Theory of Structure (ATSTRUCT) -NOTES phases: • Conceiving of the basic structural

form.
Definitions:
• Devising the gravity and lateral force
 Structure is defines as something made
resisting strategy.
up of interdependent parts in definite
pattern of organization. • Roughly proportioning the component
 The primary function of a building parts.
structure is to support and redirect
• Developing a foundation scheme.
loads and forces safely to the ground.
Building structures are constantly • Determining the structural materials to
withstanding the forces of wind, the be used.
effects of gravity, vibrations, and
• Detailed proportioning of the component
sometimes even earthquakes.
parts.
 A structure, whether large or small,
must be stable and durable, must satisfy • Devising a construction methodology.
the intended function(s) for which it
was built, and must achieve an Load of Structures
economy or efficiency— that is, Structural systems, aside from their form-
maximum results with minimum means. defining function, essentially exist to resist
Structural Design forces that result from two general
classifications of loads:
 Structural design is essentially a process
that involves balancing between applied 1. Static. This classification refers to gravity-
forces and the materials that resist type forces.
these forces. 2. Dynamic. This classification is due to
 Structurally, a building must never inertia or momentum of the mass of the
collapse under the action of assumed structure (like earthquakes). The more
loads, whatever they may be. sudden the starting or stopping of the
 Furthermore, tolerable deformation of structure, the greater the force will be.
the structure or its elements should not
cause material distress or psychological Dead Loads
harm. • Dead Loads - loads resulting from the self-
 The architect needs to have a broad weight of the building or structure and of
general understanding of the structure any permanently attached components,
with its various problems and a such as partition, walls, flooring, framing
sufficient understanding of the elements, and fixed equipment, are
fundamental principles of structural classified as dead loads.
behavior to provide useful
approximations of member sizes. • Standard weights of commonly used
materials for building are known, and a
Structural Planning complete building’s dead weight can be
The general procedure of designing a calculated with a high degree of certainty.
structural system consists of the following • The weight of structural elements must
be estimated at the beginning of the design
phase of the structure and then refined as • Primarily, structural design is intended to
the design process proceeds toward make the building “stand up”. In making a
completion. building “stand up,” the principles governing
the stability and equilibrium of buildings
Live Loads
form the basis for all structural thinking.
• Live Loads - transient and moving loads
• Strength and stiffness of materials are
that include occupancy loads, furnishings,
concerned with the stability of a building’s
and storage are classified as live loads.
component parts (beams, columns, walls),
• Live loads are extremely variable by whereas statics deals with the theory of
nature and normally change during a general stability.
structure’s lifetime as occupancy changes.
• Statics and strength of materials are
• Building codes specify minimum uniform actually intertwined, because the laws that
live loads for the design of roof and floor apply to the stability of the whole structure
systems based on a history of many are also valid for the individual components.
buildings and types of occupancy
• The fundamental concept of stability and
conditions. These codes incorporate safety
equilibrium is concerned with the balancing
provisions for overload protection,
of forces to ensure that a building and its
allowance for construction loads, and
components will not move.
serviceability considerations, such as
vibration and deflection behavior. • In reality, all structures undergo some
movement under load, but stable structures
Basic Functional Requirements
have deformations that remain relatively
The principal functional requirements of a small.
building structure are:
• Strength of materials requires knowledge
1. Stability and equilibrium. about building material properties, member
cross-sections, and the ability of the
2. Strength and stiffness. material to resist breaking. Also of concern
3. Continuity and redundancy. is that the structural elements resist
excessive deflection and/or deformation.
4. Economy.
Continuity and Redundancy
5. Functionality.
• Continuity in a structure refers to a direct,
6. Aesthetics. uninterrupted path for loads through the
*Economy in structure does not just mean building structure—from the roof level
frugality. Without the economy of structure, down to the foundation.
neither a bird nor an airplane could fly, for • Redundancy is the concept of providing
their sheer weight would crash them to multiple load paths in a structural
earth. Without economy of materials, the framework so that one system acts as a
dead weight of a bridge could not be backup to another in the event of localized
supported structural failure.
Stability and Equilibrium/ Strength and
Stiffness
• Structural redundancy enables loads to
seek alternate paths to bypass structural
distress. A lack of redundancy is very
hazardous when designing buildings in
earthquake country.

Major Types of Basic Structures

1. Beam – is a straight member subjected

only to transverse loads. 2. Columns –
axially-loaded members in compression.

3. Hangers , Suspension Cables – axially-

loaded members in tension. 4. Truss – all
members axially-loaded (tension or
compression)

5. Cables - flexible members stressed in

tension by transverse loads.

6. Rigid Frame – built of members

connected by rigid joints capable of resisting
moment, shear, and axial forces.

7. Arches – structural type suitable for

spanning long distances. Forces developed
within an arch are primarily compressive,
with relatively small bending moments. The
efficiency of an arch is determined by the
geometry of its curved form relative to the
load intended to be supported. Arches
require foundations capable of resisting
large thrusts at the supports. The three-
hinged arch has been used for both
buildings and bridges (sometimes in the
form of a trussed arch)

Site-cast concrete frames develop rigid Contemporary Arch Types

connections naturally, and steel frames may
be formed with special connections to form
rigid joints.
Examples of three-hinged trussed arch