Review on the book “The history of the theory of structures. From arch analysis to computational mechanics” by Karl-Eugen Kurrer
Рецензия на монографию: К.-Е. Куррер. История теории конструкций. От расчета арок до вычислительной механики. – Берлин: Изд-во Ernst&Sohn, 2008. – 848 с. – 667 ил. (на англ. яз.). Цена 119 евро. Книга содержит краткие биографии известных ученых в области прочности, включая советскую и украинскую...
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Інститут проблем міцності ім. Г.С. Писаренко НАН України
2008
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| Цитувати: | Review on the book “The history of the theory of structures. From arch analysis to computational mechanics” by Karl-Eugen Kurrer / E. Ramm // Проблемы прочности. — 2008. — № 5. — С. 134-138. — англ. |
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Digital Library of Periodicals of National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine| _version_ | 1859852663675420672 |
|---|---|
| author | Ramm, E. |
| author_facet | Ramm, E. |
| citation_txt | Review on the book “The history of the theory of structures. From arch analysis to computational mechanics” by Karl-Eugen Kurrer / E. Ramm // Проблемы прочности. — 2008. — № 5. — С. 134-138. — англ. |
| collection | DSpace DC |
| container_title | Проблемы прочности |
| description | Рецензия на монографию: К.-Е. Куррер. История теории конструкций. От расчета арок до вычислительной механики. – Берлин: Изд-во Ernst&Sohn, 2008. – 848 с. – 667 ил. (на англ. яз.). Цена 119 евро. Книга содержит краткие биографии известных ученых в области прочности, включая советскую и украинскую школы (Г. Н. Савин, С. П. Тимошенко, Г. С. Писаренко и др.).
|
| first_indexed | 2025-12-07T15:42:29Z |
| format | Article |
| fulltext |
К Р И Т И К А И Б И Б Л И О Г Р А Ф И Я
Review on the Book “The History of the Theory of Structures. From
Arch Analysis to Computational Mechanics” by Karl-Eugen Kurrer
The title of the book alone makes us curious: What is “theory of structures”
anyway? Used cursorily, the term describes one of the most successful and most
fascinating applied science disciplines. But actually, you can’t use this term
cursorily; for this is not just about theory, not just about methods of calculation,
but rather those fields plus their application to real loadbearing structures, and in
the first place to the constructions in civil engineering.
Right at the start we learn that the first conference on the history of theory of
structures took place in Madrid in 2005. This theme, its parts dealt with many
times, is simply crying out for a comprehensive treatment. However, this book is
not a history book in which the contributions of our predecessors to this theme are
listed chronologically and described systematically. No, this is “Kurrer’s History
of Theory of Structures” with his interpretations and classifications; luckily -
because that makes it an exciting treatise, with highly subjective impressions,
more thematic than chronological, and with a liking for definitions and scientific
theory; indeed, a description of the evolution of an important fundamental
engineering science discipline with its many facets in teaching, research and, first
and foremost, practice.
The history of theory of structures is in the first place the history of
mechanics and mathematics, which in earlier centuries were most definitely
understood to be applied sciences. K.-E. Kurrer calls this period up to 1825 the
preparatory period - times in which structural design was still dominated very
clearly by empirical methods. Nevertheless, it is worth noting that the foundations
of many structural theories were laid in this period. It is generally accepted that
the structural report for the retrofitting works to St. Peter’s Dome in Rome
(1742/43) represents the first structural calculations as we understand them today.
These days, the centuries-old process of the theoretical abstraction of natural and
technical processes in almost all scientific disciplines is called “modelling and
simulation” - as though it had first been introduced with the invention of the
computer and the world of IT, whereas in truth it has long since been the driving
force behind mankind’s ideas and actions. Mapping the loadbearing properties of
building constructions in a theoretical model is a typical case. One classic
example is the development of masonry and elastic arch theories (see Chapter 4).
It has become customary to add the term “computational” to these computer-
oriented fields in the individual sciences, in this case “computational mechanics”.
The year 1825 has been fittingly chosen as the starting point of the
discipline-formation period in theory of structures (see Chapter 6). Theory of
structures is not just the solving of an equilibrium task, not just a computational
process. Navier, whose importance as a mechanics theorist we still acknowledge
today in the names of numerous theories (Navier stress distribution, Navier-Lame
and Navier-Stokes equations, etc.), was very definitely a practitioner. In his
134 ISSN 0556-171X. Проблемы прочности, 2008, № 5
Review on the Book “The History o f the Theory
position as professor for applied mechanics at the Ecole des Ponts et Chaussees, it
was he who combined the subjects of applied mechanics and strength of materials
in order to apply them to the practical tasks of building. Theory of structures as an
independent scientific discipline had finally become established. Important
structural theories and methods of calculation would be devised in the following
years, linked with names like Clapeyron, Lame, Saint-Venant, Rankine, Maxwell,
Cremona, Castigliano, Mohr and Winkler, to name but a few. The graphical
statics of Culmann and its gradual development into graphical analysis are
milestones in the history of structural theory.
