Structural design 1 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3250 words

Structural design 1 - Essay Example Failure to carry out proper structural design results to the building being too weak and it may collapse killing many people (Charlton, 1973). A structural engineer has very important roles in designing the support of the house as well as designing the layout of the building. The engineer works closely with the architect to ensure stability of the building. The main challenges of any structural design are; The structure engineer has to critically evaluate and analyze different materials and their behavior when loaded and select the most effective and affordable materials. These analysis are important so that the engineer can come up with a design that is economical and can withstand load. Structural design ensures that the building stands straight, firm and safe. It also ensures that the building resist excessive deflections that expose the structural elements to fatigue. The structural elements must be designed to resist cracking and creep. The design postulated by the structural engineer must also take in consideration the changes in length of the building materials due to change in temperatures as this lead to deformation of materials. The design must be made to the material specifications including all the manufacturing tolerances. The major structural element used in building includes columns, beams plates, arches, shells and catenaries(Science Corporation, 2001). Columns are elements that carry the axial ... The design must be made to the material specifications including all the manufacturing tolerances. The major structural element used in building includes columns, beams plates, arches, shells and catenaries(Science Corporation, 2001). Materials and methods In this design the following structural members will be used. ColumnsColumns are elements that carry the axial force. The force may be either in tension or in compression. The main design consideration is the axial capacity of the column and the buckling capacity. The buckling capacity of the element is it ability to resist buckling. This capacity depends on the; The physical geometry of the beam The effective length of the column (this length depends on the resisting capability at both end of the column). The degree of bending of the column determines the capacity of the column. Beams There are two types of beams used in this design. Beams are subjected to pure bending. The result of this is bending causes parts of the beam to be in tension while the other part to be in compression. Beam Sections under tension must be designed to resist it while sections in compression must be designed to resist crushing and buckling. In cases where the beams are very long, trusses are incorporated. When a beam is under tension ties are used to resist these forces, struts are used where beams need to withstand compressive forces. Cantilever beam This type of beam is supported at one end. The other end lies free. Simply supported beam This type of beam is supported vertically at the two ends. At one of the ends it is supported horizontally to enable it rotate at its support. This prevents