Introduction to structural systems

Dr. Saman de Silva

Main reference

{ Understanding structures, By Fuller

Moore
{ Shaping Structures; Statics, By
Zalewski

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 Path to become an expert in structures

{ Understanding how basic structural forms

and how they work
{ Understanding the magnitudes of external
forces
{ Knowledge of materials and their permissible
stresses and strains
{ Knowledge of key performance indicators
(KPIs) which tells us whether the structure is
fit for the purpose
{ Keeping up to date with analytical tools.
(experience/ results interpretation)

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Basic structural forms
The ability to recognise basic structural
forms, is the pathway to understand the
concepts adopted in most modern
structures. There are four basic structural
forms which combine to form hybrid
structural systems.

They are:
{ Truss systems
{ Frame systems
{ Funicular systems
{ Shell systems

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Truss systems
Defined as a combination of pin connected
compression (struts) and/or tension (ties)
members which are in stable equilibrium
under external loads.

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Seoul Dome
{ Olympic Gymnastics
Arena, Seoul, 1988
{ Figure 1 – Roof plan & roof
section

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Georgia Dome
{ Georgia Dome, Atlanta,
1992
{ Figure 1 - Hypar-
Tensegrity Dome (roof
part )
{ Figure 2 - Cross sections

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 Frame systems
Defined as a combination of rigidly connected
structural members which are in stable
equilibrium under external loads - flexural
(beams), compression (columns), shear
(walls) tension (braces, hangers).

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Framed systems
{ Beam/column/slab There are a number
{ Wall/slab of different frame
{ Shear wall systems stemmed
systems from the basic
form defined
{ Coupled shear wall before
systems
{ Shear walls/ super
columns/outrigger
systems

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Funicular systems
Defined as a structural system which
is in stable equilibrium in tension
where its shape/form depends on
the applied load

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Shell systems
Defined as a structural system which
sustains it’s shape under self weight
and external loads through axial
compression or tension within the
shell/membrane/plate

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Truss systems
{ 2D & 3D trusses There are a number
{ Space frames of different truss
{ Cable stays systems stemmed
from the basic
{ Tensegrities or form defined
cable domes before
{ Geodesic domes

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Funicular systems
{ Catenary Cables There are a number
{ Membrane of different
structures - tents funicular systems
{ Pneumatic stemmed from the
structures basic form defined
before

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Shell systems
{ Shell domes There are a number
{ Shell/Arch of different shell
systems systems stemmed
{ Folded plate from the basic
systems form defined
before
{ Walts

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Future of Structure - Battle between Heavy Vs. Light
weight ?

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 Nano Materials & Nano Structures

1. CNT in future composites

2. Research in nano-mechanics
3. Techniques in “printing” nano-structures

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