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steel space frame [slow erection time]

steel frame [hinge connections]

steel frame [rigid connections]

One-way joists

One-way slab

plate

slab

WAFFLE slab

rules of thumb for selecting a structural system


from: the architects studio companion

masonry bearing wall [stone, brick]

PRE-cast concrete: hollow-core

slab

DESIGN CRITERIA & RATIONALE exposed fire resistant construction irregular building form
simple, site-fabricated systems systems without beams in roofs or floors pre-cast concrete systems without ribs short-span, one-way, easily modified quickly erected, avoid site-cast concrete or masonry easily formed or built on site; avoid steel, pre-cast or heavy timber no masonry highly pre-fabricated; MODULAR components; no steel space frame, no lite timber lightweight, easily formed or prefabricated; NO concrete pre-cast, site-cast concrete; steel frames strong; prefabricated; lightweight; STEEL capable of forming RIGID joints

inherently fire resistant (no steel, no dimensional lumber)

irregular column placement minimize floor thickness

allow for future renovations

permit construction in poor weather minimize off-site fabrication time minimize on-site erection time

minimize low-rise construction time

minimize medium-rise construction time minimize high-rise construction time

minimize shear walls or diagonal bracing minimize dead loads on foundations


systems WITHOUT rigid joints lightweight, short-span systems (steel & timber)

minimize damage due to foundation settlement minimize number of separate trades on job
systems that inherently provide voids two-way, long span systems long span systems multipurpose components (simple wood frame; masonry)

provide concealed space for mechanical services minimize the number of supports long spans

PRE-cast concrete: double-tee

site-cast concrete: Two-way

site-cast concrete: Two-way

steel open web joists

PRE-cast concrete: solid

heavy-frame timber

light-frame timber

site-cast concrete:

steel decking

PRE-cast concrete: single-tee

site-cast concrete:

site-cast concrete:

slab

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