Structure fundamentals quiz 1

Structural System

a stable assembly of elements designed and constructed to function as a whole in supporting and transmitting applied loads safely to the ground without exceeding the allowable stresses in the members.

Cables

A thin tensile member that is unable to resist compression or bending; pure tension

Arches

A usually curved structure forming the upper edge of an open space and supporting the weight above it, as in a bridge or doorway. A structure, such as a freestanding monument, shaped like an inverted U

Corbeling

the intermediate stage between a simple cantilever and a true arch. It consists of successive courses of masonry placed on each side of an opening and extending progressively closer to each other until they meet.

Columns

A linear (typically vertical) structural member that is loaded with compressive forces along its axis.

Beams

A linear structural member with loading applied perpendicular to its long axis, such a load is a bending load

Bending

the tendency of a member to bow as a result of loads applied perpendicular to its longest axis

Trusses

A triangulated assembly that distributes loads to supports through a combination of pin-connected members arranged in triangles so that ideally all are in either pure compression or tension (no bending or shear) and all thrust forces are resolved internally.

Frames

Distribute loads horizontally (by means of beams or slabs) to columns (or bearing walls) which transmit the forces vertically to the supporting foundation.

substructure

foundation below surface, primary function is to support and anchor against uplift, sliding, etc

superstructure

vertical extension of a building above the foundation

Bulk active structure

A structure or structural member that redirects external forces primarily through the bulk and continuity of each material ,such as a beam or column

Vector active structure

Structure that redirects external forces primarily through the composition of tension and compression members such as truss

surface active structure

Structure that redirects external forces primarily along the continuity of a surface,such as a plate or shell

Form active structure

A structure or structural member that redirects the external forces primarily through the form of its material, such an arch or cable

Structural Analysis

The process of determining the ability of a structure or any of its constituent members to safely carry a given set of loads given the arrangement, shape, and dimension of the members, the types of connections and supports utilized, and the allowable stresses of the materials employed. (given size and material, determine load)

Structural Design

The process of arranging, interconnecting, sizing, and proportioning the members of a structural system in order to safely carry a given set of loads without exceeding the allowable stresses of the materials employed. (given load and material properties, determine size)

Factor of Safety

ratio of the maximum stress that a structural member can withstand to the maximum stress allowed for it in the use for which it is designed. (ultimate stress/working stress)

Ductility

the property of a material that enables it to undergo plastic deformation after being stressed beyond the elastic limit and before rupturing.

Redundancy

the structural system includes members, connections, or supports to provide alternative paths for the transfer of forces - providing multiple load paths whereby forces can bypass a point of structural distress

continuity

a direct, uninterrupted load path from the roof level to the foundation through the structure - avoid offsets creating circuitous load paths

Spanning Systems

bridge the space between support systems

one way spanning system

Transfer applied forces to a pair of more or less parallel supporting planes

two way spanning system

Transfer applied forces in two directions, requiring two sets of supporting planes, more or less perpendicular to each other

Structural grid

a system of lines and points for locating and regulating the position of major structural elements

Direction of span

affects the nature of the spatial composition, the qualities of the spaces defined, and the economics of construction

Span length

affects the choice of materials and the type of spanning system employed

Scale

Related to the type of activity, the efficient span range for a particular spanning system, and the nature of the foundation soil of the building site; Affects the relative sizes of the structural members used

Spatial Fit

Accommodate the intended patterns and scale of human activity - not limit the usefulness of a space

Regular grids

define equal spans, allow the use of repetitive structural elements, and offer the efficiency of structural continuity across a number of bays.

Materials Science

the study of the interplay between the properties, structure and changes in solids.

stress

the concentration of internal forces within a structural member measured as the force per unit of cross-sectional area.

Strain

the relative change in size and shape of a material resulting from the application of stress

Modulus of Elasticity

the ratio of stress to strain in the elastic region

elastic behavior

strain is proportional to stress, and the member will return to its original size when the stress is removed

Plastic behavior

strain is disproportionate to the stress, and the member will never return to its original size when the stress is removed

Tension

the tendency of the particles of a material to be pulled apart

Compression

the tendency for the particles of a material to be pressed together

Shear

the tendency of the particles of a material to slide past one another

Torsion

the rotational shear that occurs when a member is twisted around its axis

concentrated load (point load)

Stone at top and beam-upon-beam construction represents well point load and support conditions at Hemeroscopium House, Madrid, Spain (2008); beams framing into beams

uniform load (distributed load)

continuous along beam rather than at one point

dead loads

consist of the weight of all materials and fixed equipment incorporated into the building or other structure.

live loads

loads that vary with time and are easily capable of being moved or moving about on a structure

load paths

the path that a load travels through the structural system, most efficient load path is directly to the ground, each structural element must be designed for all loads that pass through it.