A structure refers to an object or system designed and constructed to support, stabilize, and shape a building. Different structures are made for various purposes. Ultimately, choosing the wrong type can cause your building to be unstable, collapse, and even cause fatalities.
If you are wondering, “Which types of structures should I get from construction services near me,” we have the answers here. Read on to learn about the perfect structure for your building.
As the name implies, the load-bearing structure carries the weight of the building through its walls. It’s a traditional method where the walls directly support roofs and floors. It is an economical choice for buildings up to four stories high. However, the thickness of the walls can reduce the available carpet area of the building as the number of floors increases.
Nevertheless, they are unsuitable for earthquake-prone regions and require many masonry units, causing higher labor and material costs.
Truss structures are known for their long spans and minimal depth. They consist of slender components arranged in a triangular pattern. Planner trusses are commonly used for bridges and have all their elements in the same plane, while space trusses involve three-dimensional components.
Trusses efficiently shift the loads into tension and compression forces, allowing for economical use of materials, particularly long and narrow members. You’ll find construction services near me using them for bigger areas, spanning 9 meters (30 feet) to 122 meters (400 feet).
Framed structures are composed of vertical columns and horizontal beams. There are two types of frames: sway frames, which allow lateral movement, and non-sway frames, which do not permit horizontal movement.
Frames can be rigid or flexible and are typically formed by connecting a beam and a column with a pin or a fixed connection. They can be extended into two or three dimensions, and their behavior depends on the joint connection stiffness.
Shell structures are thin, curved plate structures that transmit applied forces through compressive, tensile, and shear stresses acting within the surface plane. These structures are constructed using materials with limited depth compared to other dimensions.
Shell structures, including tents, inflated structures, or reinforced concrete folded plates, can take various forms. Ask construction services near me to install them as they can withstand loads through tension and compression. You can find them in three types: concrete shell structures, lattice or grid shell structures, and membrane structures.
Cables and arch structures support long spans in a building when trusses may not be feasible, making the structure larger but costlier. Cable structures use tensioned cables for stability and are known for their modern and lightweight appearance, whereas arch structures use arches or curved forms to efficiently carry loads, often giving visually striking and iconic architectural designs. These structures are widely used in bridge construction and dome roofs to carry loads in compression.
Composite structures combine load-bearing and frame structures. Exterior walls can serve as load-bearing structures, while internal column and beam constructions support floors and ceilings. These structures are commonly used by construction services near me for industrial sheds or warehouses with long spans.
Tension structures are architectural or engineering designs that rely on tensioned elements, such as cables, membranes, or fabric, to support their shape and transmit loads. These structures utilize tensile forces to maintain their form and stability. They are commonly used in outdoor settings, such as sports facilities, concert venues, and open-air public spaces.
Pre-engineered structures are best for swift construction services near me and early occupancy. They are designed to fit your requirements as the sections are built and assembled off-site before being delivered to the construction site. They can be used for a wide range of applications, including warehouses, industrial facilities, offices, and even residential buildings.
Throughout this blog of various structural types, we’ve seen the incredible diversity and range provided by architectural and engineering solutions. Each structure, from the strong load-bearing structures to the innovative cable and arch designs, provides a specific purpose.
Whether you’re planning to build a residential home, an apartment, or an iconic architectural building and are looking for construction services near me, look no further. Our team of experts is dedicated to transforming your dreams into reality. Contact us today at (520) 304-1572, and let’s start building your new home.