Module 1

Syllabus
 Introduction – Definition of Structure, Role of Structures in Architecture
 Historical evolution of structures - Walls, Post and beams, Arches, Vaults, Domes,
Suspended structures, Truss, Skyscraper
 Force types – Definition of force, Moment of a force, Bending & Buckling Force
concepts -principle of transmissibility, principle of superposition.
 Resultant of co planar concurrent forces, parallelogram law of forces and numerical
problems.
 Resolution and composition of forces, numerical problems.
 Moment of force concept, Varignon’s theorem, Couple and moment of a couple concept.
Numerical problems on coplanar non- concurrent force system.

Introduction

 A structure is a series of connected interrelated elements that form together a system that
can resist a series of external load effects applied to it which also includes its own self
weight and provide adequate rigidity
 Structure determines the overall form of a building
 They determine the stability, strength and rigidity of a building
 Structure is the design of forms with different materials that provides various load
bearing on horizontal parts or the roof.
 The structure is an essential element, defines the shape of the architectural shape and
space.
 The structure is contributing to the aesthetically value of the building
 The structural system is not exposed but still has a significant influence on the form of
the building.

Role of structures in Architecture

 Structure and architecture are two key components in shaping building formation.
 Interaction and conflict between the two components and their balanced growth in the
manufacturing process and the development of construction technologies has led to the
creation of a new generation of buildings with advanced technological structure.
 The relationship between structure and architecture is expressed as follows:

a) Structural design: The structural requirements imposed the form and

formal logic has been praised and admired as a part of visual language.
 b) Structure as a design: Structural elements are selected and controlled by
primarily visual standards.
c) Neglected structure: Structure is ignored during the design of the building
will and not considered as part of the aesthetic programs.
d) Accepted structure: Structural requirements may considerably affect the
form of the building even if the structure is not necessarily exposed.
e) Structures as productive forms: This option is the same as in part.
 The structure In addition to its role in three concepts of strength, performance and beauty
has major influences on architecture.
 These effects have defined a wide range for structure that causes the structure be directly
related to the strength and stability as an effective mental element and the related fitness
besides its main role.

Architectural space and Structure

 Structure is the underlying basis of construction.
 Structure consists of different aspects in space structure.
 The structural elements in interior spaces in addition to providing the building
separator clusters provide proper isolation in order to prepare comfort conditions.
 It also provides the openness of the spaces from micro sized (openings) to macro
sizes (glass walls).
 Thus understanding the architectural spaces is important in recognizing the
architectural spaces from urban spaces and considers the role of structure in these
spaces.
 Space is the beginning and ending of architecture.
 Thus, the spatial definition, in our terms, is a means criticizing and judging the
effectiveness of the architecture.
 Space and vacuity are the key factor in architecture and they are considered
natural.
 Because architecture is not just art. It is not only the picture of life, or the life we
or others have passed. But it is an environment, a scene.
 According to the theory proposed by Marcus Vitruvius Pollio architecture based
on combining three elements of performance, stability and beauty of architectural
form and must meet all three of these elements are necessarily coincide .
 Judgment is about the interior architecture.
 Unless this judgment is due to the lack of internal space, “Arch of Tito” or
“Trayana” are Out of the architectural history, or since they are considered a
volume, they are within the jurisdiction of the history of urban planning.

Structure
 Structure is the design of forms with different materials that provides various load
bearing on horizontal parts or the roof
 Thus understanding of the structure as well as the architect demands elegance,
taste, art and creativity.
 Structures are architected before being calculated. Understanding the structure as
an architect to understand the subtlety, taste, art and creativity can be calculated
 before, and architect. Mies van as stated in this connection that the structure of the
first real interaction with the architectural space.
 It means geometry of the structure to provide the aesthetic and structural levels
are considered.
 Nowadays the structure of the building is presented in architectural designs and
also designing the architectural space and sometimes the architecture is born out
of structure.
 Like the Crystal Palace and The Eifel Tower in both of which the architectural
space is created.
 It is clear that being light is one of the main characteristics of modernity and as
Foster indicated the weight of the Eifel Tower is less than the air that erects the
cylinder surrounding the tower.
 Human specific environment is created when it is created by a human made
structure. Whatever than we are capable of doing in this space, because human
being can move and determines our reaction to it.
 As soon as a structure turns a space into a human scale space, that space becomes
a part of our personal world.
 From the perspective of structuralism the architectural space is created through
the interaction of a human being with his environment which is kept as a technical
or artificial totality.
 The components of an architectural space interact between human, form and
environment.
 In this system structure protects the form of the elements and the total system and
it is the main factor of defining the space, scope or body that the architectural
space is willing to define .
 We are usually warned about the disappearance of the form and space we know
by the new form and structural compositions through nostalgia.
 These ties to the past are a part of our emotional reservoirs that form our every
day feelings.
 They are deeply rooted in our unconscious mind and they cannot be eradicated
without causing emotional pain.
 If the buildings do not satisfy human experience and understanding and their
structures do not create human space, people will leave them.

