INTRODUCTION

BUILDING STRUCTURE –
Structures the word structure comes from Latin "structura, structus, struere" origins. In Oxford
dictionary it is defined as; “The way in which something is organized, built or put together",
"the state of being well planned or organized", "a thing made of several parts put together in
a particular way". Every plant and animal has a structural system. Their structures have
balance and internal stiffness to obey all the fundamental natural laws such as strength and
stability. The roots of tree prevent the tree from falling over. Its internal stiffness prevent the
trunk and branches to be broken by the wind. Stability of animals is provided by their legs.
Their skeleton is placed in particular way as to provide balance during running, walking or
standing. The structural requirements for each plant or animal are different. Structures differs
according to these requirements but obey all the fundamental laws of stability\.
Structures the word structure comes from Latin "structura, structus, struere" origins. In Oxford
dictionary it is defined as; “The way in which something is organized, built or put together",
"the state of being well planned or organized", "a thing made of several parts put together in
a particular way". Every plant and animal has a structural system. Their structures have
balance and internal stiffness to obey all the fundamental natural laws such as strength and
stability. The roots of tree prevent the tree from falling over. Its internal stiffness prevent the
trunk and branches to be broken by the wind. Stability of animals is provided by their legs.
Their skeleton is placed in particular way as to provide balance during running, walking or
standing. The structural requirements for each plant or animal are different. Structures differs
according to these requirements but obey all the fundamental laws of stability

Figure 1 truss image

TYPES OF STRUCTURAL SYSTEMS
• FORM ACTIVE SYSTEM
• VECTOR ACTIVE SYSTEM
-FLAT TRUSSES
-CURVED TRUSSES
-SPACE TRUSS
• BULK ACTIVE SYSTEM
• SURFACE ACTIVE SYSTEM
• VERTICAL STRUCTURE SYSTEM

VECTOR ACTIVE SYSTEM

• Vector active structure systems are systems of straight linear members, in which the
redirection of forces is effected by multi directional splitting of forces into vectors
along compressive and tensile elements.
• Vector active structure systems are short, solid, straight lineal members(bars), in
which the redirection of forces is effected by VECTOR partition, i.e., by multi
directional splitting of single forces (compressive or tensile bars).

Figure 2 Example on Type of Vector Active System

FLAT TRUSSES
• All members and nodes lie within a 2D plane consists of straight members connected
at joints. No member is continuous through a joint.
• When forces tend to pull the member apart, its in tension and when it compresses it
is in compression.
 Figure 3 Compression and Tension in Truss
Members

Figure 4 Different Types of Trusses Figure 5 Schematic Sketctches of Flat Truss

APPLICATION
• They are used In Buildings, to support roofs and floors, to span large distances and
carry relatively light loads.
• Also, In road and rail bridges, for short and intermediate spans and in footbridges.

CURVED TRUSSES
• Curved trusses are trusses which are used to give a particular form to the building.
• The material mostly used is steel for such construction.
• The form is not organic but is in sections.
SPACE FRAME TRUSSES
 The Space Structure, as the name implies, is a three-dimensional structure which
caters to the needs of the industrial as well as infrastructure and architectural
projects.
 It provides the required supporting structure while enhancing the aesthetics and
performance of the structures.
 A space structure is a truss-like, lightweight structures rigid structure constructed from
interlocking struts in a geometric pattern.
 Space frames usually utilize a multi-directional span and are often used to accomplish
long spans with few supports. They derive their strength from the inherent rigidity of
the triangular frame; flexing loads (bending moments) are transmitted as tension and
compression loads along the length of each structure.

Figure 6 Different types of Nodes

SALIENT FEATURES FOR STEEL SPACE STRUCTURE

 Enormous spanning capability.
 Lightweight structures/sheds
 High aesthetics
 Higher safety factor
 Extension with additional unit
APPLICATION:
Space Frames are used in Airport terminal building, Airport hangar, Aircraft hanger, Industrial
Sheds, Factory Sheds, large span sheds, Dry coal shed, limestone storage shed, coal storage
shed, clinker storage shed, gypsum storage shed, Coal stockyard/stockpile shed, iron ore shed
etc.

CHARACTERISTICS OF VECTOR ACTIVE SYSTEMS

The characteristic of straight members implies at best a polygonal approximation of the free
form curved shapes that are envisaged to be constructed, where the size of the members
determines the deviation between the intended curved shape and its approximating polygon.
As no bending, torque or shear is involved, the material stresses resulting from this
mechanism are equally distributed in the members' cross sections. This leads to a highly
effective usage of the structural
material. However, to resist instability and local bending, members should always feature
some resistance to section-action.
Whereas straight members contradict formal freedom, their structural efficiency is attractive,
and may nevertheless be exploited if the parts that do not allow realisation as straight
members are structurally acting through another system.

EXAMPLES
Figure 7 Examples of Space Frame Structure