CEE 498 CS3

Subject offerings of new and developing areas of knowledge in civil and environmental engineering intended to augment the existing curriculum. See Class Schedule or departmental course information for topics and prerequisites. Course Information: 1 to 4 undergraduate hours. 1 to 4 graduate hours. May be repeated in the same or separate terms if topics vary.

Theory and the Creation of Structures. This course introduces new structural concepts and principles related to the creation of novel geometries, structures, and modern systems. The course also aims to instruct ways for engineers and architects to intuitively approach practical design problems and become insightful designers. New structural concepts and theories will be carefully applied to practical and real-world design projects globally. The course also introduces the concepts behind long-span and tall building design. Specific topics include: The importance of efficient geometry and design; Airy stress functions; Design of grid shells and cable nets; Form finding of trusses; Graphic statics and designing of forces; Maxwell Load path theorem; Geometric stiffness and force density; Virtual work and energy sizing; Michell trusses; Mechanisms and state of self-stress; Graphic kinematics; Geometry of surfaces; Tall building architecture and design.