Structures

Structures

Yago Andrés Pérez 2-F

Geodesic structures

09

Natural Structures

01

10

Artificial Structures

02

Cable-stayed or suspensed stuctures

Functions of Structures

03

Index

11

Frame structures

Mass structures

04

12

Inflatable structures

Trabeated structures

05

Arch and vaulted structures

06

Trussed structures

07

08

Laminar structures

Structures

A structure is a set of elements arranged in a way that is appropriate for supporting the weight of a body and maintaining its shape, despite external forces that may act on it.

Natural structures

Sea shells, honeycombs, nests and skeletons are all examples of natural structures.

Artificial structures

Skyscrapers, bridges, buildings and cranes are all examples of artificial structures.

Functions of structures

When designing structures, we need to combine maximum strength possible with the least amount of material. With so, the structure will fulfil its function and its construction will be the most economical and lightweight available.

These are the pourposes of a structure:

• Give shape
• Withstand forces by maintaining the shape
• Protect
• Raise
• Create spaces
• Cross spaces

Mass structures

These are solid, heavy and very sturdy structures.

Walls, dams and in ancient times even pyramids are all examples of mas structures.

Trabeated structures

These are constructed with lintels. Lintels are horizontal beams placed on vertical supports used to cover spaces.

Dolmens and temples of ancient Egypt and classical Greece are all examples of trabeated structures.

Arched and vaulted structures

Arches and blocks are formed by stone blocks supported by their one weight. They are used to cover a space between to pillars or walls. To distinguish between an arch an a vault.

Aqueducts that have the structural element of arches and palaces that have the structural element of vaults are both examples of these types of structures.

Trussed structures

These structures are formed by bars arranged to form triangles or trusses. They are lightweight and sturdy.

Cranes, electricity pylons and even the Eiffel Tower in Paris are examples of trussed structures.

Laminar structures

These are made up of sheets that form a protective housing and support.

The body of a car, the fuselage of an aircraft and the housing of a mobile phone are some examples of laminar structures.

Geodesic structures

These structures were invented by the arquitect Richard Buckminster Fuller and patented in 1954. They are globe-shaped structures formed by triangles that, in turn, form pentagons or hexagons.

Cable-stayed or suspension structures

These structures are held in place by stay cables, usually made from steel, attached to sturdy supports. They are often found in bridges.

Frame structures

These are formed by pillars and beams that are connected to each other and, along with the foundations, act as supporting elements.

The structure of a building is an example of a frame structure.

Pillars are vertical elements that support the beams and the rest of the structure. Beams are horizontal elements that support the weight of the floors and ceilings above. A column is a cylindrical pillar and is usually visible.

Inflatable structures

These are formed by canvases stretched by compressed air. They have been developed in recent years and used for pavilions and shelters. They are also used as emergency architecture for disasters. For an idea of what these structures are like, you can imagine a hot air ballon or a pool float.

Thank you