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For this assignment we looked at the six structural systems our class were assigned for the previous assignment
plus an additional one:
- Linear-Wall Bearing -
This system uses walls that carries its’ own weight in
addition to other loads from other walls, floors or the
roof. The loads of the roof, upper stories are concentrated
onto these load bearing walls, and then down the foundations
of these houses. Wood, concrete, stone and brick are
materials options to construct this structural system. Although this system allows for an open interior space
without using any supporting columns, it does not have the
capability to span as far as steel framing.
When concrete framing spans great distances,
the structure often becomes massive taking away from interior spaces.
To counter this problem steel bars added to increase structural strength.
This structural system is used to construct large buildings, but not to
the capabilities of a steel frame.
- Pneumatic Structures - A
pneumatic system uses tension cables to anchor a fabric
membrane to the foundation. The membrane then is inflated
by a blower which increases the pressure inside, thus
supporting the membrane. The loads of this structure are
applied by this increase of pressure inside and are
countered by the tension cables. This system is typically
used when a wide space is needed without the use of
supporting columns. Pneumatic structures are very versatile
and can be built to be permanent or temporary. It is very
popular because erecting it is quick and cheap compared to
steel and concrete structures. Typical uses for this system
are sports facilities, storage buildings, concert venues,
and airport terminals.
- Reinforced Concrete & Structural Steel - Steel
framing is one of the strongest structures therefore making
it the very suitable for tall and large buildings. The
common use for this structural system is large high-rise
buildings and skyscrapers. Loads are distributed through
the beams and girders and then transferred to the columns.
The columns then carry the loads down to the foundations of
the building. Steel is very strong and durable which is the
main reason why this structural system is able to support
large loads while spanning large distances.
- 3-D Non-Pneumatic - This structural system uses steel supports and tension cables
to span fabric across a desired area. It can be easily
installed and repaired. Compared to the other
structural systems this is not a long lasting
structure. This structure is not capable of supporting
additional weight in addition to the fabric.
- 3-D Compressive Structures - 3-D
compressive structures consist of domes and hyperbolic
paraboloids. A dome is a vaulted roof that takes on a
hemispherical or semispherical shape. Generally the base of
the dome is circular, polygonal or elliptical. The
hyperbolic paraboloid has a saddle shaped shell that is
supported by cantilevers and concrete abutment. Constructing domes and hyperbolic paraboloids have a
relatively high cost of construction because they are very
complicated to construction. The appeal of this structural
system is the large area it is able to span and it also can
be very aesthetically pleasing.
- Wood Framing - Residential
houses typically use wood framing. This structural system
consists of studded walls, floor joists, and other wooden
components to create a structural frame. Finished surfaces
are then fastened to the wooden frame. The loads travel
through the floor joists, to the studded wall and then down
into the foundation. Timber is does not poses a great deal
of strength, therefore it limits the distance this frame can
span. Therefore wood framing is limited to constructing
smaller buildings.
- 2-D Compression
- 2-D Compressive structures consist of arches. The loads are
distributed throughout the arch and then transferred to the base
or foundation. This structural system is restricted to only
span short distances when made with concrete and stone. Steel
can be used to improve the strength of the structure, therefore
allowing it to span greater distances.
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