Introduction to structures Structural elements

and construction materials • Structural elements are used in structural analysis to split a complex
structure for simplification.
• Structural elements can be linear, surfaces or volumes.

1. Bars or Rods
Bars can be categorized into different kind of members by considering
their structural action and type of load carried.
By: Dr. (Mrs.) Nirosha Malkanthi

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STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS
b) Compression member or strut:
a) Tension members: structural structural members subjected to axial
elements that are subjected to axial tensile compression or compressive forces
forces.
Examples of tension members are bracing
for buildings and bridges, truss members,
and cables in suspended roof systems c) Flexural member or beam:
A member of a structure that is
subjected to both tension and
compression within its depth can be
called as a flexural member

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 d) Torsional member: torsion is twisting of a rod
or beam due to an applied torque
2. Plates: structural element which is
characterized by a three-dimensional solid whose
thickness is very small when compared with other
dimensions
a d

Turning Torso-
Malmo,
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Sweden

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3. Shells 4. Blocks

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 Major types of Structures

• Bridges
• Buildings and towers
• Dams
• Roads
• Retaining structures
• Offshore structures
• Water and wastewater infrastructure

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 Common Building Components

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Super Structure Substructure

The superstructure is that part of the building which is  The substructure is the lower portion of the building,
above the ground and which serves the purpose of which is located below ground level which transmits
building’s intended use. In includes; the load of the superstructure to the sub soil.
 Plinth  It includes Foundations
 Wall and columns
 Beams
 Arches
 Roofs and slabs
 Lintel and arches
 Parapet
 Steps and stair

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 Different Types Of Buildings
Classification based on structure
Buildings are classified based upon its occupancy and structure.
 Load bearing Structure: In this type of structures loads
Building are classified based upon occupancy as;
from roof slab or trusses and floors are transmitted
through walls to the firm soil below the ground .This
 Residential Building
type of structures are adopted where hard strata are
 Educational Building available at shallow depth. The structural elements like
 Institutional Building beams, slabs rests directly on the walls.
 Assembly building
 Business buildings
 Mercantile buildings
 Industrial Buildings
 Storage buildings
 Hazardous buildings

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Classification based on structure

Load Bearing Structure
 Framed structure: Reinforced cement concrete
structures are the most common type of construction
today. They consist of a skeleton of beams & columns.
The load is transferred from beams to the columns and
column intern transfer the load directly to the sub soil
through footing. Framed structures are suitable for
multi-storey building subjected to variety of extreme
loads like compressive, tensile torsion, shear along
with moment.
 The open spaces in the skeleton are to be filled with
brick walls or glass panels.

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 Framed Structure Types of Loads
Various loads are taken into account while
designing the foundation of a structure.
 Dead loads;
 Live load;
 Wind loads;
 Earthquake loads;
 Erection loads

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