Already at this juncture it is worth pointing out that the development did not
always proceed smoothly: controversies concerning the content of theories, or
competition between disciplines, or priority disputes raised their heads along the
way. This exciting theme is explored in detail in Chapter 11 by way of 12
examples.
In the following years, the evolution of methods in theory of structures
became strongly associated with specific structural systems and hence, quite
naturally, with the building materials employed, such as iron (steel) and later
reinforced concrete (see Chapters 7, 8 and 9). Independent materials-specific
systems and methods were devised. Expressed in simple terms, structural steel
work, owing to its modularity and the fabrication methods, concentrated on
assemblies of linear members, whereas reinforced concrete preferred two
dimensional structures such as slabs, plates and shells. The space frames dealt
with in Chapter 8 represent a fulcrum to some extent.
This materials-based split was also reflected in the teaching of structural
theory in the form of separate studies. It was not until many years later that the
parts were brought together in a homogeneous theory of structures, albeit
frequently “neutralized,” i.e., no longer related to the specific properties of the
particular building material - an approach that must be criticised in retrospect. Of
course, the methods of structural analysis can encompass any material in principle,
but in a specific case they must take account of the particular characteristics of the
material.
Kurrer places the transition from the discipline-formation period - with its
great successes in the shape of graphical statics and the systematic approach to
methods of calculation in member analysis - to the consolidation period around
1900. This latter period, which lasted until 1950, is characterised by refinements
and extensions, e.g., a growing interest in shell structures, and the consideration
of non-linear effects. Only after this does the “modern” age begin - designated
the integration period in this instance and typified by the use of modern
computers and powerful numerical methods. Theory of structures is integrated
into the structural planning process of conceptual design-analysis-detailing-
construction-manufacturing. Have we reached the end of the evolutionary road?
Does this development mean that theory o f structures, as an independent
engineering science, is losing its profile and its justification? The developments
of recent years indicate the opposite.
The history of yesterday and today is also the history of tomorrow. In the
world of data processing and information technology, theory of structures has
undergone rapid progress in conjunction with numerous paradigm changes. It is
ISSN 0556-171X. Проблемы прочности, 2008, N 5 135
Критика и библиография
no longer the calculation process and method issues, but rather principles,
modelling, realism, quality assurance and many other aspects that form the focal
point. The remit includes dynamics alongside statics; in terms of the role they
play, thin-walled structures like plates and shells are almost equal to trusses and
frames, and taking account of true material behaviour is obligatory these days.
During its history so far, theory of structures was always the trademark of
structural engineering; it was never the discipline of “number crunchers”, even if
this was and still is occasionally proclaimed as such upon launching relevant
computing programs. Theory of structures continues to play an important mediating
role between mechanics on the one side and the conceptual and detailed design
subjects on the other side in teaching, research and practice. Statics and dynamics
have in the meantime advanced to what is known internationally as “computational
structural mechanics,” a modern application-related structural mechanics.
The author takes stock of this important development in Chapter 10. He
mentions the considerable rationalisation and formalisation, the foundations for
the subsequent automation. It was no surprise when, as early as the 1930s, the
structural engineer Konrad Zuse began to develop the first computer. However,
the rapid development of numerical methods for structural calculations in later
years could not be envisaged at that time. J. H. Argyris, one of the founding
fathers of the modern finite element method, recognised this at an early stage in
his visionary remark “the computer shapes the theory” (1965): besides theory and
experimentation, there is a new pillar - numerical simulation (see Section 10.4).
By their very nature, computers and programs have revolutionised the work
of the structural engineer. Have we not finally reached the stage where we are
liberated from the craftsman-like, recipe-based business so that we can concentrate
on the essentials? The role of “modern theory of structures” is also discussed
here, also in the context of the relationship between the structural engineer and
the architect (Chapter 12). A new “graphical statics” has appeared, not in the
sense of the automation and visual presentation of Culmann’s graphical statics,
but rather in the form of graphic displays and animated simulations of mechanical
relationships and processes. This is a decisive step towards the evolution of
constructions and to loadbearing structure synthesis, to a new type of structural
doctrine. This potential as a living interpretation and design tool has not yet been
fully exploited.
