Structural design
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
In structural engineering, structural design is an iterative process of applying engineering mechanics and past experience to create a functional, economic, and, most importantly, safe structure for the public to enjoy. Using structural analysis techniques and conforming to design specifications, the design engineer works to create a solution that is to everyone's benefit.
Structural design as a process has evolved to its modern refinement through hard lessons learned from various structural failures. Structures are divide in to two major categories, viz reinforced concrete (rcc) structures, and steel frame structures. Rcc again can be designed by many methods but two of them are important. One is the working stress method and another is the limit state method. the limit method is widely used for designing rcc structures.
Structural design is an expression of an understanding of the flow of forces. The flow of forces is initially understood diagramatically and mathematically. Based on this scientific understanding, sketches of members and connections are developed. Structural design which is highly expressive of the flow of forces is also associated with modern architectural design.
Structural design includes accommodation for the practicalities of construction, including on site assembly, shop assembled components, accessibility, and maintenance.
Every structure shall be designed to resist the overturning effects caused by the lateral forces specified in this chapter 16, 2006 International Building Code, IBC, Chapter 16. See Section 1609 for wind, Section 1610 for lateral soil loads and Section 1613 through 1623 for earthquake.
The value for snow load, wind load and seismic load importance factors shall be determined in accordance with Table 1604.5, 2006 International Building Code.
