hadia.anse Reading#3 Structural Components+Forces

Reading three was about structural forces, structural equilibrium, columns, beams, beam spans, trusses, frames and walls, arches and vaults, domes, and finally joints and connections. Structural force is any influence that produces a change in the shape or movement of a body. Structural equilibrium is a state of balance or rest resulting from equal action of opposing force. In the column section it explains how columns are rigid, relatively slender structural members designed primarily to support axial compressive loads applied to the ends of the members. 2.14 talks about beams and how they are rigid structural members designed to carry and transfer transverse loads across space to supporting elements. Truss is a structural frame based on the geometric rigidity of the triangle and composed of linear members subject only to axial tension or compression. Plate structures are rigid, planar, usually monolithic structures that disperse applied loads in a multidirectional pattern, with the loads generally following the shortest and stiffest routes to the supports. Arches and vaults are described as columns, beams, slabs, and bearing walls are the most common structural elements because of the rectilinear building geometry they are capable of generating. 2.26 defines a dome as a spherical surface having a circular plan and constructed of stacked blocks, a continuous rigid material like reinforced concrete, or of short, linear elements, as in the case of a geodesic dome. Shells are thin, curved plate structures typically constructed of reinforced concrete as mentioned in 2.27. joints and connections is basically the manner in which forces are transferred from one structural element to the next and how a structural system performs as a whole depend to a great extent on the types of joints and connections used.