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Arc215: Building Structures I: Basic Structural Elements

This document discusses the basic structural elements used in building construction. It defines seven main structural elements: [1] beams, which carry loads through bending and shear; [2] arches, which transmit loads through compression; [3] columns, which carry vertical loads in compression; [4] trusses, which are triangular frameworks that carry loads in axial tension or compression; [5] cables, which are flexible tension members; [6] shells, which are curved surfaces that carry loads through their geometry; and [7] slabs or plates, which are horizontal planar elements that carry loads through bending. The document provides examples of each structural element and how they are used in buildings.

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392 views12 pages

Arc215: Building Structures I: Basic Structural Elements

This document discusses the basic structural elements used in building construction. It defines seven main structural elements: [1] beams, which carry loads through bending and shear; [2] arches, which transmit loads through compression; [3] columns, which carry vertical loads in compression; [4] trusses, which are triangular frameworks that carry loads in axial tension or compression; [5] cables, which are flexible tension members; [6] shells, which are curved surfaces that carry loads through their geometry; and [7] slabs or plates, which are horizontal planar elements that carry loads through bending. The document provides examples of each structural element and how they are used in buildings.

Uploaded by

drawberry
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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www.covenantuniversity.edu.

ng

Raising a new Generation of Leaders

ARC215: BUILDING STRUCTURES I

WEEK THREE
BASIC STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS

Course Facilitators:
DR. I. C. EZEMA
ARC. O. O. OLAGUNJU

OCTOBER 2020
- Structural elements could be made from any BASIC STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS
material – plastic, wood, steel or concrete

- However, they are categorised based on


their behaviour under load, or the type of
load that they are supporting

- A steel bar or stanchion could be used as a


beam or column, depending on its
placement

- Structural elements are therefore identified


by HOW they carry load

Basic elements include beam, column, arch, truss, cable, shell and slab/plate

2
1. BEAMS
BASIC STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS

- Used for spanning horizontal distance


- Carries load by bending and shear
- It carries gravity load and sustains lateral loading
- Depending on the structural system, they could
be used as joist, rafter, purlin, girder or lintel
- At each typical section, the beam develops the
internal forces of shear and bending moment
- They fail by excessive deflection and shear (crack)
- Reinforcements are used in concrete beams to
withstand for bending.
- Simple beams of reinforced concrete should have
an estimated depth-to-span ratio of 1:20
- While for cantilever beams, estimated ratio of 1:7
should be adequate.

3
BASIC STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS
2. ARCHES

- The idea is to develop an spanning element through


the use of only internal compression.
- They transmit loads/forces via direct compression.
- Most arches have circular profile, which works well as
long as they are reasonably thick.
- Consideration include the horizontal forces at the
base (Abutments) and the height-to-span ratio.
- They fail through shear or torsion if the height-to-
span ratio is not good enough.
- They are used in bridges, aqueducts and structures
that require longer spans or stiffer supports.

4
BASIC STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS
3. COLUMNS

- They are vertical structural members that transmit


load through axial compression
- They carry concentrated loads and also support
load bearing walls where needed.
- Depending on their position, they could be called
posts, piers or struts.
- They either fail in compressive stress by crushing
or buckling.
- Columns buckle when the slenderness ratio (l/r) is
high or due to eccentric loading, and crushes when
they are short

5
4. TRUSS BASIC STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS

- They are 2- or 3-dimensional network of


bars connected by pin joints in the simple
geometry of triangles.
- All members/bars are connected by pin
supports and are therefore subjected to
axial tension or axial compression
- Interior triangulation is the basic necessity
of a truss system
- Some traditional trusses are named after
their inventor/designer
- They could be used for bridges, roof and
floor supports
- Effective depth-to-span ratio could vary
from 1:15 to 1:40

6
BASIC STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS
5. CABLES
- They are flexible structural elements stressed
in tension by transverse loads; that is, they
transmit forces by axial tension
- They have no resistance to bending, and
therefore have no predetermined geometry
- They are applied in roof structures, floors and
suspended or cable-stayed bridges
- They naturally assume the form of catenary
curve. However, it is important to consider
the sag-to-span ratio.
- Disturbing forces (wind) could induce
oscillation (or flutter/vibration). Its other
defect is deflection

7
BASIC STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS
6. SHELLS
- Shells are 3-dimensional curved surfaces that
transmit forces through membrane action
- They carry load through the strength and stiffness
of their geometry
- They are applied in domes and vaults

7. PLATES / SLABS
- They are horizontal planar elements that carry load by
bending
- They are used as floor, roof decks, paving slabs, bridge
floors or storage tank walls.
- Types: one-way spanning and two-way spanning slabs
- Their behaviour depends on the position of the
supports

8
APPROXIMATE SIZES OF STRUCTURAL MEMBERS

9
APPROXIMATE SIZES OF STRUCTURAL MEMBERS

1
A MODEL SHOWING STRUCTURAL MEMBERS

11
QUESTIONS???
AND
COMMENT!!!

THANK YOU

TYNE, Newcastle, England

2
12

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