One of my favorite undergraduate classes at SIUC was Arc 361 “Structures One”. This class involves a lot of math and calculations, but it is also very important in helping one learn how a building is constructed. Arc 361 is all about steel construction, but the methods of calculation taught in this class can also be applied to later structures classes. John Dobbins is the instructor for the course and is probably the best instructor I have ever had. AND arguably a genius!
Part of the course is the understanding of how different types of structures work. For our final project, each of us was supposed to select a type of structure or structural system in which we wanted to analyze extensively.
I chose to analyze the Fink Truss, for my final project.
Definition of a truss: A truss represents a structural system that distributes loads to supports through a linear arrangement of various-sized members in patterns of planar triangles. The triangular subdivision of the planar system produces geometric units that are non-deformable (stable).
The Fink Truss was first developed by German-born, American engineer Albert Fink in the 1860s for railroad bridges. The Fink design was later developed for use in other types of structures, such as roof trusses.
References:
http://pghbridges.com/basics.htm
http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/207417/Fink-truss
Statics and Strength of Materials for Architecture and Building Construction:
Barry Onouye & Kevin Kane
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