TED 316 – Structural Design Building Classifications: Structure Categories TED 316 – Structural Design

Functionality and primary use Think of structures according to: Functionality Primary purpose of the structure

Uses for structures What are some common uses for structures? Contain things Protect things Living spaces Support things Make things move in a specific direction Move things

Sheltering structures Primary purpose: to protect contents from damage caused by elements (wind, rain, snow). Materials People Examples Houses Garages Churches Storage units Schools Skyscrapers Airport hangers Hotels

Containing structures Primary purpose: to hold in the contents, contain or hold back a load. Could be human contents. Examples Grain bins Prisons Dams Retaining walls Swimming pools Zoo cages

Supporting structures Primary purpose: to elevate or support a load. We’ll talk more about this category later. Examples Paved roads Railroad bed Stadiums (seating areas) High tension electric towers Bridges

Directing structures Primary purpose: to create a constructed, fixed route pathway. If the directing structure breaks, all forward motion stops. Examples Railroad rail system Tunnels Canals Monorails Pipelines Ski lifts

Transporting structures Primary purpose: to transport cargo or people. The structure itself must move Secondary purposes do not matter. Examples Trains Buses Oil tankers Motor homes Airlines Mobile homes Ships Rockets/space shuttle

Directing vs. transporting structures Directing structures Cargo or material moves Structure stays stationary Transporting structures Cargo or material stays stationary within the structure Structure itself moves

significance These are the Structure Categories found in the PA and ITEEA standards. Found on PRAXIS exam

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