Graphic Statics - Primer on Trusses

View Important Policies and System Requirements for this course.

This webinar was co-sponsored by ASCE's Structural Engineering Institute (SEI) and ASCE Continuing Education

Instructor:  Nicholas Lutzweiler, P.E., S.E., M.ASCE

Course Length: 1.5 Hours

Purpose and Background

Graphic statics was at one time a significant structural analysis tool. The intuition that comes from it can still resonate today. While it likely would not be efficient to design this way in today's busy consulting world, there is still value in understanding the past. In addition, graphic statics is just plain interesting, and frankly an art. Certain intuition can be learned from solving graphic statics problems that is not as easily seen when using computer-based analysis software. A gut feeling can be developed for all trusses after solving some examples. This webinar helps engineers value the past and see how it can still be applied in the now. It helps engineers understand the history of graphic statics and its significance today. It introduces them to the subject and allow them to have confidence learning more about the applications for graphic statics.

Primary Discussion Topics

• Look at a brief history of graphic statics
• See some graphic statics basics
• Apply graphic statics to a real-world truss
• Apply graphic statics to a real-world floor truss

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, you will be able to:

• Examine basic history of graphic statics
• Describe some of the basic rules of graphic statics
• Discuss how to use graphic statics to analyze real-world truss problems
• See the intuitive value in understanding graphic statics

Webinar Benefits

• See how designers analyzed truss structures in the past
• Understand what graphic statics is and how it can be related to truss structures
• Examine and understand real-world truss designs using graphic statics
• Gain intuition that comes from using hand analysis methods

Assessment of Learning Outcomes

Students' achievement of the learning outcomes will be assessed via a short post-assessment (true-false, multiple choice and fill in the blank questions).

Intended Audience

• Structural engineers
• Civil engineers
• Architects
• Building officials

Webinar Outline

• Introduction to graphic statics
• Brief history of graphic statics
• Understanding the value of graphic statics
• Basics of graphic statics
• Assumptions
• Terminology
• Basic Annotation
• Graphic statics on pitched roof truss
• Real-world example worked out
• Graphic statics example on flat floor truss
• Real-world example worked out
• Overall approach and summary
• Conclusion/questions

How to Earn your CEUs/PDHs and Receive Your Certificate of Completion

To receive your certificate of completion, you will need to complete a short on-line post-test and receive a passing score of 70% or higher within 1 year of purchasing the course.

How do I convert CEUs to PDHs?

1.0 CEU = 10 PDHs [Example: 0.1 CEU = 1 PDH]

Purpose and Background

Graphic statics was at one time a significant structural analysis tool. The intuition that comes from it can still resonate today. While it likely would not be efficient to design this way in today's busy consulting world, there is still value in understanding the past. In addition, graphic statics is just plain interesting, and frankly an art. Certain intuition can be learned from solving graphic statics problems that is not as easily seen when using computer-based analysis software. A gut feeling can be developed for all trusses after solving some examples. This webinar helps engineers value the past and see how it can still be applied in the now. It helps engineers understand the history of graphic statics and its significance today. It introduces them to the subject and allow them to have confidence learning more about the applications for graphic statics.

Primary Discussion Topics

• Look at a brief history of graphic statics
• See some graphic statics basics
• Apply graphic statics to a real-world truss
• Apply graphic statics to a real-world floor truss

Learning Objectives

• Understand basic history of graphic statics
• Describe some of the basic rules of graphic statics
• Discuss how to use graphic statics to analyze real-world truss problems
• See the intuitive value in understanding graphic statics

Webinar Benefits

• See how designers analyzed truss structures in the past
• Understand what graphic statics is and how it can be related to truss structures
• Examine and understand real-world truss designs using graphic statics
• Gain intuition that comes from using hand analysis methods

Assessment of Learning Outcomes

Students' achievement of the learning outcomes will be assessed via a short post-assessment (true-false, multiple choice and fill in the blank questions).

Intended Audience

• Structural engineers
• Civil engineers
• Architects
• Building officials

Webinar Outline

• Introduction to graphic statics
• Brief history of graphic statics
• Understanding the value of graphic statics
• Basics of graphic statics
• Assumptions
• Terminology
• Basic Annotation
• Graphic statics on pitched roof truss
• Real-world example worked out
• Graphic statics example on flat floor truss
• Real-world example worked out
• Overall approach and summary
• Conclusion/questions 

How to Earn your CEUs/PDHs and Receive Your Certificate of Completion

To receive your certificate of completion, you will need to complete a short on-line post-test and receive a passing score of 70% or higher within 1 year of purchasing the course.

How do I convert CEUs to PDHs?

1.0 CEU = 10 PDHs [Example: 0.1 CEU = 1 PDH]