Structural Systems 

September 15, 2023

The idea of Structural Systems and Interior Designers may see like there is no relation between the two because often times Architects take care of all the Structural Systems. This is true, however, it is important for interior designers to understand and keep in mind the structural systems that come into play when designing and building. Structural systems do not only effect the exterior of a building but the interior as well. Architects and interior designers work together to achieve the same goal, which is providing designs, plans, analysis, and management for a clients building.

 
Structural systems are important for setting up a building for success. What I mean by this is the purpose for structural systems to be put in place is to carry the loads of the building. Specific types used for structural systems are bearing walls, structural wall, and stud walls. The different types of load that need to be supported from the structural frame is tension, compression, and deflection. these loads can come from rain or snow fall on the top of the structure, live loads which are people inside the building or anything that is moving, and dead loads which are stationary loads such as the second floor placed above the first floor. 

When it comes to bridges structural forms use cables to ease the load placed upon the bridge. Usually you will see a main cable connecting between the stable towers or posts on the bridge and then suspended cables would be placed in between the main cables and bridge to distribute the load. Another type of structural form that is used when it comes to openings in a building or walls is a post and beam formation where two posts are places vertically and a beam is set on top of the two post to distribute and hold the load on top of the opening. There are also a few more structural forms known as trusses, arches, and shells that are other techniques for bearing a load when it comes to and opening or ceiling. 
There are many different types of structural systems used today due to modern technology, however, the most popular are wood, steel, masonry and concrete. These materials are known to be strong and durable when it comes to natural disasters or even just bearing a heavy load. Architects today are working on finding more sustainable materials to use such as FSC certified wood, recycled materials, and many others to ensure that the structure minimizes waste but is also efficient in holding a load. 

Structural System: Post-and-Lintel

 
The Structural system I decided to research about is the Post-and-Lintel system. This structural system has been used for many years and is one of the most basic ways we know how to carry a load. The post-and-lintel system has two posts stood vertically with a third member place laid across the two to distribute the load evenly. This structural system is mainly used for structural opening such as doors, window, and walk throughs. The post-and-lintel system had evolved over the years with the different material used to make them. Different materials are used depending on the type of opening or structure it is holding, for example; single slab stone and wood are two materials that work quite well with this type of structural system because of its natural strength that can support the lintel weight. Steel post-and-lintels are used for long openings due to the power steel can support. One relatively week material that is avoided when it comes to the post-and-lintel system is masonry, and brick. These materials cannot handle large amount of support with nothing under it therefore unable to support the lintel at all. 

Structural systems are one of the most important parts about construction and design. Without structural systems there is no way to have a safe and functioning building, therefore, it is crucial to understand the purpose and different types of structural systems that are used throughout design. 
















Comments

  1. Susan E. KirshSeptember 16, 2023 at 7:22 AM

    Eva,

    I really liked how you started off with this post and mentioning the relation between Interior Designer's and their reason for needing to understand the structural systems within a building. It created a good transition from your quick overview of the chapter into the details of what you read throughout the reading. When discussing the post-and-lintel structural system, I really enjoyed the diagram you put in because it made it easier to visualize what you were saying about their make-up and support. I also think your last, short paragraph was a good comparison between what the reading covered and what you discovered in the Post-and-Lintel Structural System.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Izabella CleavelandSeptember 16, 2023 at 8:26 AM

    Eva,

    Your blog was very descriptive with explain the definition of structural system and how it is important in the building foundation. I really liked the images you used because they tied in well with what you wrote, especially the first image in showing the structural framing from timber. Using post-and-lintel as your structural system was very interesting because it shows that there is more of a structural system then what is done in a buildings foundation.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Delia T.September 16, 2023 at 8:49 AM

    Eva,

    You did a great job with this blog! It was well thought out and gave a great overview to the chapter. I like the way you began by talking about the role of the Interior Designer in relation to the architect, and then dove into an overview of the chapter's content. I also really liked that rather than just listing all the various load bearing techniques (which I think I did in mine); you talked about bridges in particular. I enjoyed the example and learned a little bit about the application of cables, etc. which was more helpful than just the names of various structures. Your section on Post-and-Lintels was well-written, detailed, and finished off your blog nicely!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Professor VanderNoordaaSeptember 17, 2023 at 2:40 PM

    Eva,
    Excellent Blog. I appreciate how you defined both the architect and interior designers interest in a structurally sound building. Structural integrity that affects the exterior and interior.
    Your summary of the chapter was well written and comprehensive.
    You introduced your deep dive into post and lintel construction in an interesting manner. Architects and designers are always looking for alternative sustainable materials to carry the structural load. Post and Lintel is an ancient system that is relevant today.
    50/50 points!

    ReplyDelete

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