Introduction to Structural

Design
Architecture has recorded the great ideas of
the human race. Not only every religious
symbol, but every human thought has its
page in that vast book.
- Victor Hugo

Structure of a Building
The primary function of a
building structure is to
support and transmit the
building loads and forces
to the ground.

Photos courtesy Tilt-up Concrete Association

Characteristics of a Structure
Strength
Stability
Economic Value

Structural System
Made up of many smaller structural subsystems that work together to provide a
strong, stable, and cost-effective structure.
Examples of these smaller structural subsystems include:

Structural engineers design these structural systems.

Structural Sub-System
Made up of many structural elements that
work together to provide a strong, stable,
and cost-effective system.
Basic structural elements include:

Structural engineers design these structural systems.

Forces and Loads

A force is any action that causes a change
in the shape or motion of an object.
A load is a force that is supported by a
structural element.
The terms force and load are often used
interchangeably.
WIND

SNOW

Structural Member Forces

Tension A force that stretches
or pulls apart a member,
resulting in the member
elongating.

Compression A force that

squeezes or presses a
member together, resulting in
the member shortening.

Shear A force that acts

perpendicular to the axis of the
member, causing the internal
particles of the member to
slide against each other.

Beam
A structural element that carries a load that is
applied transverse (perpendicular) to its length.
Usually a horizontal member that carries a
vertical applied load.
The top fibers of a beam are in compression; the
bottom fibers are in tension.

Cantilever Beam
A special type of beam that is supported
only at one end
The top fibers of the cantilever are in
tension; the bottom fibers are in
compression

Column
A vertical structural element that carries an
axial force in compression

COLUMN

Truss
A structural element that is composed of
smaller structural members typically
configured in triangular arrangements
Some truss members carry a tension
force; others carry a compression force

Arch
A curved structural
element that spans over
an open space
In stone arches, the last
stone to be placed at the
top is called the keystone
KEYSTONE

Vault
A continuous arch
that forms a ceiling
or roof

Dome
A structural element that is made up of
arches that radiate around a center point
to create a half sphere

Hybrid Forms
An infinite number of combinations of
these forms exist

Design Process
The same design
process used by
engineers and
designers in other
disciplines can be
used to design
structural systems.

Architectural Program
Establishes overall concept and design
philosophy
Includes

Location of building on site

Architectural style
Interior space planning
Design elements
Construction materials
Building systems

Encompasses the first four steps of the

design process

Structural Design Process

An architectural program establishes
preliminary structural systems.
The structural engineer must analyze
the structural systems and provide a
strong, stable, and cost-effective
design.

Structural Design Process

Identify Criteria and
Constraints
Additional criteria needed:
Types and magnitudes of
applied loads
Load path that each load
will follow to the ground

Structural Design Process

Explore Possibilities
Consider alternate
structural configurations,
materials, and spacing to
improve the design or
reduce costs

Structural Design Process

Select an Approach
Based on structural
performance, compatibility
with the architectural
program, and cost
Based on the possibilities
explored, select the
optimal design

Structural Design Process

Develop a Design
Proposal
Create a preliminary
structural design
incorporating the
selections for all
structural elements

Structural Design Process

Model or Prototype
Create a model to
represent your structural
design
Sketches
Structural analysis software
3D architectural software

Structural Design Process

Test and Evaluate
Reanalyze structure based
on element selections
Structural analysis
software
3D architectural software

Structural Design Process

Refine
Revise the design as
necessary to correct
problems with strength,
stability, and compatibility
with other systems

Structural Design Process

Create or Make
Based on the final design
after revisions
Create working drawings
of the structural design

Structural Design Process

Communicate Results
Distribute the drawings
Include in bid package
Include in construction
drawings

Image Sources
Tilt-up Concrete Association
(www.tilt-up.org)