STRUCTURAL MEMBERS by Jaime R. Rico

BEAM A structural member*, usually horizontal, which supports bending. A smaller ‘beam’ between two beams is called joist.

PILLAR A structural member, usually vertical, which supports compression. BEAM PILLAR

FOOTING A wider base under the pillar which spreads the load. It reduces the pressure over the soil. MAT

TIE Cable* used to hang beams or to mantain a pillar vertically. It supports tension. Tie It can also be a piece of wood, steel and so on.

Exercise #1 Say the name of each structural elements

Exercise #2 Say the name of the following structural elements

ARCH It’s shaped like an inverted U. It transmits vertical loads to the foundation

KEYSTONE

ARCH, VAULT & DOME

TIE and STRUT A tie is any structural member supporting tension. A strut is any member supporting compression.

FLECHA DE UNA VIGA

RESISTANCE We can strengthen a structure using stronger materials or changing its shape

Reinforced concrete pillar Steel bars SHEATING Reinforced concrete pillar

Reinforced concrete pillar Formwork Reinforced concrete pillar Slab Sheating Soil Concrete Excavation Concrete foundation

TOP SLAB or Hollow concrete block BOVEDILLA