My name is Tomasz Steplowski, and I am a structural engineer. I am currently pursuing my master's degree at the Faculty of Civil Engineering at Wroclaw University of Science and Technology. I would like to present a project that constitutes my master's thesis entitled: "The funicular shaped structure of the reinforced concrete hall with the arched girder of the main nave." This thesis aimed to find a practical shape for the central part of the structure based on graphic statics methods. The practical application of Robert Hooke's observation: "As hangs the flexible line, but inverted will stand the rigid arch," in combination with the funicular polygon, allowed me to find the optimum shape of a non-prismatic arch that adapts its geometry to the flow of forces in the structure so that the parabolic arch is mainly in compression. The arch girder is a key element of my thesis, but I also designed other elements of the hall, such as columns, beams, slabs, and footings. I encourage you to get acquainted with the attached files of my design.
