Factors To Consider When Selecting Structural Systems for Your Building

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Structural systems are the backbone of any building. They support the loads imposed on a structure and determine its overall shape. Selecting a structural system is a critical decision in designing a new building. There are many factors to consider when choosing a structural system, including:

1. Loads

Loads are one of the primary factors to consider when selecting systems for your building. A structure must support loads, including dead loads, live loads, and environmental loads. Dead loads are the weights of the materials that make up the structure itself, while live loads are the weights of people, furniture, and other objects that may move around in the building. On the other hand, Environmental loads include wind loads, snow loads, and earthquake loads. It is essential to select a system that can withstand the expected loads.

2. Site Selection

The type of site you have will impact the type of foundation you need, the kind of framing you can use, and the overall stability of your structure. For example, if you are building on a slope, you will need a different foundation than building on level ground.

3. Soil Conditions

When selecting a system for your building, another critical factor is the soil conditions at the building site. Different types of soils have various load-bearing capacities, so it’s crucial to choose an appropriate system for the soil conditions at your site.

There are three main types of soils: sandy, clayey, and silty. Sandy soils have large particles and are well-drained, while clayey soils have small particles and retain water well. Silty soils are a mixture of the two. The soil’s load-bearing capacity is determined by its grain size, the amount of water it holds, and the amount of compaction. The type of soil will also affect the amount of settlement that occurs.

To determine the soil type at your building site, you can either have a soil test or consult a geotechnical engineer. Sandy soils have a good load-bearing capacity and minimal settlement, while clayey soils have a poor load-bearing ability and high settlement. Silty soils fall somewhere in between. Once you know the type of soil, you can select a system that is appropriate for the soil conditions.

4. Climate

Climate is an essential factor to consider when selecting structural systems for your building. Different climates can present different challenges for structures and their systems. For example, buildings may need to be designed to deal with higher temperatures and increased exposure to the sun in a hot environment. Facilities may need to be prepared to deal with snow and ice in a cold climate.

5. Seismic Activity

When selecting a system for your building, it is also essential to consider the seismic activity in your area. Each type of seismic activity has its own set of risks and benefits, so you need to choose a system that will be best suited for your specific situation. Talk to a professional engineer to learn more about the different types of seismic activity and the best way to protect your building against them. Here is a brief overview of the three most common types of seismic activity:

• Tectonic Earthquakes: These are the largest and most powerful types of earthquakes. They are caused by the movement of tectonic plates in the Earth’s crust. Tectonic earthquakes have a very high risk of causing damage and fatalities.
• Volcanic Earthquakes: These earthquakes are caused by the movement of magma and ash from volcanoes. They are not as common as tectonic earthquakes, but they can still cause significant damage.
• Collapse Earthquakes: These earthquakes are caused by the collapse of structures, such as buildings or bridges. They are usually not as powerful as tectonic or volcanic earthquakes, but they can still cause damage.

6. Building Use

The use of a building will affect the type of system you choose, as each system has different properties that are better or worse suited for certain types of buildings. For example, a building used for storage may not need a system that can support a lot of weight, but it will need to withstand the elements well. On the other hand, an office building will need a system to support weight and be very stable.

Conclusion

Selecting a structural system is a critical decision in designing any new building. There are many factors to consider when making this decision, like those discussed above. It is essential to consider these fundamental aspects when making this critical decision.