Structural stability

Motivation
A structure must not only transfer gravity forces to the ground; it must also stand up
against many lateral forces. The combination of elements that keeps the building
standing against these lateral forces is referred to as the ‘stability system’ or
sometimes the ‘lateral load resisting system’.
Instability can have significant consequences. Collapse of a structure and resulting loss
of life are the most severe consequences but each of design delays, cost over-runs,
litigation and criminal penalties may also occur where a design is shown to be
inadequate.

Stability
In the context of structural engineering a stable system is one that, when displaced by
a small amount, will return to its equilibrium position. Conversely, an unstable system
is one which, when displaced by a small amount, will continue to move away from the
equilibrium position to the point where it fails.
The European Council Construction Products Directive 89/106/EEC2.1 defines a
building to be stable when, ‘‘The loadings that are liable to act on it during its
construction and use will not lead to:

• (a) Collapse of the whole or part of the work.

• (b) Major deformations to an inadmissible degree.
• (c) Damage to other parts of the works or to fittings or installed equipment as a
result of major deformation of the load bearing construction.
• (d) Damage by an event to an extent disproportionate to the original cause.’’

Figure 1 - Examples of inherent stability and instability

In order for stability to be maintained, actions and reactions must be in equilibirum in
each of the six degrees of freedom (Fx Fy Fz, Mx My Mz). If this is not maintained, the
system is a mechanism subject to the laws of motion.
Instability can occur both locally within an element, or a globally in a sub-frame or
whole structure. Where allowed to manifest, it would be perceived as either rigid body
movement or deformation of the part or whole. Overturning (Figure 2) is a bold
example of global instability, though each of sliding,racking, and twisting are further
lateral instability modes illustrated in Figure 3.

Figure 2 - A rigid body is stable against overturning provided the resultant of all actions
acts within the rigid footprint.
 Figure 3 - Global instability failure mechanisms: overturning, sliding, racking and
twisting.
It should be noted that buoyancy, uplift, slope failure and foundation settlement are
each causes of global instability that can be attributed to vertical actions. However due
to complexity these will not be covered here.
The structural engineer is responsible for the overall design of any building structure,
with a duty to oversee compliance with stability requirements. This responsibility
applies equally to new buildings as well as alterations, and to both permanent and
temporary structures. In developing a design, you must consider its construction, and
the method by which temporary stability is provided.

Bibliography
Gardner, A. Stability of buildings Parts 1 and 2: General philosophy and framed
bracing; 2014; ISBN 9781906335267.