VISITING PROFESSOR WOLFGANG SCHUELLER

Department of Architecture
Xian University of Architecture and Technology

A WORKSHOP ON BUILDING
SUPPORT STRUCTURES:
A visual study with computers

The goal is to develop an understanding for the building structure as a system that supports and as a pattern
that orders space and makes it possible. Structural computer modeling is introduced where the treatment of
structures is broadened and enriched by integrating the traditionally separate fields of: construction,
structural analysis, structural design, structural systems, materials, geometrical modeling, visual
communication and, presentation. The students have to synthesize the knowledge acquired in various
courses and have to set up a mathematical model of the building support structure, rather than solving a given
isolated analysis or design problem, as is usually done in education; they have to deal with the physical
reality of the entire building rather than only an isolated part.
The primary structural engineering software used in this context is SAP2000 V.11 developed by
COMPUTERS AND STRUCTURES (CSI), Berkeley, CA, USA (http://www.csiberkeley.com/); it is widely
employed in practice and in numerous universities internationally. The program is fully integrated within
Microsoft Windows and allows modeling of nearly all types of structures. The Windows based easy-to-use
graphical interface permits the quick modeling of structures with templates and then to edit them via the
graphical interface. Free educational demo versions of the software are available from CSI. Since the demo
versions of the CSI software are limited to 100 nodes, generally only planar structures are investigated by the
students.
The program helps students to visualize the building as an assembly of linear elements (e.g. beams,
columns, arches, cables), planar elements (e.g. walls, slabs, shells, flexible membranes), or spatial elements
(e.g. solids). Students have to define: geometry, material, member types, member sections, static load cases
and load combinations. Then they set up the mathematical model for the building support structure by
assigning the member types and sections, the external support joints, possibly constraints, the frame end
releases (internal member joints), and the load types.
It is not necessary for the students to set up equations although assumptions and limitations of the method of
analysis will be discussed. But it must be emphasized that finite element computer programs do not only
represent a powerful method of engineering analysis, they also represent a tool for learning. The student
must understand the physical reality of the building structure in every detail to set up the model he puts into
the computer. He develops a feeling and control over the support structure by zooming from the global scale
of the overall building behavior to the local scale of stress and detail.

PROJECTS: they are an integral part of the workshop, see PROJECTS 2009

BIBLIOGRAPHY
1.

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5.
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Building Support Structures, Analysis and Design with SAP2000 Software, with attached CD,
published by Computers and Structures Inc., Berkeley, CA, 2009, 620 pages,
http://orders.csiberkeley.com/SearchResults.asp?Cat=2&Redirected=Y
The Design of Building Structures [] , 2 volumes, Prentice Hall
W.Wolfgang Schueller[], www.china-pub.com .
Manuals of CSI programs on CD, especially, Getting Started-Basic Analysis
Reference Tutorial Manuals, see also for further information,
http://www.comp-engineering.com/SAPManE.htm
Refer also to: Beijing Civil King Software Technology Co., Ltd., Beijing, Chushu LI, PHD, S.E., Chief
Executive, Tel:86-10-8838 3866-101, Mobile:13601318851, Fax:86-10-88381056,
Email: csli@chinabuilding.com.cn, Web: http://www.bjcks.com/ ,
web: http://www.csiberkeley.com
Qualified universities are eligible for free software for Education and Research.
Dr. Software's products: http://www.drsoftware-home.com/
West Point Bridge Designer, version 4.1.1, which was developed by Colonel Professor Steve Ressler at
the U.S. Military Academy, West Point, NY. (bridgecontest.usma.edu/index.htm).

