CONCRETEClass 1.7 – Graphic Statics and its relation to Optimal Structural Form

Efficient structures emerge when conceptual form and force are considered together. This webinar introduces graphic statics as a practical tool for visualising and designing with forces. Through historical and modern examples, the webinar will show how structural form can be shaped for minimised material use as well as architectural expression. The webinar hopes to inspire a movement away from reactive design, towards a more involved, proactive design during the concept design stage.

Learning outcomes of presentation:
By the end of the webinar, participants will be able to:
– Recognise how optimal structural form emerges when geometry aligns with the natural flow of forces.
– Explain in simple terms the basic principles of graphic statics and how form and force diagrams relate.
– Identify historical and modern examples where efficient structural form has been achieved through funicular action.

Requirements for attending this class:
– Basic knowledge of the constituents of concrete
– Basic mathematics, no more than Matric Level

Presenter: Dr. Johann van der Merwe, University of Pretoria

Johann van der Merwe completed his bachelor’s degree in civil engineering (2007) and master’s in structural engineering (2009) at the University of Stellenbosch, South Africa. He obtained his doctorate at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich, Switzerland (ETH Zürich) in 2019. After several years working as a structural design engineer on projects across Africa, Australia and New Zealand, he joined the University of Pretoria in 2023
where his research interests focus on timber structural engineering and improved circularity of building materials.

Date: Thursday, 04 September 2025
Time: 15:00 – 16:00

ECSA CPD accreditation applied for
Only CSSA Members qualify to receive ECSA CPD points. To become a Member visit our website: www.concretesocietysa.org.za or contact Natasja.

RSVP:
Natasja Pols on or before Wednesday, 03 September 2025
natasja.pols@concretesocietysa.org.za