Introduction to Structural Design

PLTW Engineering
Civil Engineering and Architecture
Optional Project 3.2.1 Structural Forms

“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

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 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

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 Characteristics of a Structure

• Strength

• Stability

• Economic Value

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 Structural System
• Made up of many smaller structural sub-
systems that work together to provide a strong,
stable, and cost-effective structure.
• Examples of these smaller structural sub-
systems include:
- Roof - Framing
- Walls - Foundations
- Floors

Structural engineers design these structural

systems.

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 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:
- Beam - Arch
- Column - Vault
- Truss - Dome

Structural engineers design these structural

systems.

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 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.

SNOW
WIND

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 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.
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 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.

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 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

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

COLUMN

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 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

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 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

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 Vault
A continuous arch that forms a ceiling or roof

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

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 Hybrid Forms
An infinite number of combinations of these forms
exist

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

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 Architectural Program
• Defines the Problem
• Establishes overall concept and design
philosophy
• Includes
- Location of building on site
- Architectural style
- Interior space planning
- Design elements
- Construction materials
- Building systems

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 Architectural Program
• An architectural program establishes
preliminary structural systems.
• The structural engineer must analyze the
structural systems and provide a strong, stable,
and cost-effective design.
• Additional criteria needed:
- Types and magnitudes of applied loads
- Load path that each load will follow to the
ground

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 Structural Design Process
Generate Concepts
• Consider alternate structural configurations,
materials, and spacing to improve the
design or reduce costs

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 Structural Design Process
Generate Concepts
• Select an
Approach
- Based on
structural
performance,
compatibility with
the architectural
program, and cost
- Based on the
possibilities
explored, select
the optimal design

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 Structural Design Process
Develop a Solution
• Create a preliminary
structural design
incorporating the
selections for all
structural elements
• Create technical
drawings to represent
your solution

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 Structural Design Process
Construct and Test Prototype
• Create a model to represent your structural
design
- Structural analysis software
- 3D architectural software
- Physical model
• Test model

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 Structural Design Process
Evaluate the Solution
• Assess the effectiveness of the design
• Revise the design as necessary to correct
problems with strength, stability, and
compatibility with other systems

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 Structural Design Process
Present the Solution
If the proposed design solves the problem
• Document the project
• Create working drawings and specifications for the
structural design
• Communicate the project

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

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