A structure comprises several components that are connected to one another and function to transfer the loads to the soil successfully.
Modern structural engineering offers a broad and in-depth body of knowledge that can precisely predict the performance of various forms and materials used in structures to withstand loads and stresses.
In civil engineering, structures are broadly classified into eight different types:
1. Load-bearing structures
2. Truss structures
3. Frame structures
4. Cable and arch structures
5. Pre-engineered structures
6. Mass structures
7. Tensile structures
8. Composite structures
1. Load-Bearing Structure
A load-bearing structure is a type of structure that contains the parts of a building that safely carries and distributes the load to the ground. As a result of the roof and floor being directly supported in a load-bearing structure, the structure's weight is transferred to the walls.
Wall footings are suitable and inexpensive for 2-4 stories, where the walls transfer their weight to the soil beneath them.
Nowadays, only temporary or small-scale construction is supported by load-bearing structures.
Advantages of Load-bearing Structures
- The structure built is extremely sturdy and solid.
- These buildings are highly fire-resistant.
- Masonry pieces come in various colors and textures, allowing endless creativity.
- These structures do not require a lot of planning.
- They have a pleasing appearance.
- Tools and equipment for masonry buildings are affordable.
Disadvantages of Load-bearing structures
- These structures perform badly during earthquakes.
- They involve extensive use of masonry units. Their construction demands more work.
- Due to the expensive masonry units used to construct these buildings, they are unreliable.
- These types of structures are heavier.
- These structures have very low thermal insulating capabilities.
2. Truss Structure
Structures having a large span and little depth are known as trusses. A truss is made up of thin, triangle-shaped components that are placed in a certain sequence. A planar truss, often used for bridges, has all of its parts in the same plane.
There are three-dimensional components that make up a space truss. The truss converts weights into tension and compression forces, which bend the truss. Due to these benefits, the truss comprises long and thin segments and utilizes less material than the beam.
Using a truss, one can build structures that span areas as large as 122 meters (400ft) or 9 meters (30 ft). The application of loads at the joints and the assumption that the members are joined at the joints using frictionless connections are also features of truss analysis.
3. Frame Structure
A beam and a column are joined by a pin or other fixed connection to form a frame. The structure is indeterminate for stiff joint connections, and frames may be stretched into two or three dimensions.
Types of Framed Structure in civil engineering.
3.1 Rigid Frame Structure
On-site construction takes place for these frames. They increase stability and effectively resist rotation for many types of building structures.
3.2 Braced Frame Structure
By bracing the diagonal members used to resist sideways forces, this frame structure resists lateral forces. The structure is braced by inserting diagonal structural members into the rectangular areas of a structural frame.
4. Cable and Arch Structure
In situations when trusses are not feasible, long spans are supported by cables, which significantly increase the cost and scale of the structure. These structures are utilized for spans greater than 46 meters (150ft) and can bear weights in tension. These are used in bridge structures, and the use of cables is limited by their weight, sag, and anchorage method.
Arches are composed of curvilinear members that rest on supports. They are used for large-span structures and other construction with wide spans, including aircraft hangars.
5. Pre-Engineered Structure
Pre-engineered buildings (PEBs) are designed by a supplier or manufacturer using a single design that can be constructed using various materials and fabrication techniques to meet various structural and aesthetic design requirements.
Pre-engineered structures have the advantage of being simple to assemble, sturdy, and easily adaptable. Unfortunately, they are far more expensive than other building types, and the design must be square or rectangular.
6. Mass Structure
A mass structure is made by assembling similar materials into a certain form or pattern. Despite being constructed using low-quality materials, they are often quite thick. They are formed by piling materials in a certain pattern or shape.
Examples of artificial mass structures are sandcastles, dams, pyramids, and other man-made structures, while examples of natural mass structures include coral reefs, mountains, and other natural mass structures.
7. Tensile Structure
A structure with only tension and no compression or bending is known as a tensile structure. The most common type of thin-shell structure is tensile. Using membranes like PTFE-coated fiberglass or PVC, these structures provide designers and end users with various aesthetically appealing free-form canopy designs.
Examples of tensile membrane structures are sports facilities, warehousing and storage structures, and exhibition halls.
8. Composite Structures
A load-bearing structure and a frame structure combine to form a composite structure. While internal column and beam structures may support floors and ceilings, exterior walls can be load-bearing structures.
These structures are often used as industrial sheds or warehouses with long spans.
Advantages of Composite Structures
- Heat and electricity are not a concern for composite buildings.
- Composite structures are lighter than conventional ones, making them simpler to carry and erect.
- Engineers may design buildings to suit their demands since these structures are versatile.
Disadvantages of Composite Structures
- High raw material costs and usually high fabrication and assembly costs, poor strength in the out-of-plane direction where the matrix carries the primary load.
- Composite structures are susceptible to impact damage and have greater difficulty repairing them than metallic structures.
FAQs
The different types of structures in civil engineering are:
1. Load-Bearing Structure
2. Truss Structure
3. Frame Structure
4. Cable and Arch Structure
5. Pre-Engineered Structure
6. Mass Structure
7. Tensile Structure
8. Composite Structure
The two types of framed structures are:
1. Rigid Frame Structure
On-site construction takes place for these frames. They increase stability and effectively resist rotation for many types of building structures.
2. Braced Frame Structure
By bracing the diagonal members used to resist sideways forces, this frame structure resists lateral forces. The structure is braced by inserting diagonal structural members into the rectangular areas of a structural frame.
The advantages of composite structures are:
1. Heat and electricity are not a concern for composite buildings.
2. Composite structures are lighter than conventional ones, making them simpler to carry and erect.
3. Engineers may design buildings to suit their demands since these structures are versatile.
The disadvantages of composite structures are:
1. High raw material costs and usually high fabrication and assembly costs, poor strength in the out-of-plane direction where the matrix carries the primary load.
2. Composite structures are susceptible to impact damage and have greater difficulty repairing them than metallic structures.
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