INTRODUCTION TO STRUCTURAL
DESIGN
Structural Design
A method which we find out safe and
economical specifications of a structure or a
member of the structure sufficient to carry the
load.
A process to find out cross-sectional
dimensions, grade of material, amount of
reinforcement etc. necessary to withstand the
internal forces that are found from the
structural analysis.
Structural Design Cont.
The design of a structure may be regarded as
the process of selecting proper materials and
proportioned elements of the structure,
according to the art, engineering science and
technology. In order to fulfill its purpose, the
structure must meet its conditions of safety,
serviceability, economy and functionality.
Structural Design Cont.
The first function in design is the planning
carried out by the architect to determine the
arrangement and layout of the building to
meet the client’s requirements.
The structural engineer then determines the
best structural system or forms to bring the
architect’s concept into being.
Structural Design Cont.
Construction in different materials (Concrete ,
steel or other material) and with different
arrangements and systems may require
investigation to determine the most
economical answer.
Structural Design Cont.
Once the building form and structural
arrangement have been finalized the design
problem consists of the following:
1) Idealization of the structure into load bearing
frames and elements for analysis and design
2) Estimation of loads
3) Analysis to determine the maximum moments,
thrusts and shears for design.
Structural Design Cont.
1) Design of sections and reinforcement
arrangements for slabs, beams, columns
and walls using the results from 3
2) Production of arrangement and detail
drawings and bar schedules
General Design Process
The same
design process
used by
engineers and
designers in
other disciplines
can be used to
design structural
systems.
General Design Process Cont.
The first four steps of the
design process
establishes overall
concept and design
philosophy. Mostly done
by the architect
• Location of building on site
• Architectural style
• Interior space planning
• Design elements
• Construction materials
• Building systems
General Design Process Cont.
Identify Criteria and
Constraints
Additional criteria needed:
Types and magnitudes of
applied loads
Load path that each load
will follow to the ground
General Design Process Cont.
Explore Possibilities
Consider alternate structural
configurations, materials,
and spacing to improve the
design or reduce costs.
General Design Process Cont.
Select an Approach
Select the optimal design based
on:
a) Structural performance,
compatibility with the
architectural program, and
cost
b) The possibilities explored
General Design Process Cont.
Develop a Design
Proposal
Create a preliminary
structural design
incorporating the
selections for all
structural elements
General Design Process Cont.
Model or Prototype
Create a model to represent your
structural design
Sketches
Structural analysis software
3D architectural software
General Design Process Cont.
Test and Evaluate
Reanalyze the structure based on
element selections
Structural analysis software
3D architectural software
General Design Process Cont.
Refine
Revise the design as necessary
to correct problems with
strength, stability, and
compatibility with other
systems
General Design Process Cont.
Create or Make
Based on the final design
after revisions, Create
working drawings of the
structural design
General Design Process Cont.
Communicate Results
Distribute the drawings
Include in bid package
Include in construction
drawings
Structural Elements and Frames
The complete building structure can be broken
down into the following elements:
Beams Horizontal members carrying lateral loads
Slabs Horizontal elements carrying lateral loads
Columns Vertical members carrying primarily axial load but
generally subjected to axial load and moment
Walls Vertical elements resisting vertical, lateral or in-plane
loads
Bases and Spread the loads from columns or walls to the ground
foundations without excessive settlements.
Design Standards
In the UK, design is generally to limit state
theory in accordance with:
BS8110:1985: Structural Use of Concrete
Part 1: Code of Practice for Design and Construction
The design of sections for strength is according to plastic theory
based on behavior at ultimate loads. Elastic analysis of sections is
also covered because this is used in calculations for deflections and
crack width in accordance with
BS8110:1985: Structural Use of Concrete
Part 2: Code of Practice for Special Circumstances
Design Standards Cont.
The loading on structures conforms to
BS6399:1984: Design Loading for Building
Part 1: Code of Practice for Dead and Imposed Loads
CP3:1972: Chapter V: Loading
Part 2: Wind Loads
The codes set out the design loads, load combinations
and partial factors of safety, material strengths, design
procedures and sound construction practice. So, a
thorough knowledge of the codes is one of the
essential requirements of a designer.
Design Standards Cont.
Thus it is important that copies of these codes are
obtained and read in conjunction with the book.
Generally, only those parts of clauses and tables are
quoted which are relevant to the particular problem, and
the reader should consult the full text.
Only the main codes involved have been mentioned
above..
