Structural design or structural building design in civil engineering is a specialised area that includes methods and tools that help determine the safety and economical specifications of a building structure design. This ensures the planned structure is strong enough to hold the intended load
The objectives of structural design is to design the structure for stability, strength and serviceability. It must also be economical and aesthetic. It includes concept structural design, feasibility study and cost comparison of various structural systems.
Structural building design directly affects the longevity and stability of a structure. Building a structure without considering its layout carries a risk of collapsing under its weight. Structural design helps determine key factors such as foundations, walls, floors, steep beams, material quality, etc., ensuring the built structure is safe and sound. Civil engineers essentially work on aesthetic design principles to design structures that withstand loads and pressure.
Structural design analysis ensures that the structure complies with the necessary design codes and safety requirements. An in-depth analysis helps make informed decisions regarding the load a structure can support, the wind speed it can withstand, and its overall capability in other environmental conditions. For instance, structural design analysis could’ve helped avoid the Hyatt Regency Hotel catastrophe we discussed above.
The material used to construct a structure guarantees its operational usability and safety. Structural design helps choose the most appropriate resources and materials for construction to ensure the structure’s stability throughout its intended service life.
Structural design analysis is crucial to avoid potential catastrophes and ensure that the design is stable, durable, and can withstand the expected load. Civil Engineers use structural design to determine the forces that can operate on a structure and choose the materials and reinforcements to strengthen the structure.
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