Zur Erweiterung der grafischen Statik in die 3. Dimension

On the extension of graphical statics into the 3rd dimension

In the 19th century methods of graphical statics - systematized and published by Carl Culmann in 1866 - were used to study in more detail the relationship between form and the flow of forces. Historically, they were superseded by analytical methods, due to the relative ease of numerical calculations and the increasing importance of experimentation by the developing discipline of engineering with its need for precision. Nowadays, however, with the availability of digital tools and the possibility of visualization of geometry in 3D space, there is a re-emerging interest in graphic statics within the design process. Therefore, a visual dialogue about the flow of forces based on graphic statics should be fostered because these methods offer a simple yet precise way to discuss the geometrical dependency of form and forces. The research is part of an ongoing process to extend the methods of graphic statics to the third dimension in order to overcome, on the one hand, some of the limitations of Culmann's approach and on the other, to generate a geometrical, visual and thus synthetic method for exploring 3D equilibrium. The focus is on the resultant and on the likeness in space.