BUILDING ARCHITECTURAL AND STRUCTURAL SYSTEMS

Structural Systems

In building construction, the particular method of assembling and constructing structural elements of a building so that they support and transmit applied loads safely to the ground without exceeding the allowable stresses in the members

Building Framing Types

• Wall-Bearing

• Reinforced concrete

• Structural steel

• Tensile Structures

• Combination

Wall-Bearing

Carries the load of floors and roof above in addition to its own weight.

Drywall

Interior wall is applied in a dry condition without the use of mortar. It contrasts with the use of plaster, which dries after application.

Reinforced Concrete

Freestanding columns braced by horizontal beams a each floor level. Usually are formed on the job and are poured floor by floor as the structure rises. An ideal building material for structures because it is naturally fireproof and does not require any additional fire protection measures. Important in high-rise structures.

Structural Steel Framing Materials

• Metal Furring (Ceiling)

• C-channe/ metal studs (drywall)

• I-beams

• Wide Flanges

Combination

Simpler building types often consist of a combination of framing types. It is not uncommon for one- or two-story structures to have exterior walls that consist of wall-bearing masonry, while the interior supports are all steel columns with steel beams.

Tensile sturctures

Fabrics used in this type of system carry loads generated only from tension. While the structural supporting elements in the system carry all of the compression loads.

Monolith

Usually are solid and stable and tend to reduce sound and vibration transmission problems.

Precast Concrete

Have the advantages of quick erection in all types of weather, a higher probability of quality control because of their shop-based manufacturing approach, and the same solid noise-reducing characteristics as monolithic concrete floors.

Steel Systems

Consist of lightweight steel joints or trusses with steel decking spot-welded to them,

Composite Systems

Combination of 2 or more systems

Solid Masonry Wall

Facings of brick and native stone, with a backup material made of either concrete block or lightweight cinder masonry units.

Curtain Wall

Describe any exterior wall suspended from floor to floor on the structural frame of the building. A curtain wall system is exactly the opposite of a wall-bearing system in that it is supported by the structure and does not carry and dead-load.

Precast Wall

Constructed by casting concrete in a reusable wall mold or form which is then cured in a controlled environment, transported to the construction site and lifted into place. The main function is to speed up the construction process.