This document discusses different types of structural systems. It defines structure and explains that structures can be man-made or natural. Man-made structures are constructed by humans, while natural structures occur without human involvement. The document then discusses four main types of structural systems: section/bulk active systems using rigid elements to redirect forces through bending; vector active systems using tension and compression elements; form active systems relying on flexible elements and particular shapes; and surface active systems using planar elements under tension, compression or shear. Examples are provided for each type of structural system.

1. Structural System and
Importance
Course Code ARC 234
Lovely School of Architecture & Design
Lovely Professional University
Lecture 1

2. Structural Systems, LSAD 2
Structure is the performance of pattern!
The structure could be for everything life,
system of being.
Social, economical, musical, biological,
and chemical.
Relationship between the matter and
the space.
Structure ?
Human Skeleton- A Structure

3. Structural Systems, LSAD 3
Man-made structures are made by humans, whereas natural structures are structures
that occur naturally.
Man-Made Structures and Natural structures
Man Made Structures Natural Structures

4. Structural Systems, LSAD 4
Relation Between Man-Made Structures and Natural structures
Lotus Temple, Delhi inspired by Lotus Flower
Beijing National
Stadium,
inspired by bird’s nest
Supertrees, Singapore, are shaped like giant tree

5. Structural Systems, LSAD 5
STRUCTURE
Structure is a fundamental,
tangible or intangible notion
construction or framework
of identifiable elements
(components,entities,
factors, members, parts,
steps, etc.) which gives
form and stability, and
resists stresses and strains.
The basic frame work and
skeleton provided for both
erection and stability of any
structure consist of two
portion:
1. substructure
2. superstructure

6. Structural Systems, LSAD
6
The relationship of structure to building
The simplest way of describing the function of structure is to say that it is the
part of a building which resists the loads that are imposed on it. building
may be regarded as simply an envelope which encloses and subdivides
space in order to create a protected environment.
The surfaces which form the envelope, that is the walls, the floors and the roof of
the building, are subjected to various types of loads
Floors are subjected to the gravitational
loads of the occupants and their effects
External surfaces are exposed to the
climatic loads

7. STRUCTURESYSTEM
STRUCTURE in building is a device of channeling loads that
results from presence and use of building to the ground.
SYSTEM is group of parts or objects, often consisting of principal
part & a number of secondary parts working together according
to a purpose
Structural Systems, LSAD 7

8. Structural Systems, LSAD 8
Structural Requirements
• EQUILIBRIUM
• GEOMETRICALLY STABLE
• STRENGTH
• ADEQUATE RIGIDITY

9. Structural Systems, LSAD 9
Why we need the Structural Systems?
1.To Serve the Architectural Concept
Walt Disney Concert Hall Frank O Gehry & Partners

10. Structural Systems, LSAD 10
Why we need the Structural Systems?
2.To Carry Long Spans
Golden Gate Bridge, USA American Society of Civil Engineers

11. Structural Systems, LSAD 11
Why we need the Structural Systems?
3.Different Types of Buildings
Crystal Palace Joseph Paxton

12. Structural Systems, LSAD 12
Why we need the Structural Systems?
3.Different Types of Buildings
Millennium Dome Richard Rogers

13. Structural Systems, LSAD 13
Why we need the Structural Systems?
4.Tall Structures
Burj Khalifa, Dubai Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM)

14. Section/ Bulk Active Structural Systems
Section active structural systems are systems of rigid, solid, linear elements, in
which redirection of forces is effected by mobilization of sectional forces. They
transmit building loads to the ground mainly through bending moments.
Example of structures:
1. Beam structures
2. Frame structures
3. Slab structures
Structural Systems, LSAD 14

15. Example of Bulk active Structural System
Unité d'Habitation, Briey-en-Forêt, France, 1956
Structural Systems, LSAD 15

16. Vector active structural systems
Vector active structural systems are systems of short, solid, straight linear
members, in which the redirection of forces is effected by vector partition, i.e.
by multidirectional splitting of single force simply to tension or compressive
elements.
The individual members of these structures are subject only to coactive stress
condition compression and tension
Example of structures:
1. Flat trusses
2. Curved trusses
3. Space trusses
Structural Systems, LSAD 16

17. Example of Vector active structural systems
Aviva Stadium, Dublin, Ireland, 2010
Structural Systems, LSAD 17

18. Form ActiveStructuralSystems
Form Active Structural Systems are systems of flexible, non-rigid matter, in
which the redirection of forces is effected by particular form design and
characteristic form stabilization. These structural systems are exposed to
single stress condition (compression or tension).
Example of structures:
1. Cable structures
2. Tent structures
3. Pneumatic structures
4. Arch structures
Structural Systems, LSAD 18

19. ExampleOfFormActiveStructuralSystems
Millennium Dome, London, UK, 1999
Structural Systems, LSAD 19

20. SurfaceActiveStructuralSystems
Surface Active Structural Systems are systems of flexible or rigid planes able to
resist tension, compression or shear, in which the redirection of forces is
effected by mobilization of sectional Forces. They are in surface stress
condition (bending moment or compression)
Example of structures:
1. Plate structures
2. Folded structures
3. Shell structures
Structural Systems, LSAD 20

21. SurfaceActiveStructuralSystems
Sydney Opera House, Australia, 1973
Structural Systems, LSAD 21

22. Structural Systems, LSAD 22
Questions?