Detailed structural design includes the determination of the strength and stability of the structure to be built based on the physical requirement of the building. It also includes an understanding of the structural performance.
The Structural Design Process Determines:
- The geometry of the structure
- Structural framing both horizontal and vertical i.e. load path
- The most suitable dimensions of different elements
- Details of the structural elements and connections/joints
- Methods and technology of construction
The structure has to be designed for a certain life.
Importance of Codes
The process of design requires not only imagination and conceptual thinking but it basically requires the knowledge of basic mechanics including physics and chemistry of materials. And also, sound knowledge of practical aspects such as basic mechanics, recent design codes, and bye-laws which provide the guideline for the safe structural design. The codes also provide legal support. If a structure fails due to faulty construction or by using bad materials, the code can protect the designer from any responsibility if any, only if he/she followed all the guideline of the design codes. It is important that any structure to be constructed must satisfy the need and efficiency for which it is intended and must be durable for its desired lifespan.
Thus, the design of any structure is categorized into two types
- Functional Design
- Structural Design
01. Functional Design
The structure to be constructed should serve basic purpose for which it is to be used, this means that the structure must be capable of giving protection to the occupants from the weather (heat, rain, and cold), natural hazards (flood, earthquake, and storm), noise, animals etc. It means that it must be capable of giving safety to the structure as well as to occupants from all the aspects. The structure must remain stable during all-natural hazards like earthquake, flood, cyclone etc. The structure must also not cause feelings of unsafeness to the occupants.
The design of structure should be done in such a way that it gives a pleasant look. The building must give a pleasant environment inside as well as outside.
The functional planning of a building also includes the proper arrangements of the room to satisfy the need of the client, lighting, good ventilation, unobstructed view in case of a community hall, theater etc. Once the functional design of the structure is done, the structural design process starts