Class Definition of a Structural System:

“A structural system is composed of elements organized to transfer applied loads to the ground and maintain spatial integrity."  

The structural system of Macalister Hall consists of a few basic components:  beams and girders, columns, a deck and a foundation.  All of these components work together to make the building hold it’s shape while allowing loads to be transferred to the foundation. 

The building is made up of six floors and a penthouse.  Floors 2-6 are approximately 16,200 square feet each.  The penthouse contains 540 square feet.  The first and ground floors are about 25,600 square feet each.  The total square footage of the building is around 133,000 square feet. 

The building was designed to be strong while also being flexible.  The building’s usage has changed a lot since it was built.  It was originally as a student center with offices.  There were many conference rooms, lounges and meeting rooms for students to use.  McAllister Hall currently contains a several departments such as Mathematics and Humanities.  The fewer columns in a building, the easier it is to change.  However, fewer columns mean larger spans, which need larger columns, beams, and a thicker deck and slab.  Drexel’s needs are always changing and buildings must be easily expanded or changed.  The designers of this building had to take this important factor into account. 

The structural system wasn’t specifically designed for the loads it carries presently.  However, nothing has been added to the building that drastically changed the live or dead loads.  Therefore, the system still functions well today.