Structural element
Irreducible parts of a load-bearing structural system
In structural engineering, structural elements are used in structural analysis to split a complex structure into simple elements. Within a structure, an element cannot be broken down (decomposed) into parts of different kinds (e.g., beam or column).[1]
Structural elements can be lines, surfaces or volumes.[2]
Line elements:
- Rod - axial loads
- Beam - axial and bending loads
- Pillar
- Post (structural)
- Struts or Compression members- compressive loads
- Ties, Tie rods, eyebars, guy-wires, suspension cables, or wire ropes - tension loads
Surface elements:
- membrane - in-plane loads only
- shell - in plane and bending moments
- Concrete slab
- deck
- shear panel - shear loads only
Volumes:
- Axial, shear and bending loads for all three dimensions
See also
- Load-bearing wall
- Post and lintel
- Stressed member engine
References
- ^ Waddelln Alexander Low Waddell (1916). Bridge Engineering - Volume 2. New York: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. pp. 1958. Retrieved 2008-08-19.
- ^ Ryal, M.J.; Parke, G.A.R.; Harding, J.E. (2000). The Manual of Bridge Engineering (Google books (preview)). London: Thomas Telford. p. 98. ISBN 978-0-7277-2774-9. Retrieved 2009-04-12.
