Structural element

Irreducible parts of a load-bearing structural system

See also: Structural engineering § Structural elements

In structural engineering, structural elements are used in structural analysis to split a complex structure into simple elements (each bearing a structural load). Within a structure, an element cannot be broken down (decomposed) into parts of different kinds (e.g., beam or column).[1]

Structural building components are specialized structural building products designed, engineered and manufactured under controlled conditions for a specific application. They are incorporated into the overall building structural system by a building designer. Examples are wood or steel roof trusses, floor trusses, floor panels, I-joists, or engineered beams and headers. A structural building component manufacturer or truss manufacturer is an individual or company regularly engaged in the manufacturing of components.

Structural elements can be lines, surfaces or volumes.[2]

Line elements:

* Rod - axial loads
* Beam \- axial and bending loads
* Pillar
* Post (structural)
* Struts or Compression members\- compressive loads
* Ties, Tie rods, eyebars, guy-wires, suspension cables, or wire ropes \- tension loads

Surface elements:

* membrane \- in-plane loads only
* shell \- in plane and bending moments
* Concrete slab
* deck
* shear panel \- shear loads only

Volumes:

* Axial, shear and bending loads for all three dimensions

## See also

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* Load-bearing wall
* Post and lintel
* Stressed member engine

## References

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1. ^ Waddelln Alexander Low Waddell (1916). Bridge Engineering - Volume 2. New York: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. pp. 1958. Retrieved 2008-08-19.
2. ^ Ryal, M.J.; Parke, G.A.R.; Harding, J.E. (2000). The Manual of Bridge Engineering (Google books (preview)). London: Thomas Telford. p. 98\. ISBN 978-0-7277-2774-9. Retrieved 2009-04-12.