Structures: A Geometric Approach

Graphic methods for structural design essentially translate problems ofalgebra into geometric representations, allowing solutions to bereached using geometric construction (ie: drawing pictures) instead oftedious and error-prone arithmetic. This was the common methodbefore the invention of calculators and computers, but had been largelyabandoned in the last half century in favor of numerical techniques.However, in recent years the convenience and ease of graphic staticshas made a comeback in architecture and engineering. Severalprofessors have begun using graphic statics in the classroom.and.studioenvironment. But until now, there had been no guidebook that rapidlybrings students up to speed on the fundamentals of how to creategraphical solutions to statics problems.Graphic Statics introduces all of the traditional graphic staticstechniques in a parametric drawing format, using the free programGeoGebra. Then, advanced topics such as indeterminate beams andthree dimensional curved surfaces are be covered. Alongthe way, links to wider design ideas are introduced in a succinctsummary of the steps needed to create elegant solutions to many staticequilibrium problems.Meant for students in civil and architectural engineering, architecture,and construction, this practical introduction will also be useful toprofessionals looking to add the power of graphic statics to their work.