Course Details

1. Review the analysis of construction techniques and the correlation between the laws of Nature and design. Identify the properties of the various structural materials and constructural systems and the basic principles of design methodology.
2. Relate the effects of dynamic loads to the main types of bearing systems. Distinguish between durability and stiffness of structures.
3. Analyze decision principles on elements and systems, according to the special needs for resistance to the dynamic loading (earthquakes).
4. Compare techniques adopted in traditional structures and historical monuments, to the techniques proposed for contemporary structures. Identify the basic rules and principles for design, based on complex needs
5. Implement the synthesis process through drafting construction plans, sections, elevations and details of a small building with a mixed load bearing system. Develop architectural representation and construction drawings.

Analysis and Concept Design: Systematic analysis of construction techniques. Correlation between the laws of Nature and design. Properties of the various structural materials and constructural systems. Basic principles of design methodology. Relation between dynamic loads and main types of bearing systems: Frame, Three-point connected arch or frame, post and beam system. Durability and stiffness of structures.

Final Study: Decision principles on appropriate elements and systems, according to the special needs for resistance to the dynamic loading (mainly earthquakes). Techniques adopted in traditional structures and historical monuments, compared to the techniques proposed for contemporary structures. Basic rules and principles for design, based on complex needs. Design of bearing members based on function, stiffness, form, bioclimatic behavior and economic limitations

Implementation Study: Synthesis process. Drafting construction plans, sections, elevations, details and 3d representations of a small building with a mixed bearing system (combination of reinforced concrete and light structures- wood and steel).

• Prof. P. Touliatos, N. Andrielou, Earthquake and contemporary structures, Fire Brigade Academy of Greece, 2009.
• N.Kalogeras, Ch.Kirpotin, G.Makris, I.Papaioannou, S.Rautopoulos, M.Tzitzas, P.Touliatos, Architectural Technology, Symmetria Editions, Athens, 1999.
• Hristos Athanasopoulos, Building construction, design and technology, Hristos Athanasopoulos Edition, 2003.

• Prof. P. Touliatos, Architecture and Earthquakes, National Technical University Athens, 2004.
• Prof. P.Touliatos, Research on the antiseismic behavior of traditional structures in Greece, National Technical University Athens, Antiseismic Protection Organisation Greece, 2001.

The taught part of the course is delivered to the students by means of lectures and computer-aided presentations. Lecture notes and presentations are available through the web for students to use in combination with the relevant textbooks.

Lectures are supplemented with project work carried out on an individual basis. Students are requested to design and produce construction details for a small unit, for example a 70 square meters workshop, with a mixed load bearing constructural system. During the semester, course instructors are making comments and corrections on the students’ proposals, at every stage of the process.