en-USel-GRes-ES
Menu

General

The structural frame
The construction (es-ES)
The reinforcement I (es-ES)
The reinforcement II (es-ES)
Quantity/Cost estimation (es-ES)
Detailing drawings (es-ES)
Tomo A´ - Introducción

Materials (es-ES)
To be continued > (es-ES)
Tomo C´ - Introducción

The building



Every building comprises the load bearing system which is usually constructed of reinforced concrete, steel or by a combination of those two materials.

The structural frame

The photorealistic figure shows the structural frame of the above building of PANOPLIA soft-ware (the slabs of the upper storey have been removed in order to allow for the visual presenta-tion of all members.

Load path from the structure slab to the ground

 The structural frame must have enough strength to securely bear the gravity loads throughout the entire life span of the building..

 An adequate load bearing system is based on a continuous load path throughout the structure:

  • The slabs carry the floor loads of each storey.
  • The beams carry the loads transferred to them by the slabs as well as the weight of the walls seated on them.
  • The columns carry the beam loads and they transmit them to the foundation.
  • The footings (foundation) carry the column loads and transfer them to the ground.

Structure foundation


The foundation elements of this structure are the spread footings, the foundation beams and the strip foundation.

Frame deformation due to seismic action



In countries with extensive seismic activity like Greece, the structural frame must be able to withstand not only the gravity loads but also the loads imposed in a few but vital cases during its life span such as during an earthquake.

Underneath view of the structure foundation and detail of the soil stresses diagram



Footings are continuously active and critically affect the structural behaviour, especially during an earthquake.