TENTATIVE OUTLINE OF WORKSHOP

week 1

Introduction: Building Structures as Architecture

The necessity of structure: order, structure is a necessary part of life

The purpose of building structure: ordering system, form giver, support structure
Building vs. Structure vs. Architecture: structure is necessary for buildings but not for
architecture: without structure no building, but architecture as an idea does not require structure
Position of structure: hidden exposed innovative standard construction
Building structure types vs. building use: single volume with large spans - cellular subdivision
with multiple small spans - longs-span stadiums vs. massive building blocks vs. high-rise towers
Structure systems: horizontal-span vs. vertical-span structures, lowrise vs. high-rise building
structures, two-dimensional vs. three-dimensional structures
Building shapes and forms: there is no limit to building shapes ranging from boxy to compound
hybrid to organic and crystalline shapes. Traditional architecture shapes are based on the primary
geometrical solids the prism, pyramid, cylinder, cone, and sphere. The modernists invented an
almost inexhaustible number of new building shapes through transformation and arrangement of
basic building shapes, through analogies with biology, the human body, crystallography, machines,
tinker toys, flow forms, and so on. Classical architecture, in contrast, lets the faade appear as a
decorative element with symbolic meaning.
Structure as support: strength - stiffness - stability: main bearing structure vs. secondary
structure vs. exterior envelope gravity structure vs. lateral force resisting structure structure
patterns dimensional coordination - cantilever tower vs. gravity structure from the bearing
structure to the modern hybrid structure
Structural behavior: Loads: gravity vs. lateral loads (wind, seismic) external vs. internal forces,
static loads vs. dynamic loads Force flow: flow along members - path to the ground where
foundations make the transition possible to the weak soil - stresses (intensity of force flow, blood
pressure) depends on: member shape, material, size, structure, connections; Force vs. form
Basic structural elements: beams, columns, frames, arches, surfaces, spatial shapes, free form

Introduction to Projects
Discussion and selection of projects
Stage 1: geometrical order of building, spatial grid organization
Spatial awareness:
Definition of building shapes by contour lines - the geometry of interior volumes - geometrical layout of
building structure as defined by the horizontal planes (plans) and the vertical building planes (sections and
elevations), and as defined by the interaction of the planes which form the space (e.g. axons, relationship of
plan to section) - grids and line diagrams as organizers - dimensional coordination.

Introduction to Structural Computer Modeling

Modeling the structure/ mathematical models/ structural computer software/ finite elements/ typical computer
input/ typical computer output/ Mathematical models for structure systems - introduction to SAP2000
Nonlinear V11.

Introduction to Structure Systems: AXIAL SYSTEMS

Trusses are typical examples of axial structure systems. Because of their simplicity of behavior they provide
an ideal introduction to computer analysis. Trusses are composed of frame elements, which are modeled as
straight lines connecting two joints, which are called nodes. It is assumed that the members in trusses are
pin-connected and subject only to joint loads, hence only axial internal member forces are generated.
For determinate structures disregard the effect of material and member sizes (i.e. use using either elements
with zero moments of inertia or using default setting), since member stiffness has no effect on the magnitude
of internal member forces, however do not use deflection results.

Trusses
Introduction to planar truss systems
Problem 1, 2 : the generation of trusses: simple, basic truss forms are generated as based on the Howe-type
of member layout (a similar approach can be used for other common layouts such as Pratt, Warren, K-truss,
lattice). Then make the following changes by reshaping the truss configuration that is play with the truss
object by considering:
Profile: rectangular, triangular, curved, trapezoidal, and other asymmetrical shapes, i.e. contours
Load arrangement, load direction, and load location: symmetrical and asymmetrical, vertical and
horizontal
Support location and orientation: simple beams, cantilever beams, overhanging beams, frames, etc.
Simple truss types: funicular trusses, fan trusses, compound trusses, complex trusses

Cable Structures
Introduction to cable structures: cable-supported beams (sub-tensioned beams), cable-stayed bridges, cablestayed roof structures
Problem 3, only for demonstration of stayed bridges
week 2:

Discussion of Projects

Project stage 2: brainstorming the idea of the building

Within the spatial network: structure layout

Introduction to Structure Systems: FLEXURAL SYSTEMS

The frame element is used to model axial truss members as well as beam-column behavior in planar and
three-dimensional skeletal structures. In contrast to truss structures, the joints may not be hinged but rigid.
The loads may not be applied at the nodes but along the members causing a member behavior much more
complicated than for trusses. Each frame element has its own local coordinate system for defining section
properties and loads, and for interpreting output data. By default all frame members are rigidly connected to
the nodes, therefore at pinned joints all the moments must be released. Release one or more of the
element degrees of freedom from the joint, when it is known that the corresponding element force or
moment is zero.

Beams and Floor Framing

Review of beams and beam behavior under load action - beam types - multi-span beam systems: the effect of
load arrangement - the effect of span - the effect of support location and support type - load types and load
distribution - moment diagrams vs. suspended cable structures (i.e. active structures) - introduction to floor
framing
Problem 3: various beam types are investigated with respect to: boundary
conditions, load types, load distribution, indeterminate action
Problem 4: steel beam design
Problem 5: concrete beam design
Problem 6: multi-span beam types are investigated with respect to: span,
continuity, live load arrangement, hinging
Problem 10: introduction to floor framing
Problem 11: floor framing 2
week 3:

Discussion of Projects
Project stage 3: gravity load analysis of building
Behavioral Awareness:
The response of structure (i.e. axial force diagrams, shear and moment diagrams, member deflections), to
gravity force flow as seen in the horizontal and vertical building planes - the effect of geometrical layout of
structure on magnitude of force flow - the interplay of force and form (tectonics) - the effect of scale structural integrity and redundancy - the efficiency of form.

