22420 - Experimental Structures Modulübersicht

Module Number: 22420 - module is no longer offered from WS 2016/17
Module Title:Experimental Structures
  Experimenteller Tragwerksentwurf
Department: Faculty 6 - Architecture, Civil Engineering and Urban Planning
Responsible Staff Member:
  • Prof. M.Sc. Eisenloffel, Karen
Language of Teaching / Examination:English
Duration:1 semester
Frequency of Offer: Every semester
Credits: 6
Learning Outcome:Knowledge
  • Historical development of structural form: materials, construction methods, structural analysis of representative examples
  • General structural action of a particular type of structure: boundary conditions, specific stability problems
Application/Skills
  • Using various kinds of models to study structural action: appropriate scale and building technique
Capabilities
  • Understanding relationships between structural action, executability, analysis and form
  • Application of experimental techniques in the development of structural solutions
The goal is to the step outside the realm of “known” solutions and to generate solutions based
on basic structural or geometric principles.
Contents:Traditionally, the goal of optimisation of structural systems has been to save material. New structural
systems have been developed by reflecting on the basic relationship between form and structural
action (Frei Otto and Heinz Isler: “suspended” form models for shells), by using well-defined geometric
surfaces to solve structural problems (in the case of “regular” shell structures, or by combining
elements with certain (geometric) characteristics. The process often took place coincidentally with
development of systems utilizing new materials or technologies.
Contents will vary depending on the specific type of structures or materials chosen in each semester.
Structural Forms is intended as an umbrella term for a family of structures in which structural action
is based on geometric form or principles of geometry, such as:
  • shell and skeletal shell structures
  • tension membrane structures
  • “tensegrity” structures
The course will highlight a particular subgroup of these structures, addressing issues of structural
morphology, form generation methods, structural action, common characteristics and appropriate
methods of analysis.

Experimental Development of Structures
Various methods of experimental development of structures, such as:
  • utilizing physical models
  • computer-generated models
  • assimilation of natural phenomena
Recommended Prerequisites:Module 11444 Grundlagen der Numerischen Mathematik (MM1) or module 23427 Höhere Mechanik (MM3).

This course should be taken before or simultaneously with the module. A certificate is not required for the registration.
Mandatory Prerequisites:None
Forms of Teaching and Proportion:
  • Seminar / 4 Hours per Week per Semester
  • Self organised studies / 120 Hours
Teaching Materials and Literature:Varies to be announced at the onset of the course.
Module Examination:Unspecified - Specification from winter semester 2016/17 required!
Assessment Mode for Module Examination:
  • Report and Oral Presentation
  • Development and Presentation of a Structural System (Graphic, Model, Written Report and Oral Presentation)
Evaluation of Module Examination:Performance Verification – graded
Limited Number of Participants:None
Part of the Study Programme:
  • no assignment
Remarks:HI4
Module Components:Participation in the seminar
Components to be offered in the Current Semester:
  • no assignment
Follow-up Module/s: Phase-out module since: 15.09.2014
  • without Follow-up Module/s