There are several types of structures including frame, shell, arch, mass, and suspension structures. Frame structures are composed of long elements joined at the ends, shell structures use a thin outer layer to surround a volume, and arch structures use semicircular arches. Mass structures are simply made of compacted materials filling the entire body, while suspension structures hold elements with cables anchored from tall columns. All structural elements must withstand various forces like tension, compression, shear, torsion, and bending to avoid collapsing.