Beam as Surface Structure

Introduction to finite surface elements: 3-dimensional shells, and planar membrane (e.g. walls) and plate
elements (e.g. slabs) - the effect of mesh geometries and arrangement - discussion of the stress contour plot
displaying the variation of stress of the model
Problem 13: simply supported beam modeled using membrane element analysis and regular shape elements
Problem 14: deep beam behavior
Problem 15: simple square slab systems modeled with plate elements the effect of support types and
location
week 4:

Discussion of Projects
Project stage 4: LATERAL load analysis of building

Behavioral Awareness:
The response of structure (i.e. axial force diagrams, shear and moment diagrams, member deflections), to
lateral forces of wind and seismic action as seen in the vertical planes - the effect of geometrical layout of
structure on magnitude of force flow - the interplay of force and form (tectonics) the lateral stability of the
building - the effect of scale - structural integrity and redundancy - the efficiency of form.

Introduction to Structure Systems: FLEXURAL-AXIAL SYSTEMS

Any type of material can be defined and assigned to a frame element. You can run the analysis and get forces
for that frame element (not stresses). If the material type is Steel or Concrete then you can design the
element using the built-in design post processors. For Wood you can put in member sections and get forces
but not stresses. You only get stresses for frame elements in a design post processor, which SAP2000 does
not have for wood.

Frames
The geometry of frames rectangular frames vs. pitched frames vs. arches - funicular frames pressure line
response to various load actions - the effect of the frame profile on uniform gravity load action - the behavior
of simple statically determinate frames (single-bay, multi-bay, single-story, multi-story) under gravity and
lateral force action - the braced frame - eccentric vs. concentric bracing - knee-braced portal frames - stability
and redundancy of simple frames
three-hinge arches/frames - the difference between folded beams and arches - lateral thrust under gravity
action
Problem 16: folded beam system
Problems 8, 9, 10: steel, wood, and concrete columns
Problem 17: three-hinged frame structure systems
Problem 18: introduction to indeterminate frames two-hinged portal frames the effect of indeterminacy
Problem 19: The effect of member sizes on force flow in indeterminate frames
Problem 20: basic arches

Introduction to Structure Systems:

FORM-RESISTANT STRUCTURE (rigid and flexible)
week 5

Discussion of Projects
Project stage 5: LATERAL STABILITY of building
Material Awareness:
Member span vs. member size - density of member arrangement - scale of structure - interaction of structural
elements - interaction of structural and non-structural elements such as curtains and partitions - detail as
connection, linkage of structural elements - materiality - composition

Introduction to the Response of Buildings to Lateral Force Action

Roof/Floor Diaphragms
Lateral stability of buildings - the response of buildings to lateral force action: (1) lateral force-resisting
structure systems, (2) diaphragm action of floor and roof structures, (3) lateral building deflection - the

distribution of lateral forces to the vertical lateral force-resisting structures:(1) statically determinate
conditions, (2) statically determinate conditions due to symmetry, (3) torsion (closed shafts)

Lateral Stability of Buildings

Problem 21: Investigate the simple single-story, 4.50-m high, braced, hinged frame structure by treating the
roof diaphragm as rigid and then as flexible. First the lateral-force resisting structure is arranged
symmetrically so that there is no torsion under symmetrical load action, but provide a lateral brace in the
short direction so that the building is stable, in general, and not just for the symmetrical condition. Then the
lateral-force resisting structure is arranged asymmetrically. Draw the 6-bay building on a 6.00 x 7.50 m grid.
Assume a uniform wind pressure of 1 kN/m2 against the short building faade. First model the floor/roof as
rigid diaphragm (e.g. concrete over metal deck) by assigning diaphragm constraints, then model the roof as
flexible diaphragm (e.g. roof deck with no concrete).
Problem 22: Concrete slab diaphragms with concrete shear walls

Final Presentation of Projects

Project stage 6: ARCITECTURE
The interaction of material, structure, detail (construction) and space - other meaningful relationships - the
building as an idea where geometry is used as organizer - the compositional basis of space and detail - the
expression of structure.

Grading system
Homework exercises (40%) + Project stages (30%) + Final Project (20%) + Course involvement including
attendance (10%)