It is also worth mentioning that the boundaries to the other construction
engineering disciplines (mechanical engineering, automotive engineering, ship
building, the aerospace industry, biomechanics) are becoming more and more
blurred in the field of computational mechanics; the relevant conferences no
longer make any distinctions. The concepts, methods and tools are likewise
universal. And we are witnessing similar developments in teaching, too.
This “history of theory of structures” could only have been written by an
expert, an engineer who knows the discipline inside out. Engineering scientists
getting to grips with their own history is a rare thing.
Prof. E kkehard Ram m
University of Stuttgart, Germany
136 ISSN 0556-171X. Проблемы прочности, 2008, № 5
К .-Е . Куррер. И ст ория т еории конст рукций. От р асчет а арок до вы числи
т ельной м еханики. - Берлин: Изд-во Ег^&ЗоИп, 2008. - 848 с. - 667 ил. (на
англ. яз.). Цена 119 евро.
Книга содержит краткие биографии известных ученых в области проч
ности, включая советскую и украинскую школы (Г. Н. Савин, С. П. Тимо
шенко, Г. С. Писаренко и др.). Ниже приведены краткое содержание и
рецензия на книгу.
Karl-Eugen Kurrer
The History of the Theory of
Structures
From Arch Analysis to
Computational Mechanics
2008. 848 pages, 667 fig.,
Hardcover
17 x24 cm
approx. € 1 1 9 ,-* /sFr 188,-*
ISBN: 978-3-433-01838-5
April 2008
In English.
* Prices incl. taxes and shipping.
Karl-Eugen Kurrer
The History of the Theory of Structures
From Arch Analysis to Computational Mechanics
What do today’s structural engineers know about the origins of structural
theory? When and how did structural calculations start to be used in the design
process? This is the first book to present a holistic history of structural theory
aimed at international professional circles. It is an updated and significantly
expanded version of the successful German 1st edition, which was published in
2002.
Starting with a description of the strength studies carried out by Leonardo
and Galilei, the book examines the development of individual structural techniques
and the formation of structural theory as a discipline. Based on classical mechanics,
structural analysis and the theory of material strength emerged as fundamental
technoscientific disciplines from the theory of geometry developed during the
Renaissance. The book is the first to offer an overview of the development from
conventional structural theory to structural mechanics and computational mechanics
during the last century. Brief summaries of the development of common calculation
methods, supported by historic sketches, provide insights into the history of
ISSN 0556-171X. Проблемы прочности, 2008, № 5 137
structural mechanics and present-day calculation techniques. The book explains
terms such as structural theory, engineering science and theory of material
strength and examines the aims and objectives of structural theory and the history
of structural calculation techniques, iron and steel construction and reinforced
concrete construction. To complement the text there are 175 profiles of significant
figures from fields of structural engineering and structural mechanics and an
extensive bibliography. Dr.-Ing. Karl-Eugen Kurrer is Chief Editor of the journal
“Stahlbau” (Steel Construction) published by Ernst & Sohn, Berlin, since 1996.
He has published extensively on structural theory from a scientific and historical
perspective for 30 years. Following the successful publication of his book
“Geschichte der Baustatik” in 2002 this English edition was published in response
to popular demand. The book is not only aimed at construction engineers,
architects and engineering libraries, but also at science and technology historians
and technical editors. Bill Addis says in “Construction History” about the German
Edition: “Baustatik is not statics, or building statics; it’s not structural engineering
or strength of materials or structural science or analysis or design or calculation.
It is part of all these, and more. It is what unites and binds a whole community of
professionals together.”
F urth er Inform ation:
You can find the information about this book, a cover image or our company logo
as a data file on our homepage: www.ernst-und-sohn.de/presse,
o r p le a se contact:
Birgit Rüdiger, Marketing, Wilhelm Ernst & Sohn Verlag für Architektur
und technische Wissenschaften GmbH & Co. KG, Rotherstr. 21, 10245 Berlin,
Deutschland
Tel. +49(0) 30/47031-200
Fax +49(0) 30/47031-270
bruediger@ernst-und-sohn.de
138 ISSN 0556-171X. npoöxeMbi npounocmu, 2008, N 5
http://www.ernst-und-sohn.de/presse
mailto:bruediger@ernst-und-sohn.de
Издательство «Академпериодика»
выпустило в свет книгу
Г. С. П исаренко. Ученый, педагог и организат ор науки. - Киев: Академ
периодика, 2005. - 458 с.
