Structural systems laboratory: a proposal for computer aided structural analysis discipline

This article presents a proposal for an elective course in computer-aided structural analysis and design aimed at strengthening the interface between structural engineering and architectural design. The course covers fundamental structural systems and elements, such as slabs, beams, and columns, as well as more complex ones, including trusses, arches, stairs, marquees, water tanks, flat slabs, flat plates, waffle slabs, and more. Students engage with familiar architectural examples, progressing from the initial structural concept to final implementation. The course seeks to deepen their understanding of structural behavior, particularly regarding the scale of structural elements, while also enhancing their proficiency with computational tools for structural analysis. Additionally, it highlights the diverse applications of these tools in designing structural elements to integrate seamlessly into architectural projects. Classes take place in a computer lab, where students utilize various structural analysis programs and/or BIM software to examine internal forces, displacements, strains, and stresses. The course also includes parametric analysis and structural design for concrete, steel, and wood structures.