Advanced structures and structural elements

Trusses are structures comprising of one or more triangular units constructed with straight members. They tend to be lightweight and convey load via tension or compression.
Arches are structures that span a space while supporting weight. Loadbearing arches are often made from solid mass or shell materials. The curve of the arch distributes weight from above down to the supporting pillars.
Domes are shell structures that resemble the upper half of a sphere. They are frequently used in architecture due to their aesthetics and structural efficiency.
Suspension structures, like bridges, are supported by cables or rods held in tension. Suspension structures have a simple, yet efficient, method of load distribution.

Beams are horizontal structural elements that primarily resist loads applied laterally to their axis. They are used commonly to facilitate roof structures in homes or long span structures in bridges.
Columns are vertical structural elements that transfer a load from top to bottom. Typically, columns experience compressive forces.
Slabs are flat, thick pieces of concrete, stone, metal, or other material used to construct floors and ceilings. These elements provide surfaces on which live loads can be placed and can resist bending forces.
Foundation is the element of a structure which connects it to the ground, transferring the load from the structure to the ground. It ensures stability and resists movements from the ground.

Load Transfers is the method of distributing load across the structural members in a system. This usually takes place from the load application point to the foundation, passing through beams, slabs, and columns.
Deflection is the measure of how a structural element performs under a load. It’s the displacement or change in position of any point in a structure from its original position when subject to load. A smaller deflection indicates a stiffer structure.

Material Properties such as strength, stiffness, ductility and durability affect how structural elements withstand loads. Materials must be appropriately chosen to suit structural needs.
Structural Form plays an important role in the performance of a structure, determining how effectively it can resist and distribute loads.
Load Path: Structures need to be designed such that the loads can travel along paths of least resistance to the ground.
Restraint Conditions: The supports and fixtures that connect structural elements together have a key role in determining the overall structural stability.

Buckling Failure occurs when a structure loses stability, often due to a critical load or sudden decrease in the load-bearing capacity of the structure.
Shear Failure results from the internal material resistance not being great enough to prevent the sliding movement of layers within the material.
Bending Failure occurs when the external applied moment exceeds the moment capacity of the material. This leads to failure in tension, compression or both.
Torsional Failure happens when a structural element can no longer sustain the twist or torque applied to it. It generally leads to a failure in shear.