Question

Types of Structures
and Loads

Answer 1

Structures can be classified in a number of ways:

Based on Type:

• Solid.
• Frame.
• Shell.
• Membrane.
• Composite.

Based on Structural system:

• Tensile.
• Compressive.
• Shear.
• Bending.
• Composite.

Based on Application:

• Building.
• Aqueducts and viaducts.
• Bridges.
• Canals.
• Cooling towers and chimneys.
• Dams.
• Railways.
• Roads.
• Retaining walls.
• Tunnels.
• Coastal defences.

Based on Form:

• One-dimensional: Ropes, cables, struts, columns, beams, arches.
• Two-dimensional: Membranes, plates, slabs, shells, vaults, domes, synclastic, anticlastic.
• Three-dimensional: Solid masses.
• Composite. A combination of the above.

Based on Material:

• Timber.
• Concrete.
• Metal: Steel, aluminium and so on.
• Masonry: Brick, block, stone and so on.
• Glass.
• Adobe.
• Composite

Based on Element:

• Substructure.
• Superstructure.
• Foundation.
• Roof.
• Shell and core.
• Structural frame.
• Floor.
• Wall: loadbearing walls, compartment walls, external walls, retaining walls.

Types of loads acting on a structure are:

1. Dead loads
2. Imposed loads
3. Wind loads
4. Snow loads
5. Earthquake loads
6. Special loads