Книга посвящена памяти известного украинского ученого-механика
академика Национальной академии наук Украины, основателя Института
проблем прочности НАН Украины, который в настоящее время носит его
имя, Георгия Степановича Писаренко (1910-2001). Собранные в книге воспо
минания коллег, учеников, родных и друзей, представленные автобиогра
фические материалы, отзывы ученых об Институте, созданном Г. С. Писа
ренко, краткий очерк деятельности и основные даты жизни этого незауряд
ного человека, перечень основных научных трудов призваны отразить основ
ные черты его разносторонней личности.
Для широкого круга читателей, студентов, научных работников, интере
сующихся историей науки и людьми, создававшими эту историю во второй
половине XX века.
Редакционная коллегия:
академик НАН Украины В. Т. Трощ енко
(ответственный редактор)
академик НАН Украины А. А. Л ебедев
член-корреспондент НАН Украины В. В. М ат веев
(зам. ответственного редактора)
член-корреспондент НАН Украины А. Я. К расовский
член-корреспондент НАН Украины В. А. С т риж ало
доктор технических наук В. В. Х арченко
доктор технических наук П. П. Л епихин
кандидат технических наук Р. И. К уриат
кандидат технических наук В. И. В ласенко
(ответственный секретарь)
Ориентировочная цена книги 50.00 грн
(с учетом НДС и почтовых расходов).
Заказы на книгу направлять:
01014, И нст ит ут проблем прочност и им. Г. С. П исаренко
Н ациональной академ ии наук Украины,
Задорож ной В. Р
т ел.: (044) 281-63-37
ISSN 0556-171X. Проблемы прочности, 2008, № 5 139
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| id | nasplib_isofts_kiev_ua-123456789-48559 |
| institution | Digital Library of Periodicals of National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine |
| issn | 0556-171X |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2025-12-07T15:42:29Z |
| publishDate | 2008 |
| publisher | Інститут проблем міцності ім. Г.С. Писаренко НАН України |
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| spelling | Ramm, E. 2013-08-22T14:39:25Z 2013-08-22T14:39:25Z 2008 Review on the book “The history of the theory of structures. From arch analysis to computational mechanics” by Karl-Eugen Kurrer / E. Ramm // Проблемы прочности. — 2008. — № 5. — С. 134-138. — англ. 0556-171X https://nasplib.isofts.kiev.ua/handle/123456789/48559 Рецензия на монографию: К.-Е. Куррер. История теории конструкций. От расчета арок до вычислительной механики. – Берлин: Изд-во Ernst&Sohn, 2008. – 848 с. – 667 ил. (на англ. яз.). Цена 119 евро. Книга содержит краткие биографии известных ученых в области прочности, включая советскую и украинскую школы (Г. Н. Савин, С. П. Тимошенко, Г. С. Писаренко и др.). en Інститут проблем міцності ім. Г.С. Писаренко НАН України Проблемы прочности Критика и библиография Review on the book “The history of the theory of structures. From arch analysis to computational mechanics” by Karl-Eugen Kurrer Рецензия на монографию К.-Е. Куррера “История теории конструкций. От расчета арок до вычислительной механики” Article published earlier |
| spellingShingle | Review on the book “The history of the theory of structures. From arch analysis to computational mechanics” by Karl-Eugen Kurrer Ramm, E. Критика и библиография |
| title | Review on the book “The history of the theory of structures. From arch analysis to computational mechanics” by Karl-Eugen Kurrer |
| title_alt | Рецензия на монографию К.-Е. Куррера “История теории конструкций. От расчета арок до вычислительной механики” |
| title_full | Review on the book “The history of the theory of structures. From arch analysis to computational mechanics” by Karl-Eugen Kurrer |
| title_fullStr | Review on the book “The history of the theory of structures. From arch analysis to computational mechanics” by Karl-Eugen Kurrer |
| title_full_unstemmed | Review on the book “The history of the theory of structures. From arch analysis to computational mechanics” by Karl-Eugen Kurrer |
| title_short | Review on the book “The history of the theory of structures. From arch analysis to computational mechanics” by Karl-Eugen Kurrer |
| title_sort | review on the book “the history of the theory of structures. from arch analysis to computational mechanics” by karl-eugen kurrer |
| topic | Критика и библиография |
| topic_facet | Критика и библиография |
| url | https://nasplib.isofts.kiev.ua/handle/123456789/48559 |
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