Structural Element

Structural Elements can be defined as components of a structure or a building that resist the forces and
moments, this can range from foundation, walls, beams but does not include all components of the
structure that does not resist force like doors, windows and non- bearing walls. They act as to carry the
load and transfer it safely to the other members without any failure and create instability and damage.
With each different type element comes with its own purpose and force.

Ties

Structural Ties are called in different term namely strap, tie rod, eye bar, guys wire suspension cables or
wire ropes which are designed to resist tension. Opposite to column which are for compression forces,
these ties can be manufactured of any resisting material suited for construction. These ties can transfer
loads pathing from the top of the building to its foundation. Structural Ties serve as grade beams to
redistribute vertical loads through moment and shear in the event of differential settlement and serve
as grade beams to redistribute vertical loads through moment and shear in the event of differential
settlement

Types of tie in Civil Engineering

- Peripheral ties.

Strut

Stuts is structural members that are compressed on opposite ends hence its function is to resist
compressive forces on the structure. Struts are usually found in roof framing attached to a tie beam.
They provide outward- facing support in lengthwise directions which keeps other components separate,
opposite to the tie. Similar to Ties, Struts only can handle axial compression forces at their ends and
cannot withstand flexural forces.

Beams and Girders

Both Beam and Girders are two frequently used codes in structures and are both designed to withstand
flexural loads. Both the terms are often used interchangeably but certain factors distinguish one from
the other
A beam is a primary part of a structural framing system specially designed to carry distributed loads such
as parallel walls or roof systems. Beams are one of the most designed elements of structure in
engineering intended to resist loads and its primary mode of deflection is bending.

Girder is basically a beam which supports other smaller beams and acts as the main horizontal support
of a structure. Unlike beams, girders are designed to support major concentrated loads such as columns
or beam reactions and their load bearing capacity is much greater than beams

Both beams and girders are horizontal members designed to support structures by the only deflecting
factor, bending. Beams support the structural integrity of buildings, mostly residential structures and
can be found in floors, walls, ceilings, roofs, and decks.

Girders mainly support smaller beams and are typically used to construct bridges and flyovers because
they are capable of carrying extremely heavy loads.

Columns

Columns are vertical structural elements where the load is transferred parallel to the longitudinal axis as
compression, and sometimes as tension. those members that are primarily subjected to axial
compression forces. A column may be subjected to flexural forces also. Columns usually are thought of
as being vertical members, but they may also be inclined. Columns are frequently used to support
beams or arches on which the upper parts of walls or ceilings rest.
Diaphragms

Diaphragms connect the exterior walls of a building providing rigidity against racking and
bowing from earthquakes and wind loads. They can be built into floors or ceilings. In wood
frame construction, they are engineered to use a certain thickness of plywood and have a
certain number of fasteners per foot and are often glued to the building frame as well.
Diaphragms are usually horizontal elements, though a sloping roof also can be a diaphragm.
Vertical diaphragms are usually called shear-walls. In timber construction, plywood or
particle board is typically used. In metal construction, sheet product is used. In concrete
construction, slabs are typically used.