Structural System :

Structural system or structural frame in structural engineering - load-resisting

sub-system of a structure.
It consists of structural & non-structural elements like partitions.
The structural system transfers loads through interconnected structural elements or
members.
Its function : resist the loads & to transmit the loads to the ground, without disturbing
the geometry , integrity and serviceability of the structure.
Structural elements :
Slabs
Beams
Columns
Foundations.

Types of Structural Systems

The type of structural system used depends on following factors :

The building's needs.

The height of the building,
Its load bearing capacity,
The soil specifications and the building materials .

Based on Supporting Systems :

Structures are divided into :one dimensional, two dimensional and three
dimensional supporting systems.
1. When a supporting system is subjected to only one type of stresses, then, it is
known as basic system.
2. When a system is subjected to simultaneously several types of stresses, then it is
known as mixed system.
One Dimensional supporting system / Line Supporting Structures:
The Line supporting structure is large in one dimension and small in other two dimensions.
The material remains concentrated along a straight, curved or angular line.
A flexible cable is an example for such a Line Supporting Structure.
Notes on flexible forms:

Two Dimensional supporting system / Surface Structures:

The surface structures is large in two dimensions and small in the third dimension.
The material remains distributed along the surface.
The surface maybe plain or curve.
The curved surface may possess single or double curvature.
A surface structure may also consist of line elements that form a continuous structure.
The framed structures are examples of surface structures made of line
elements. The framed structures are built by assemblies of elongated
members.
framed building, structure in which weight is carried by a skeleton or framework,
as opposed to being supported by walls. The essential factor in a framed building
is the frames strength. Eg :Timber-framed

Forces : Axial , Shear & bending moment

Eg . beam
The shell structures are rigid curved surface structures. They are built of sheets or plates.
The shell roof coverings for large building, planes, tanks etc are the examples of shell
structures.

Three Dimensional supporting system / Space Structures:

Three dimensional structures are large in all three dimensions and these structures may have
any shape.
The three dimensional framed structures are also Space Structures.

Forces : Axial , Shear & bending moment , twisting moment

Structural Systems in Architecture:

1.Wood Frame
It is a type of lightweight structural system.
Used for office buildings, schools, government buildings, retail buildings, apartments
and homes.
It is fast, and it can be flexible. The span limitations can be overcome with trusses,
heavy timber, or mixing with steel or other systems in larger spaces.
Strength of wood is depends on the condition of the wood frame, any knots or splits
in the wood, the moisture content of the wood and the direction of the grain.

Structural Systems in Architecture:

2.

Precast Concrete
Precast concrete can be used as part of a structural system
A precast system uses precast columns, load bearing precast walls, hollow core etc.
Precast systems offer several advantages because they are fast to construct.
The precast sections can be made as soon as the builder obtains the permits, and then
the building can be erected immediately.
Eg : Deck / Girder of Dubai Metro Line.

Structural Systems in Architecture:

3.Steel and Concrete
Steel and concrete structural systems are a type of composite system.
This system is frequently used to construct tall buildings, such as high-rises.
The steel and concrete can resist stress from wind and gravity.

Structural Systems in Architecture:

4.Shear Frame
A shear frame structural system helps the building resist wind force from any direction.
The wind resistance is due to bending of the frame columns and shears.
5. Flat Plate System
The flat plate system was one of the first systems used in high-rise buildings.
This system uses shear heads at the columns, and then flat plates between the columns.
The thickness of the plate is a main factor in determining the load bearing of the frame.