ARC234

STRUCTURAL SYSTEMS
Lecture 1

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Structural Systems

What is a structure ?

The Structural systems or structural frames can be defined as the assembly of inter-related or inter-dependent
elements which forms a complex mechanism, and they are designed and built for resisting different loads.

The structural systems are the combinations of elements which serve a common purpose. The elements of
structural systems can be related to the bones of the human body. If bones are weak and not properly aligned and
integrated into the human body, then the human body would not be able to work or perform well. In the same way, if
the structural systems are not proper then it would not be able to take loads.

Structures can be broadly classified into 2 categories

– Natural Structures
– Man made Structures.
Natural Structures
Structures which are not man-made and exists in nature due to variety of climatic events, biological evolution etc.
Some of the examples of natural structures are as follows:
Plants, trees, animal bodies,spider web, mountains, caves, rock formations, icebergs,beehives, bird nests, egg shells etc.
 Man-Made Structures
A structure/ building can also be understood as a
physical embodiment of a number of systems and
subsystems integrated with each other forming
building as a whole.

The structural system for a building particularly

consists of a stable assembly of structural elements
designed and constructed to support and transit
applied loads safely to the ground where in its
each member has a unique behaviour under the
applied loads.

Many man-made structures are inspired from nature.

Function of Structural Systems
The function of any Structural Systems is to resist loads acting on structures and provide a skeleton in the building which encloses and
subdivides space to provide a protected environment. The structural system transfers loads through interconnected elements or members.

Natural & Man Made Structures

A lot of frame structures use triangles to achieve their strength. A rectangular structure increases its strength by adding diagonal members
named trusses. Shell structures rely on the shape. Corrugated roofing sheets, egg shells or egg boxes are made from thin, sometimes
flexible materials and yet they are surprisingly strong. It is the folds and curves that make this structure strong.

Basic Structural Principles:

- All structures have to stand static and dynamic loads or forces.
- Compression tends to crush or squash the structure.
- Tension pulls it apart or stretches it.
- Bending is a combination of compression and tension.
- Torsion acts to twist a structure.
 Types of Structural Systems
• Load Bearing System
-A load bearing structure has the components of a building which carries and transfers the load to the ground safely. This structure
guarantee stability of the building and its performance.

Slab > Walls > foundation.

• Framed System
-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.

Slab > Beam > Column > Foundation.

 Types of Structural Systems
• Shell System
Shell structure, in building construction, a thin, curved plate structure shaped to transmit applied forces by compressive, tensile, and
shear stresses that act in the plane of the surface. They are usually constructed of concrete reinforced with steel mesh.
• Strut and Tie
Strut and tie is a simple method which effectively expresses complex stress patterns as triangulated models.
-A tie, strap, tie rod, eyebar, guy-wire, suspension cables, or wire ropes, are examples of linear structural components designed
to resist tension. Ties may be made of any tension resisting material.
-It is the opposite of a strut or column, which is designed to resist compression.
 Types of Structural Systems
• Shell System
Shell structure, in building construction, a thin, curved plate structure shaped to transmit applied forces by compressive, tensile, and
shear stresses that act in the plane of the surface. They are usually constructed of concrete reinforced with steel mesh.
• Strut and Tie
Strut and tie is a simple method which effectively expresses complex stress patterns as triangulated models.
-A tie, strap, tie rod, eyebar, guy-wire, suspension cables, or wire ropes, are examples of linear structural components designed
to resist tension. Ties may be made of any tension resisting material.
-It is the opposite of a strut or column, which is designed to resist compression.
T h a n k Yo u