Types of structure
|
[edit] What is a structure?
Within the context of the built environment, the term ‘structure’ refers to anything that is constructed or built from interrelated parts with a fixed location on the ground. This includes buildings, but can refer to any body that is designed to bear loads, even if it is not intended to be occupied by people (engineers sometimes refer to these as 'non-building' structures – such as bridges, tunnels, and so on).
[edit] What are the main classification types for structures?
Structures can be classified in a number of ways:
- Type.
- Structural system.
- Application.
- Form.
- Material.
- Element.
- Overall shape.
[edit] How are structures defined by type?
Types of structural systems include:
[edit] How are structures defined by system?
Types of structural system include:
[edit] How are structures defined by application?
Applications of structures include:
- Building.
- Aqueducts and viaducts.
- Bridges.
- Canals.
- Cooling towers and chimneys.
- Dams.
- Railways.
- Roads.
- Retaining walls.
- Tunnels.
- Coastal defences.
[edit] How are structures defined by form?
- One-dimensional: Ropes, cables, struts, columns, beams, arches.
- Two-dimensional: Membranes, plates, slabs, shells, vaults, domes, synclastic, anticlastic.
- Three-dimensional: Solid masses.
- Composite. A combination of the above.
[edit] How are structures defined by material?
Structural materials include:
- Timber and similar materials such as bamboo, plywood, and engineered timber.
- Concrete.
- Metal: Steel, aluminium and so on.
- Masonry: Brick, block, stone and so on.
- Glass.
- Adobe, earth, clay, cob and so on.
- Fabric, such as fabric membranes.
- Composite, such as structural insulated panels.
[edit] How are structures defined by element?
Structural elements include:
- Substructure.
- Superstructure.
- Foundation.
- Roof.
- Shell and core.
- Structural frame.
- Floor.
- Wall: loadbearing walls, compartment walls, external walls, retaining walls.
See Elements of structure in buildings for more information.
[edit] How are structures defined by overall shape.
Overall shapes of structures include:
- Low-rise.
- Multi-storey.
- Mid-rise.
- High rise.
- Groundscraper.
- Skyscraper.
- Supertall.
- Megatall.
- Super-slender
- Megastructure.
- Anticlastic.
- Synclastic.
- Hyperbolic paraboloid.
- Conoid.
- Tower.
- Dome.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Civil engineer.
- Deflection.
- Elements of structure in buildings
- Engineer.
- Platform construction.
- Span.
- Structure.
- Structural engineer.
- Structural principles.
- Substructure.
- Superstructure.
- The development of structural membranes.
- Types of beam.
- Types of building.
- Types of column.
- Types of construction.
- Types of wall.
- Types of structural load.
Featured articles and news
Statement from the Interim Chief Construction Advisor
Thouria Istephan; Architect and inquiry panel member outlines ongoing work, priorities and next steps.
The 2025 draft NPPF in brief with indicative responses
Local verses National and suitable verses sustainable: Consultation open for just over one week.
Increased vigilance on VAT Domestic Reverse Charge
HMRC bearing down with increasing force on construction consultant says.
Call for greater recognition of professional standards
Chartered bodies representing more than 1.5 million individuals have written to the UK Government.
Cutting carbon, cost and risk in estate management
Lessons from Cardiff Met’s “Halve the Half” initiative.
Inspiring the next generation to fulfil an electrified future
Technical Manager at ECA on the importance of engagement between industry and education.
Repairing historic stone and slate roofs
The need for a code of practice and technical advice note.
Environmental compliance; a checklist for 2026
Legislative changes, policy shifts, phased rollouts, and compliance updates to be aware of.
UKCW London to tackle sector’s most pressing issues
AI and skills development, ecology and the environment, policy and planning and more.
Managing building safety risks
Across an existing residential portfolio; a client's perspective.
ECA support for Gate Safe’s Safe School Gates Campaign.
Core construction skills explained
Preparing for a career in construction.
Retrofitting for resilience with the Leicester Resilience Hub
Community-serving facilities, enhanced as support and essential services for climate-related disruptions.
Some of the articles relating to water, here to browse. Any missing?
Recognisable Gothic characters, designed to dramatically spout water away from buildings.
A case study and a warning to would-be developers
Creating four dwellings... after half a century of doing this job, why, oh why, is it so difficult?
Reform of the fire engineering profession
Fire Engineers Advisory Panel: Authoritative Statement, reactions and next steps.
Restoration and renewal of the Palace of Westminster
A complex project of cultural significance from full decant to EMI, opportunities and a potential a way forward.
Apprenticeships and the responsibility we share
Perspectives from the CIOB President as National Apprentice Week comes to a close.
Comments
[edit] To make a comment about this article, click 'Add a comment' above. Separate your comments from any existing comments by inserting a horizontal line.