DEPARTMENT OF ARCHITECTURE
CE-322: Structural Theory 1
(Introduction to
Structural Analysis)
February 04, 2025
What is a
Structure?
Definition:
A Structure is a system of interconnected
elements designed to support and
transmit loads and ensuring stability of a
complex system of built environment.
In an infrastructure or a building, its
structure is composed of interconnected
Beams, Columns, Slabs and Foundation.
Why structures matters?
- It is the backbone of every building, bridges, and other
infrastructure to ensure that the applied loads must be
equally distributed throughout the system. In that case,
it will prevent collapse and ensuring the durability.
- A well designed structure ensures efficiency in terms of
economic and environmental considerations. It minimize
cost, material waste and enhance sustainability.
Importance of Structural Analysis to Architecture:
- Architects are not expected to design structures due to the
reason that they are mainly focus on aesthetics,
functionality, and user experience upon designing building.
- But architects must collaborate with structural engineers
to achieve structurally sound, stable, efficient and
sustainable building.
- To achieve good collaboration, architects must know
basics of structural engineering.
Basic Structural Concepts
LOADS
FORCE
STABILITY STRUCTURE S
EQUI-
LIBRIUM
LOADS
It is the external factors that induce and transmit forces to the
structure that influence stress, strain and deformation.
It is the primary basis of structural engineers in designing structures
as it was the reason why structure exist.
Structural loads are categorized into Live Loads (temporary), Dead
Loads (permanent), environmental load.
• Temporary • The • Any of applied
LIVE LOADS
ENVIRONMENTAL LOADS
DEAD LOADS
and variable permanent loads that
loads due to and static come from
occupancy & weight of the nature itself.
use. structure • SNOW LOADS,
• Any movable itself. WIND LOADS,
and • Any EARTHQUAKE
detachable undetachable LOADS, and
elements of parts of the HEAT LOAD
the building structure are
are considered as
considered as Dead Loads
Live Loads
FORCES
It is the induced product upon the application of loads to the
structure that cause stress, strain, deformation or even motion.
It is a vector quantity defined by magnitude, direction, and point of
application. It is the basis of Structural Engineers upon analyzation of
structures
Forces can be classified to External and Internal Forces
• Applied Force – Forces resulted upon the contact of loads to the
External structure.
Forces • Reactive Forces – Forces resulted upon the reaction of the supports
of the structure to the applied forces.
• Axial Forces – An internal reactive force that acts parallel to the
longitudinal length of a member of structure. It is either
Compression or Tension.
Internal • Shear Forces – An internal reactive force that cause sliding or slicing
Forces of adjacent parts of a member and it acts parallel to the cross-
sectional area of the member.
• Bending Forces – A combination of compression and tension forces
and the product of bending moment. It can cause flexural stress to a
member.
APPLIED FORCES
𝐴𝑌 (LOADS)
𝐵𝑋
𝐵𝑌
REACTIVE FORCES
(REACTIONS)
EQUILIBRIUM
It occurs when the sum of all forces and moments acting on the
structure is equal to zero.
When a structure is in equilibrium state, the loads and forces are in
balance causing the prevention of deformation and collapse of the
structure.
A structure in an equilibrium state is consideration for stability.
STABILITY
It is the ability of to resist collapse or excessive deformation under
applied loads, ensuring safety and functionality.
A stable structure is the result of maintaining equilibrium of force
system acting within the structure.
Structural stability is achieved through proper material selection, load
path distribution and reinforcement to withstand expected loads.
ELEMENTS OF BUILDING
STRUCTURES
TIE RODS OR CABLES
- It is a structural member used in steel structures, roof
trusses, and bracing system to support rigidity of
other structural members that has wide gaps that can
cause collapse or separation of other components
when applied with loads.
- Carrying axial tensile force will make tie rods enhance
the stability of trusses, bridge and framed structures.
- Tie Rods are carrying tension force making it a tensile
member. Tie rods will always be connotated to tension
force.
SLABS
- A horizontal, load bearing element of structure that
distributes applied loads to beams, columns or even
walls in the building or structure.
- It is the first to carry loads coming from occupants and
other temporary loads.
- Slabs are mostly made up of reinforced concrete, steel
or composite materials and it is designed based on
thickness, reinforcement and load requirements.
BEAMS
- A horizontal load bearing member element of a
structure designed to resist bending, shear, and
deflection under applied loads.
- It is a primary framing elements buildings, bridges,
and other structures, providing support and rigidity to
overall system.
- It transfer loads from slabs, roof or decks to columns
or walls, ensuring even load distribution and structural
stability.
COLUMNS
- A vertical load-bearing element designed to transfer
compressive loads from beams, slabs or roof to the
foundation.
- Columns play a critical role in distributing axial loads
efficiently, ensuring the stability and strength of the
buildings and other structure.
- It resist axial compression, bending and sometimes
lateral forces, ensuring the structure remains upright
under various load conditions.
FOUNDATION /
FOOTING
- Is the lowest part of a structure designed to transfer
loads from the building to the ground safely.
- It prevents excessive settlement, tilting or failure due
to soil conditions and applied forces.
- Designing foundations will be based on soil type, load
bearing capacity and structural requirement to
prevent differential settlement of structural distress.
TYPES OF STRUCTURES
TRUSSES
- Truss is a structural framework composed of
interconnected triangular units, designed to support
loads efficiently by distributing forces across its
components.
- It is designed to distribute loads across the entire
members in axial manner thus making truss members,
ideally carrying axial loads only.
- Truss is commonly used in bridges, roofs and other
large span structures due to their ability to minimize
material use while maintaining strength and stability.
TRUSSES
- Truss is a structural framework composed of
interconnected triangular units, designed to support
loads efficiently by distributing forces across its
components. Its members were connected by Pins or
Hinges.
- It is designed to distribute loads across the entire
members in axial manner thus making truss members,
ideally carrying axial loads only.
- Truss is commonly used in bridges, roofs and other
large span structures due to their ability to minimize
material use while maintaining strength and stability.
CABLED SUPPORTED
STRUCTURE
- It is a type of structure where cables are used to
support and transfer loads, typically in tension, across
long spans
- In this structures, cables carry the applied loads
through tension, transmitting the forces to supporting
elements like towers, pylons or anchors allowing for
efficient load distribution.
- This type of structure rely on flexibility and strength of
cables to maintain stability, reduce material use and
accommodate dynamic or variable load.
ARCH
- It is a structure that transfer the compressive loading
along the curve support, minimizing bending moment.
- Commonly constructed from materials that has high
capacity to resist compressive force like stones,
masonry, steel.
- This type of structure usually used in bridges, tunnels
and roofs..
FRAMES
- It is a common type of structure in the modern world
where structural elements such as beams, columns,
and slabs are fixedly interconnected to form rigid
framework.
- Loads are transfer through the frame, with beams
carrying horizontal loads and columns carrying vertical
loads, ensuring efficient distribution of forces across
the entire system.
- This type of structure are commonly used in a multi-
story buildings and bridges where the arrangement of
vertical and horizontal elements provides stability,
flexibility and strength to resist various load
conditions.
Thank you!