Basic requirements of a building

 The planning and construction of a building should be aimed at fulfilling the following
requirements:

i. Strength and stability - Building should be capable of transferring the expected

loads in its life period safely to the ground. Design of various structural
components like slabs, beams, walls, columns and footing should ensure safety.
None of the structural components should buckle, overturn and collapse.
 ii. Dimensional stability - Excessive deformation of structural components give a
sense of instability and result into crack in walls, flooring etc. All structural
components should be so designed that deflections do not exceed the permissible
values specified in the codes.
iii. Resistance to dampness - Dampness in a building is a great nuisance and it may
reduce the life of the building. Great care should be taken in planning and in the
construction of the building to avoid dampness.
iv. Resistance to fire - Regarding achieving resistance to fire, the basic requirements
laid down in the codes are:
(a)The structure should not ignite easily.
(b)Building orientation should be such that spread of fire is slow.
(c)In case of fire, there should be means of easy access to vacate building quickly.
v. Heat insulation - A building should be so oriented and designed that it insulates
interior from heat.
vi. Sound insulation - Buildings should be planned against outdoor and indoor noises.
vii. Protection against termite attack - Buildings should be protected from termites.
viii. Durability - Each and every component of the building should be durable.
ix. Security against burglary - This is the basic need the owner of the building
expects.
x. Lighting and ventilation - For healthy and happy living natural light and
ventilations are required. Diffused light and good cross ventilation should be
available inside the building.
xi. Comforts and convenience - Various units in the building should be properly
grouped and integrated keeping in mind the comfort and convenience of the user.
xii. Economy - Economy without sacrificing comfort, convenience and durability is
another basic requirement of the building.

