Structural analysis

Structural analysis is the determination of the effects of loads on physical structures and their
components. Structures subject to this type of analysis include all that must withstand loads, such
as buildings, bridges, vehicles, furniture, attire, soil strata, prostheses and biological tissue.
Structural analysis employs the fields of applied mechanics, materials science and applied
mathematics to compute a structure's deformations, internal forces, stresses, support reactions,
accelerations, and stability. The results of the analysis are used to verify a structure's fitness for
use, often precluding physical tests. Structural analysis is thus a key part of the engineering
design of structures.

Types of structures

Framed structures

Load bearing Structures

Framed structures

A combination of components connected together in such a way to serve a useful purpose

is called structure. Structures can be classified in a number of ways: solid, framed structure,
shell, membrane, composite, trusses, cables and arches, surface structure etc.

 A framed structure is a network of beams and columns joined up to form the skeleton
framework of the building.
 The structural frame carries the total load of the building and transfers it to the
foundation.
 Cladding is fixed over the framework, or infill panels are placed between its members, to
totally enclose the space within the building.
 Framed structures are easily erected from pre-made members.
 These members are easily connected together in the correct sequence to form the
structural framework.
ADVANTAGES OF FRAMED STRUCTURE
 Speedy construction is possible due to its simple geometry. It can be constructed more
rapidly than ordinary walled structures. It consists of only columns and beams (or
partially the floor slab) as the main structural elements. It is possible to carry out several
building construction activities, e.g., construction of frame work of the upper floors and
finishing of the lower floors simultaneously. Hence speed in construction in a framed
structure can be easily achieved.
 The strength and stability of the structures is more.
 Multi storied structures can also be constructed.
 A framed structure is better resistant to vibration. Framed structure can resist vibrations
effectively and hence are ideal for buildings in seismic zones and for factory building.
LOAD-BEARING STRUCTURE
A load-bearing wall or bearing wall is a wall that is an active structural element of a
building, that is, it bears the weight of the elements above wall, resting upon it by conducting its
weight to a foundation structure. The materials most often used to construct load-bearing walls in
large buildings are concrete, block, or brick. Load-bearing walls are one of the earliest forms of
construction. The development of the flying buttress in Gothic architecture allowed structures to
maintain an open interior space, transferring more weight to the buttresses instead of to central
bearing walls. The Notre Dame Cathedral is an example of a load-bearing wall structure with
flying buttresses.
In housing, load-bearing walls are most common in the light construction method known
as "platform framing", and each load-bearing wall sits on a wall sill plate which is mated to the
lowest base plate. The birth of the skyscraper era, the concurrent rise of steel as a more suitable
framing system first designed by William Le Baron Jenney, and the limitations of load-bearing
construction in large buildings led to a decline in the use of load-bearing walls in large-scale,
commercial structures.
ADVANTAGES OF STRUCTURAL WALLS
 Load bearing walls reduce interstorey distortions due to earthquake-induced motions and
reduce the likelihood of damage to the nonstructural element s of building.
 Buildings stiffened by structural walls during earthquakes have pointed to be consistently
better performance than rigid-framed buildings.
 The performance of buildings stiffened by properly design structural walls has been
better with respect to both safety and damage control.

 A structure with structural walls, which is substantially stiffer and hence has a shorter
period than a structure with frames, will suffer less lateral displacement than the frame,
when subjected to the same ground motion intensity.
 They are used to keep the lateral drift within reasonable limits by resisting horizontal
forces.