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Geometry in Structural Design Principles

The document describes the relationship between geometry and structural design. Geometry defines the lines, planes and solids that order the distribution of forces in a structure. It also provides prototypical forms for architectural structures and is an indispensable tool for modeling materials and spaces. Geometry performs functions such as representing structural designs, guiding logical structural forms, and measuring dimensions of structures.

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11 views10 pages

Geometry in Structural Design Principles

The document describes the relationship between geometry and structural design. Geometry defines the lines, planes and solids that order the distribution of forces in a structure. It also provides prototypical forms for architectural structures and is an indispensable tool for modeling materials and spaces. Geometry performs functions such as representing structural designs, guiding logical structural forms, and measuring dimensions of structures.

Translated by

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© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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GEOMETRY STRUCTURAL FORM

Structural forms are subject to the laws of gravity and force mechanics. Therefore, they
can be calculated, verified and ordered, since they have their own logic and they
constitute a design vocabulary: geometry of structural forms.

Geometry in the field of structural forms is the exact definition of lines, planes and
solids that order the typical and positive characteristics of force redistribution. Its formal
configuration constitutes the absolute norms in the project of architectural structures

The feature that the abstract geometry of lines, planes and solids in space offers
advantages in force mechanics and provides prototypical structural forms for
architecture remains considerably unexplored. However, it is rightly admitted that the
images of forces in space are the same or similar to the figures that man has conceived
to make empty space accessible and understandable to himself and to shape matter
according to his desire.

Typical geometric figures are the circle, the sphere, the cylinder, the tetrahedron, etc.
They all induce, under the action of external forces, a certain flow of forces and form a
specific image of force balance. Reciprocally, the particular constellation of forces
generates a geometric shape corresponding to the mechanical condition.

Geometry is, in general, the theory of the exact determination of places in space and the
arrangement of plane and spatial figures and their characteristic shapes. Thus, geometry
is an indispensable instrument for modeling materials and their spatial environment,
buildings and their structures.

Geometry is the basic material in the design and the operations that the architect and the
engineer do to form.

In structural design, as in architectural design in general, geometry plays three important


functions:

1. Instrument and means to make the results of a project visible = descriptive


geometry.

2. Catalog of prototypical forms and structure idea generation systems = geometry


of structural forms

3. Scientific basis for the exploitation of space and its principles = geometry of
lines, planes and solids

The geometry of structural forms is not limited to a particular structure system or a


specific type of structure. Although a certain geometric figure may show more
possibilities for one type of structure than another, geometry is a discipline that
transgresses the limits of categories and achieves universality.
Knowledge of the geometry of technical structural forms will gain additional
perspective through studies of structural forms in nature. Finally, becoming a material
response to the impact of external and internal forces under the law of nature of
minimum energy expenditure, and being considered as the materialization of the force
diagram.

Deep knowledge of geometry is a prerequisite for modeling structures and buildings.

Geometry according to a simplified definer is the theory to determine mathematically,


that is, exactly, the points in space and the laws of two-dimensional and three-
dimensional shapes.

When designing structures, geometry plays fundamental and decisive roles. The formal
potential of these functions has not yet been fully exploited.

Functions of geometry in the design of structures

1. Medium to represent the contents of the design of a structure

 Flow of forces (balance system)


 Structural system (Structure)
 Structural element (Structure component)

Geometry is the true means to materialize structural projects in each of their stages.

2. Guidelines for the application of logical structural forms

 Linear structural shapes


 Two-dimensional structural shapes
 Three-dimensional structural shapes

Geometry is manifested through logical forms, which resemble diagrams of the


"natural" flow of loads.

3. Science to measure and control the dimensions of a structure

 Structuring of surfaces (space/floor envelope)


 Structural joint (structural volume)
 Delimitation of space (functional volume)
Geometry is the scientific basis and the instrument for the design and development of
structural forms
Geometric classification of structures
 Spot

 Medium
 Embedding
 Ball joint
 Union
 Knot
 Base

 Straight line

VERTICAL
 pillar, column
 Suspended element
 Right foot
 Vertical bar
 Strut

INCLINED
 Tornapillas
 retaining cable
 Stiffening
 Slash

HORIZONTAL

 Beam
 Lintel
 Crossbar
 Tight
 Joist

 complex line

IN ANGLE

 bent beam
 gable beam
 Portico
 Cantilever pillar
CURVE

 curved beam
 Lintel
 funicular arch
 carrying cable
 stabilized cable
 Top drawstring
 Perimeter ring

 line intersection

FLAT

 Lattice
 Portico with several openings
 Beam grid
 Casetones
 Cross joists
 Flat surface

VERTICAL

 Sheet (Loading)
 Load-bearing wall
 Stiffening

HORIZONTAL

 Supporting sheet
 Horizontal sheet
 Stiffening sheet

IN ANGLE
 Folded sheets (prismatic)
 Folded sheets (pyramidal)
 Bent sheet beam
 Folded slat porch
 Arch of folded slats

 Complex surface

SIMPLE CURVATURE

 Membrane
 pneumatic tube
 Vault
 pneumatic ship

DOUBLE CURVATURE

 Membrane
 Membrane in store
 Air mattress
 pneumatic tube
 Tubes
COMBINED

 Box-gantry
 Foil grid

Force diagrams and their mathematical geometry

The cables cannot absorb bending due to their reduced section in relation to their length.
Therefore, the load-bearing shape of a cable suspended at both ends coincides with the
force diagram for each load case. The relationship between the materialization of force
diagrams and the abstraction of mathematical geometry is confirmed.

Figure1 :Spot load in the center


Figure2 :Two symmetrical point charges

Figure3 :Self weight (uniform linear load)

Figure4 :Linear and uniform horizontal load


Figure5 :Increasing linear load towards the ends

Figure6 :Radial steering load

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