Classification of Structures Notes

Classification of structures

Structures can be classified by their:

Function – it may contain something (a glass), support something on top (a wall), or span a space (a bridge)

Construction – how they are built and what they are built from

Form – solid, frame and shell structures also there are combination structures

Solid Structures

Most are solid all the way through, but some may have small hollow parts, e.g., an apple or a mountain.

Frame Structures

Made of parts and fastened together; the parts are often called structural components. E.g., a bicycle, a tennis racket, cars, skeleton, umbrellas.

Shell Structures

Strong and hollow structures e.g., an igloo, a domed roof, a glass; these make good containers and require few materials. Even clothes are considered shell structures.

Combination Structures

Combination of frame, shell and solid structures. E.g., a house is made of solid pieces of wood that are arranged in frame. The boards arranged in a frame provided strength to the house.