Applications of Graphic Statics to Construction Engineering

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue of the Journal Applied Sciences, “Applications of Graphic Statics to Construction Engineering”, is aimed at exploring the applications of graphic statics to the different fields of construction engineering, with reference both to the types of structure (trusses, beams, arches, statically indeterminate systems) and the constituent materials (masonry, concrete, timber structures).

Graphic statics can be viewed as an effective method to support the design of structures, to understand the mechanical response of existing masonry structures and—historically—as a comprehensive method for structural analysis. With reference to masonry arches and vaults, it provides a powerful method for drawing admissible thrust lines and checking their stability. Graphic statics can be viewed as a design tool for funicular form finding or in the context of structural optimization techniques. It is a convenient resource to design the geometry of structures acting solely in compression or tension. The current Special Issue focuses both on recent advances in graphic statics and on the examination of the old graphical methods from a more modern viewpoint. Suitable topics include but are not limited to the following:

• Applications of graphic statics to the mechanics of historic masonry constructions;
• Historical approaches using graphic statics to design structures;
• Thrust network analysis;
• Extension of graphic statics to 3D structures;
• Recent advances in graphic statics;
• Applications of graphic statics to the mechanics of trusses;
• Applications of graphic statics to bending analysis and design;
• Applications of graphic statics to concrete structures;
• Applications of graphic statics to timber structures;
• Numerical tools using graphic statics;
• Analytical and computational graphic statics;
• Structural optimization using graphic statics;
• Design of funicular forms;
• A modern interpretation of the historical method of graphic statics.

 We would be grateful to you if you could spread this information to anyone who might be interested. 

Best regards,

Prof. Dr. Danila Aita
Prof. Dr. Denis Zastavni
Guest Editors

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• Graphic Statics
• 3D graphic statics
• Trusses
• Beams
• Arches
• Vaults
• Domes
• Hyperstatic systems and structures
• Masonry structures
• Concrete structures
• Timber structures