Building Structural System

Summary

In this lecture, the speaker explores various types of structural systems used in buildings, focusing primarily on the structural system that supports and carries loads. The lecture discusses different components such as load-bearing systems, frame systems, and steel structures. It explains the key characteristics of structural systems like strength, stability, and cost-effectiveness, along with a variety of structural designs, including wall-bearing, skeleton, trusses, arches, shells, and cable systems. These systems are crucial for transmitting forces safely to the ground, ensuring both functionality and safety in building design.

Takeaways

• 😀 Buildings consist of various systems including functional, structural, HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and security systems, with this lecture focusing on structural systems.
• 😀 The structural system of a building refers to the elements designed to support or carry loads, ensuring the building's safety and stability.
• 😀 The primary purpose of a structural system is to safely transfer loads from the superstructure to the foundation and subsoil beneath.
• 😀 The key characteristics of a structural system are strength, stability, and cost-effectiveness, with strength referring to the ability to resist applied loads.
• 😀 Stability in a structural system is achieved through the proper arrangement and positioning of elements like beams and columns.
• 😀 Cost-effectiveness in structural system design focuses on selecting systems that balance strength, stability, and material efficiency.
• 😀 Types of building structural systems include wall-bearing systems, skeleton structure systems, trusses, arches, shell structures, tent systems, and cable systems.
• 😀 Wall-bearing systems involve load transfer through walls, with brick or concrete being common materials, depending on seismic risk.
• 😀 Skeleton structure systems use beams and columns to distribute loads, allowing for flexibility in height and large openings, especially in industrial buildings.
• 😀 Trusses are lightweight structures made of straight members, typically used to span long distances while resisting only tension and compression forces.
• 😀 Arches distribute load through compression, making them effective for large openings, and are commonly used in historical architecture and bridges.
• 😀 Shell structures are lightweight and use thin materials like concrete, steel, or glass to span large areas without internal supports, offering both aesthetic appeal and functionality.
• 😀 Tent systems utilize fabric membranes supported by cables or frames, offering temporary and lightweight solutions for various applications like camping or event structures.
• 😀 Cable systems, such as suspension and cable-stayed bridges, use high-tension cables to transfer loads, minimizing the need for vertical supports and offering flexibility for large-span structures.

Q & A

What are the basic functional systems in a building?

The basic functional systems in a building include protection, safety, heat, and light. These are essential for the overall functionality of a building.

What is the primary purpose of the structural system in a building?

The primary purpose of the structural system is to support and transmit the building's loads and forces to the ground safely.

What are the three main characteristics of a building's structural system?

The three main characteristics of a structural system are strength (to resist applied loads), stability (the arrangement of elements), and cost-effectiveness (ensuring an economical design).

How does a wall bearing system function in a building?

In a wall bearing system, the load from the building's slab is transferred to walls, which then transfer the load to lower walls and eventually to the soil beneath.

What is a skeleton structure system, and how does it work?

A skeleton structure system consists of beams and columns that form a framework. The load from the slab is transferred through the beams to the columns, then to the foundation, and finally to the soil.

What are the benefits of using trusses in structural systems?

Trusses are beneficial because they are lightweight and strong, allowing long spans to be supported with less material. They work by transferring loads through tension and compression, avoiding moments.

Why are arches often used in historical and modern architecture?

Arches are used because they carry loads in compression, providing strength and stability, especially for long spans. They are commonly found in bridges, churches, and domes.

What is the advantage of using shell structures in buildings?

Shell structures are lightweight and can span wide areas without the need for internal supports. This provides unobstructed spaces, making them ideal for large, open spaces in modern and historical architecture.

How do tent systems work in structural design?

Tent systems use cables and fabric to create a tensioned structure. The cables support the fabric, allowing for flexible, lightweight, and temporary structures, often used in large open spaces or for temporary shelters.

What is the role of cable systems in large-scale structures like bridges?

Cable systems, such as those used in suspension and cable-stayed bridges, utilize high-tension cables to carry and transmit loads. These systems support long spans by handling tension forces, while the towers handle compression forces.