Structure and structural forms

Structure and Structural forms

Structure is the assembly of the elements interconnected with each other which is exposed to the external loading and transfers the same load coming on it through its elements to the under-laying system.

Therefore, Structure is the one which is exposed to the external loading and transfers the load coming on it through its neighboring elements to the under-laying system.

Structural Analysis is the study of determination of the effects of the loads on the structure and its components.

The elements of the structure through which the loads are transferred to the under laying system  are called as structural forms.

Generally structural forms are classified into 3 groups:

•      One dimensional element: These are the elements on which the load is applied along the length and the corresponding deformations will takes place in the same direction as that of the applied load. Generally, in this type of element; the length of the element is greater than the other two dimensions.

Example: Beams, Cables etc.…

•      Two-dimensional element: These are the elements on which the loads are applied along both length and width and the corresponding deformations will takes place in both X and y directions of the element corresponding to the load applied. The thickness of the element is smaller than other dimensions as in case of two-dimensional elements.

          Example: Plates, Shells etc.…

•  Three-dimensional element: These are the elements on which the loads are applied along all the 3 dimensions and the corresponding deformations will takes place in all X ,Y and Z directions of the element corresponding to the load applied.

        Example: 3D solids