BeginnerTopic 5 of 112Civil & Structural
Types of structures
Frames, trusses, arches, shells, cables and walls suit different spans and uses.
In depth
Main systems: framed (beam-column), truss, arch, shell, cable, plate and wall systems. Selection depends on span, loads, materials and aesthetics. Trusses and arches suit long spans efficiently; cables excel in tension; frames are versatile for buildings.
Key points
- Span-to-depth ratios
- Membrane action in shells
- Determinate vs indeterminate
ExampleStadium roofs use cables or trusses to avoid interior columns.
What is Types of structures?
Frames, trusses, arches, shells, cables and walls suit different spans and uses.
Why is it important to understand types of structures?
The structure type chosen for a span decides material use, cost and appearance, so the choice is often made early in a design.
When is a truss better than a beam?
A truss uses axial members that are efficient over long spans, so it can carry large loads with less material than a solid beam.
What is a cable structure best for?
Very long spans, such as suspension bridges and roof canopies, where tension carries the load efficiently.
How is Types of structures used in practice?
Typical applications include choosing a truss for a long-span warehouse roof, selecting an arch for a river crossing in masonry and using a shell roof for a sports hall with a large clear space.
What should I learn before Types of structures?
Study "Structural elements" first (topic 4 of 112 in Civil & Structural). It covers the groundwork this topic builds on.
What are the key points of Types of structures?
Span-to-depth ratios. Membrane action in shells. Determinate vs indeterminate.
Can you give an example of Types of structures?
Stadium roofs use cables or trusses to avoid interior columns.
What comes after Types of structures?
The next topic is "Construction materials", which builds directly on this one.
How difficult is Types of structures?
It is classed as Beginner in Civil & Structural (topic 5 of 112). It is an entry-level topic. It relies only on basic school mathematics and the ideas introduced earlier in this discipline.