A structure, generally speaking, is something built. Depending on the field, it may mean different things. For example,
- Civil engineers may refer to it as buildings, bridges, dams, or towers.
- Mechanical engineers may refer to it as a framework for machines.
In the context of this course, we will focus on the former.
Structures are also an assemblage of structural parts. For example, let's consider a simple house. Typically, it consists of a foundation, columns, slabs, beams, trusses, walls, and a roof. All of these parts act together to form the structure of the house.
What Should Structures Do?
Structures Must Carry Loads
Throughout a building's life, it will experience all sorts of forces (or loads) - its self-weight, the occupant's weight, wind forces, and earthquake loads, to name a few. A structure should be strong enough to resist these loads, mainly for safety reasons. No one wants to live in a house with a high risk of collapsing after a natural disaster.
Structures Must Be Functional
Structures should not only carry loads, but they should also be usable! To illustrate this concept, let's look at specific buildings and how they could be functional:
- A house should be a comfortable shelter that protects people from the environment.
- A bridge should be capable of safely moving one object from one end to the other.
- A warehouse should be ample and safe space for goods and merchandise.
- A transmission tower should support long cables.
Summary
Let's summarize:
Structures are something built. It is an assemblage of structural parts.
It should be strong enough to resist loads.
It should be functional (usable) for anyone.
