This is an introductory course designed as the first of a progressive
sequence of lectures and lab exercises. Each individual will bring a distinct
set of experiences and expectations with them to the course. The first part
of the course is used to develop a common vocabulary which will be utilized
throughout the remainder of Structures I, II, III and IV. This period should
be perceived as both an introduction to the distinct philosophy of the course
and a review of mechanics. It does not focus on the mechanical solution
of problems, rather on the relationship between structure and space. It
is critical that you keep current with the coursework since each concept
builds upon previous material.
Course Team
Dr. Chris H. Luebkeman, Professor (chrisl@mit.edu)
Michelle Apigian, Lab TA (mapigian@mit.edu)
Ioana Urma, Lecture TA (ioau@mit.edu)
Course Meetings
The course consists of a combination of both lectures and lab sessions.
The lecture meets in Room 3-133 from 0930 - 1100 on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Each lecture will begin promptly at 0935. The lab meets in the Building
Technology Teaching Lab (3-402) on Monday afternoons from 2:00 to 4:00 unless
otherwise indicated. Due to logistics, you must attend the lab in which
you are enrolled unless you make other arrangements with the TA.
Course Texts
There are only three required texts this term. They are as follows:
The following texts are Recommended as Supplemental , or as a Reference. You will need at least one of the first two books in order to complete this course. Some excerpts will be able to be purchased from the Copy Center as they are determined to be requried.
Course Objectives
to learn about the way in which load-bearing structures have been utilized
to define architectural space; to investigate the physical principles which
describe structural attributes; to develop a basic understanding of the
structural behavior of structural systems and of their components; to study
the loads which act upon buildings and resulting forces that act within
structural elements; to become familiar with traditional and contemporary
methods of analysis of these forces; to initiate the development of a vocabulary
with which to understand the way in which load-bearing structure is used
in architectural design; to build the foundation of a basic understanding
to facilitate continued study of Architectonics. A lucid comprehension of
the principles of strength, stability and determinate structural systems
will be expected by the end of the course.
Course Content
The course consists of two weekly lectures and a smaller lab session. It
is designed to develop the basic tools that are needed to understand, and
model, the forces acting upon and within simple structural elements. The
behavior of these elements will be extended to gain an insight into the
behavior of larger, more complex structural systems. The interaction between
structure and space is emphasized throughout the course with visual images
included as often as practical. Daily homework, periodic quizzes, a final
exam and final building case study are to be anticipated.
Course Evaluation
The evaluation for the course will be based upon the performance assessed
from the daily homework problems (approx. 20%), Mid-Term (approx. 20%),
labs (approx. 20%), class participation (approx. 10%) and final comprehensive
exam (30%).
Homework
Up to three homework problems will be assigned at the end each lecture.
They will be assigned based on the progress of the daily lecture and the
group. There is also an example format for electronic submissions with instructions
on how to set up the files and directories on
this page.
The problems submitted on paper should be submitted on green or grey Engineer's
Calculating Pad. Only one problem should be solved per sheet. Each problem
clearly state what is given (including a simple concise sketch),
what is to be determined. ILLEGIBLE WORK WILL BE RETURNED WITH THE
GRADE OF "0." Only one of the assigned problems will be collected
to be corrected. The homework is due before the beginning of the lecture.
If you anticipate an absence from a lecture, be sure to send the homework
with a colleague. Late homework assignments will not be collected or graded.
The homework problems will be worth five points each. The answers to all
of the problems will be posted within the course web site.
Mid-Term
There will be one Mid-Term exam. It will cover all material, including readings
and homework covered to that point.
Final Exam
There will be a comprehensive final exam for this course. It could
consist of image identification and interpretation, multiple choice and/or
true/false questions, short answer, short problems and/or essays. It will
include at least one comprehensive problem in which loads, actions and forces
must be determined. Correct interpretation of shear, moment and deflection
diagrams can also be expected.
Bring only a calculator, two triangles, a straight edge, an architects
scale, writing instruments and one 8.5 x 11 sheet (total of two sides) of
handwritten notes (an official "cheat-sheet"). Photocopies
are not allowed. These will be turned in with the exam, but can be acquired
after grading is completed.