01 - Types of Structures

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 Introduction
What is a structure?

Textbook definition is:

The structure of a building (or other object) is the
part which is responsible for maintaining the
shape of the building under the influence of the
forces, loads and other environmental factors to
which is subjected.

In simpler words
It is a system of connected elements used to
support loads.

The study of structures involves the analysis of loads and stresses ocurring inside a
structure and therefore the design of suitable elements or components that can bear
such loads.

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 Introduction

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 Introduction

What is an
element/component/member?

They are the ones responsible for creating

structures, and these are:
Steel beams, columns, roof trusses and
space frames.
Reinforced concrete beams, columns,
slabs, earth-retaining walls and
foundations.
Timber joists, columns, roof trusses,
Masonry walls, etc.

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 Introduction
Roles in Architecture and Engineering
1. Architect
2. Structural Engineer
3. Contractor
4. Client

Responsibility of structural engineer

Safety
Loading
Materials
Serviceability
Deflection
Cracking
Vibration
Esthetics
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 Why do architects need this?
1. Design simple structures.

2. Preliminary / Tender documents.

3. Communication during projects.

Structural terms:
Force
Reaction
Stress
Moment

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 Structural Terms
Force
It is an influence on an object that may cause movement.
For example: wind, earthquake, weight of people, weight of furniture, etc.

Reaction
This definition basically comes from Newtons third law of Motion, which states that
for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. Meaning if you push
against the wall, the wall exerts a force (or reaction) of equal magnitude in opposite
direction in order to counteract your push.

Stress
Stress is an internal pressure, and in simpler words its a force applied over a
specific Area.
= /
Moment
It is a turning effect, so it is a force applied at a certain distance from the point you
want the object to turn. Just like when you change the tire of your car.

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 Structural Behaviour
Compression

Elements that are usually under compression are

columns. Columns are used to support beams,
floor slabs and other columns above.

Compression at point C is balanced by internal

force (broken arrow), and so it is in point D.

When the internal forces are pointing away from

each other it means it is under compression.

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 Structural Behaviour
Tension

The string on the picture is being tensioned and

so the internal forces need to balance out the
external foces.

For equilibrium the resultant of the forces must

be zero.

Note, what would happen if the ceiling wasnt

strong enought to support the heavy metal
block?

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 Structural Behaviour

Axial Forces

They act along the axis (centre line) of the

structural member conected.

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 Structural Behaviour
Bending

On the right we have a simply support beam with a point load at the
center. The beam will bend due to the load, and the extent of bending
will depend on 4 things:

1. Material
2. Cross Section
3. Span Length
4. Load

A result of bending is deflection.

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 Structural Behaviour
Shear

1. Shear on bolt connection due to forces on plates.

2. Shear on timber joist simply supported over masonry walls
subjected to a heavey object.

Result? Shear Failure

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 Types of Structures
The combination of structural elements/components and their materials is referred
to as structural system. Each system is made up of one or more of 4 basic types
of structures, and these are:

1. Trusses

2. Cables and Arches

3. Frames (Columns and beams)

4. Surfaces Structures (shells)

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 Classification of Structures
Beam

Usually straight horizontal elements that

support vertical loads. They are used to carry
forces called Shear and Moment.

Tie rods or Bracing Struts

Mainly tensile elements and

are rather slender.

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 Classification of Structures
Shear and Bending in Beams

Usually straight horizontal elements

that support vertical loads. They are
used to carry forces called Shear and
Moment.

Columns

Members that are usually vertical and

resist mainly axial compressive
loads. Occasionaly, columns resist
both bending moments and axial
forces.
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 Structural Elements
As seen before the several types of behaviours are actually happening inside
elements, and these are:

1. Beams
2. Slabs
3. Columns
4. Walls
5. Foundations
6. Arches
7. Trusses
8. Portal Frames
9. Cable-Stayed and suspensions structures.

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 Beam

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 Slabs

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 Columns / Walls

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 Foundations

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 Arches

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 Trusses / Frames

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Cable Stayed & Suspension Bridges

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 Cross Sectional Types

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 Videos

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3mclp9QmCGs

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