Structural systems are those elements of construction that are designed to form part of a building’s structure

either to support the entire building (or other built asset, such as a bridge or tunnel) or just a part of it. In building
construction, the particular method of assembling and constructing structural elements of a building so that they
support and transmit applied loads safely to the ground without exceeding the allowable stresses in the members.
1. Tensile Structures
 A tensile structure is a structure that is stabilized by tension rather than compression. In practice,
structures tend to carry both tension and compression, and it is the degree to which a structure is
intentionally tensioned to stabilize it that determines whether it is considered a tensile structure. For
example, a piece of fabric pulled in opposite directions.

2. Shell Structures
 In building construction, it is a thin, curved plate structure shaped to transmit applied forces by
compressive, tensile, and shear stresses that act in the plane of the surface. Shell structures are
made from structural ‘skins’ where the shell material is thin in section relative to the other
dimensions of the roof and undergoes relatively little deformation under load.
3. Dome
 The dome has a long history in the built environment, and has been a design feature of many
different kinds of architecture around the world. Domes are prominent features of Persian, Roman,
Byzantine, Islamic, and Italian Renaissance design. In its simplest form, a dome is a hollow semi-
spherical structural element

4. Arches
 An arch is a curved structural form that carries loads around an opening, transferring them around
the profile of the arch to abutments, jambs or piers on either side. These are compressive
structures, that is, there are no tensile stresses. They are self-supporting, stabilized by the force of
gravity acting on their weight to hold them in compression. Since many building materials, such as
masonry and concrete, can resist compression, arches are commonly constructed using these
types of material.
 The construction of traditional masonry arches is dependent on the arrangement of the bricks,
blocks or stones over the opening.

5. Fabric Structures
 Membrane structures (or fabric structures) create spaces that are enclosed by tensioned
membranes. At its simplest, a tent may be regarded as a membrane structure given its steel or
fibre glass poles support a canvas or plastic membrane covering.
6. Space frame
 This is similar in concept to a space deck, but has greater design and layout flexibility. Space
frames are lightweight rigid roofing systems consisting of a series of connectors that join together
the chords (or struts) and bracing members. Their strength derives from the rigidity of the triangle,
with the flexing loads being transmitted as tension and compression loads along the length of each
chord. Most space frames are fabricated from structural steel or aluminum alloy tubes.

7. Barrel Vaults
 A barrel vault is a continuous arched shape that may approximate a semi-cylinder in form,
resembling the roof of a tunnel, or may be pointed at its apex. It is typically formed by a series of
arches or vaults placed side by side or by a continuous shell.
 Barrel vaults are first thought to have been developed by the by the Sumerians, and were
subsequently used by the Egyptians.
8. Skeletal structure
 A skeleton frame is a framed structure often used for the construction of multi-story buildings. It
incorporates a network, or system, of columns and connecting beams which support the building’s
interior floors and exterior walls and carries all loads to the foundations.
 A skeletal building structure is a steel frame that is built to support a large building or skyscraper.
The structure is made out of metal beams forming vertical columns crossed with steel girders for
stability. Skeletal building structures are formed by riveting together steel support beams and
girders.
 Skeleton frames can be constructed from timber, concrete or structural steel components, with the
building envelope formed by glazing, brick, cladding and so on hung on the outside.