of units of physical magnitude and their prefixes

Comfort

Structure

The learning activities included in the Structure component are as follows:

• Interactive lectures
• Exercise sessions

• so that they can carry out their own research prior to the theoretical course
• so that they can use and master the tools seen in class.

• During class sessions
• Outside class sessions (by email or eCampus forum,...)
• After class sessions.

• Notes/lesson plan available on eCampus
• Projected media
• Other digital media used: Unicast recording

Comfort

Structure

Blended learning


Further information:

Structure sessions are organised through a combination of face-to-face and distance learning activities.

The theory will be presented during a face-to-face lesson. The exercises, to be completed outside the session and submitted on eCampus, will also be debriefed in class.

A Unicast recording will be available for occasional catch-up or revision of the course. This recording does not replace physical presence in class and all the information transmitted on this occasion.

Supervision : Students are supervised by a single teacher.

Comfort

Blended learning


Further information:

 

 

 

Structure

Platform(s) used for course materials:
- eCampus


Further information:

Presentation slides are provided at each class session, no later than one hour before the start of the session. They are posted online on e-campus.

A podcast version of each session will be available on Unicast (subject to any technical problems that may be encountered during the course, preventing it from being properly recorded).

References :

CSTC (1998) Conventions Graphiques de Base pour le Bâtiment.

Optional reference works available in university libraries:

Provost, M., Attas, D., & De Kemmeter, P. (2011). Comment tout ça tient???: voyage au pays des structures

Comfort

Platform(s) used for course materials:
- eCampus


Further information:

 

 

Structure

Exam(s) in session

Any session

- In-person

written exam ( open-ended questions )


Further information:

See LU for more details on overall grading.

The Structure component includes a certificate assessment.

The assessment of the Structure component - in the first and second session - is carried out in the form of an examination in written session.

In-session examination

The expectations are as follows: a written examination comprising application exercises similar to those carried out during the course and questions on knowledge of the course.

The assessment criteria are as follows: understanding of the solution methods seen in class.

Assessment is carried out: individually

Distribution of individual and/or group marks: 100% individual mark

Special note concerning access to the assessment: the marks for each subject are available on eCampus no later than the day after the results are announced.

Copies can be consulted immediately after the results are announced. The consultation day is set by the Faculty Council and will be communicated to all students.

Materials available for assessment: closed notebook

Comfort

Exam(s) in session

Any session

- In-person

written exam ( multiple-choice questionnaire )


Further information:

 

 

Structure

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Structure

guirec.ruellan@uliege.be

Comfort