Building Quality Structures

Different types of structures we

see around
Our aim is to build a
quality design with low
cost.

What is a load?
Load is a force which applies on a structure. Any
structure must withstand different types of forces or
loads.
There are two main types of loads:
Dead load:
This is a permanent or stationary load which can
not be removed.
For example: self weight of the structure

and

Dynamic Load: Wind

Rain
People
Loading/Unloading

We will study one example to understand the concept clearly.

Imagine that we have to build a structure, a Tractor Shed of following
dimensions.

10 m
Truss

4m

Column
5m
9m
Foundation

Main features which will carry the load are:

The trusses own weight and weight of the roof
The columns own weight and weight of the trusses
The foundation own weight and weight of the
trusses and columns
Important rule: Always work from top to bottom
1. Truss

2. Column

3. Foundations

1. Load on Truss

10 m
4 m

Steel Sheet = 10kg/m2

Mass of 1 Truss = 100kg

Area of roof (m2) = 10 m x 4 m x 2 =80 m2

Mass of roof (kg) = 80 m2 x 10 kg/m2 = 800 kg
Weight of roof (N) = 800 kg x 10 = 8000 N

1. Load on Truss

10m

8000N
4m

Steel Sheet = 10kg/m2

Mass of 1 Truss = 100kg

Weight of 1 truss (N) = 100 kg x 10 = 1000 N

1. Load on Truss

10 m

8000 N

4m
Steel Sheet = 10kg/m2
Mass of 1 Truss = 100kg

1000 N

1000 N

1000 N

Total weight on trusses (N) = 8000 N + 3000 N = 11000 N

2. Load on Column

Mass of 1 Column = 10 kg/m

8000N

1000 N

1000 N

1000 N
5m

Mass of 1 pole = 5 m x 10 kg/m = 50 kg

Weight of 1 pole = 50 kg x 10 = 500 N

2. Load on Column
Mass of 1 Column = 10 kg/m
11000 N
500 N

500 N

500 N
500 N

500 N

500 N

5m

Load on each column = 11000 N + 3000 N = 14000 N

3. Load on Foundation

Mass of Foundation = 2000 kg

14000N

Weight of Foundations = 2000 kg x 10 = 20000 N

Load on Foundations = 14000 N + 20000 N = 34000 N

Windflow over buildings

The diagram illustrates how wind follows in a curved path as it flows over a
building. The effect is the same as in a tornado; towards the centre of
curvature, the pressure drops. The wind causes high pressure on the wall it
hits, and low pressure on the wall behind the building.

low pressure

low pressure

high
pressure

Greater
the
curvature, lower the
pressure and greater
the suction.

As can be seen, a square shaped

building experiences large force,
a pitched roof experiences less
suction, and a domed roof
experiences least force. Dome
shapes have started being used
in hurricane prone regions of
America.

So
how
do
I
calculate
wind
What are the things affect wind load?
Size of the building
Height of the building
Shape of the building
Area of roof
Region (some regions are more
prone to wind than others)
Landscape (wind accelerates over
hills, so a building on a hill will
experience higher loads than
those in
valleys).

load?

Maximum expected wind speed in various

regions across India
Zone

Wind speed
(m/s)
55
50
47
44
39
33

Pabal 39 m/s

Always check this type of

map to see the max.
expected wind speed in your
area. You want to design a
building which can survive
the worst case scenario.

Safety Factor

Wind speed is affected by local terrain

If you are on a hill, increase the wind speed

by multiplying it by 1.1
Design wind speed = 1.1 x 39 m/s
= 43 m/s

Wind Pressure
Wind pressure is the force per square
metre on a surface
Pressure (N/m2) = 0.6 x windspeed2
= 0.6 x 43 x 43
= 1109 N/m2

1m
1m

Wind Force

Wind force is the specific force on a particular

part of the building
Safety Factor: account for internal pressure
changes with a safety factor of 2

Force (N) = Pressure (N/m2) x Area (m2) x Safety Factor

Wind Force
Force (N) = Pressure (N/m2) x Area (m2) x Safety Factor

Area Of Wall (m2) = 9 m x 5 m = 45 m2

Force On Wall (N) = 1109 N/m2 x 45 m2 = 99810 N

Wind Pressure = 1325 N/m2

Safety Factor = 2

Wind Force (N)

9m

5m

Wind Force
Force (N) = Pressure (N/m2) x Area (m2) x Safety Factor

Wind Pressure = 1325 N/m2

Safety Factor = 2

Area Of Roof (m2) = 10 m x 4 m

Wind Force (N)

= 40 m2
Force On Roof (N) =
1109 N/m x 40 m x 2 =
2

88720 N

4m
10m