Influence of Structure in architectural design

 In architectural design, one of the basic roles of structure is to help put forth the dream of
the architect in reality.
 Structure, then, is a means and not the end of subjective expression. "Structural
expressionalong," says Edgralo Contini, “however brilliant, however imaginative, not
adequate or self suifficient as an expression of architecture is.”
 In the design process, the architect analyzes different architectural elements with respect
to surroundings, functional requirements and climatic conditions.
 Some of these elements are not only purely architectural but they greatly influence the
structural concept involved in the particular project.
 Selection of materials is one of them.
 Durability, availability and economy do play important parts in the choice of materials.
 However,other qualities such as the craftsman feeling of materials and their relationship
in expression govern an architect's selection.
 These contribute to texture and the effect of light and shade.
 But the choice of materials, if not used as purely architectural materials, is greatly
influenced by technical or structural properties.
 In multi-story skeleton frame, the column sizes become a governing factor after certain
stories, demanding the use of steel.
 However, in a building of average height, the dead weight will influence selection of
materials although there are many other architectural influences to be considered.
 The monolithic nature and the flexibility of concrete are used in thin shell structures to
reduce the bulk of material; the result is a "free flow" of stresses which gives an
unquestionable pleasing appearance as can be seen in the works of Pier Luigi Nervi.
 Structural materials can be divided into two classes: those that take tension, and those
which stand compression effectively.
 Types of structures and the manner of collecting the transferring loads then reveal a
suitable structural system.
 This in turn indicates whether tensile or compressive (or both) materials will be selected.
 The structural elements are sometimes exposed for architectural expression.
 This requires a special consideration with respect to a material's technical properties and
texture in terms of long time exposure.
 The essential purpose of structure is to transform external loads into internal stresses and
to transmit these, distributed along the structural members, to convenient locations,
usually to firm ground.
 The efficiency with which this can be accomplished depends entirely upon the type of
structure, its properties and nature of its support.
 In the architectural design process an architect studies the different function, i.e. through
a series of plans and elevations. He then broadens the bases of his analysis so as to
integrate different architectural elements and expresses his subjective idea.
 Fred Severud, an American engineer, has this to say:The engineer should not enter into
the architectural design process until the architect completes the preliminary design and
puts forth the structural idea.
 It is at this stage that structural consideration should be given by the engineering
consultant to the architectural idea; because the structural engineer can grasp the concept
of what the architect is trying to achieve.
 Structural influences in architectural design also depend upon the type of architecture
considered. For example, Ranchamp, by L,e Corbusier, is one such building.
 This building has only one structural requirement: to make possible the expression
desired by the architect.
 There are other types of buildings in which satisfaction of structural requirements are of
major importance.
 The functional requirements imposed on such buildings demand specific structural
solutions.
 In other words, the building incorporates ideas, the solutions of which rest primarily on
the fulfillment of structural requirements.
 The role of structure in the architectural design process varies with building types. "A
purely structural solution," says Gxinhord Aestins Oravas, "rarely, however, meets the
functional requirements of the best architectural solution.
 So that a satisfactory balance must always be struck between the two alternatives: the
best architectural design and the best structural design.
Structural criterias
 Aesthetics
i. Aesthetics is a core design principle that defines a design’s pleasing
qualities.
ii. In visual terms, aesthetics includes factors such as balance, color,
movement, pattern, scale, shape and visual weight.
iii. Designers use aesthetics to complement their designs’ usability, and so
enhance functionality with attractive layouts.
iv. The aesthetics of a building is one of the principal aspects considered in
architecture.
v. The appeal of a building covers the combined effects of a building’s
shape, size, texture, colour, balance, unity, movement, emphasis,
contrast, symmetry, proportion, space, alignment, pattern, decoration,
culture and context.
vi. The unique properties and natural beauty of wood and other bio-based
materials make them desired for various applications including
construction, facades and interior design.
vii. A building should be designed in order to satisfy requirements regarding
safety, serviceability, durability, but also, aesthetics, assuring proper
structural performance through the entire service life. For that reason, it
is essential to understand the overall deterioration mechanisms within the
different levels of a building including elements, components, façades
and for the entire building.
viii. Changes in the appearance of materials can differ due to kinetics of the
responses related to the material resistance as well as due to intensity of
the degrading factors.
 Durability
i. Durability is the resistance
to degradation of products, materials, buildings and other built assets over
time.
ii. This can be a difficult property to assess - whilst a tough material may be
hard to the touch but it may also be non-durable if it decomposes or is
eroded in a relatively short period of time.
iii. Many factors affect durability, whether concerning the nature of
the material itself or the way it has been assembled with other materials:
 Molecular structure.
 Resistance to damp, moisture and water.
 Resistance to corrosive substances.
 Resistance to vermin and other aggressive animal life such
as wood boring beetles.
 Resistance to mould and rot.
 Fire resistance.
 Ability to accept movement.
 Resistance to atmospheric pollution.
 Resistance to heat and cold.
 Capacity for moisture absorption.
 Surface profiles, orientation, texture and colour.
  Ease of maintenance
i. Maintainability is considered, inherent to the building system design,
ensuring the ease, accuracy, safety, and economy of maintenance tasks
within that system.
ii. The purpose of maintainability is to improve effectiveness and efficiency
of maintenance. One of the major products desired of such an activity is
the optimization of building life—cycle costs.
iii. Design for Maintainability (DfM) is the first step of an effective
maintenance program, linking maintenance goals to the design process.
iv. Design for Maintainability emphasizes the importance of timely
integration of design and construction knowledge with operations and
maintenance (O&M) experiences into project designs at an early stage.
v. Implementing DfM decreases the risk of equipment reliability and uptime
being impacted and total life-cycle costs increasing significantly.

Structural requirements
 Safety
 Serviceability
i. Serviceability refers to the conditions under which a building is still
considered useful.
ii. A serviceability limit defines the performance criterion for
serviceability and corresponds to a condition beyond which specified
service requirements resulting from the planned use are no longer met.
iii. In limit state design, a structure fails its serviceability if the criteria of
the serviceability limit state are not met during the specified service life
and with the required reliability.
iv. Hence, the serviceability limit state identifies a civil engineering
structure which fails to meet technical requirements for use even though
it may be strong enough to remain standing.
v. A structure that fails serviceability has exceeded a defined limit for one
of the following properties:
a) Excessive deflection
b) Vibration
c) Local deformation (engineering)
vi. Serviceability limits are not always defined by building code developer,
government or regulatory agency. Building codes tend to be restricted
to ultimate limits related to public and occupant safety.

 Security