Surface Structures

Surface Structures – non linear rigid or soft structural elements that are continuous in two axes
Fabric Structure – a soft surface spanning structure that can only resist tensile forces
Slab – a monolithic surface spanning structure usually made of concrete that carry loads by bending
One-Way Slab – a reinforced concrete plate that is supported at two opposite edges and that carries loads by bending in one direction only
Two-Way Slab – a reinforced concrete plate that is supported at four corners and that carries loads in two directions perpendicular to each other
Flat Plates – a category of reinforced concrete two-way slabs that are reinforced in two directions and transfer loads directly to vertical supporting elements without using beams or girders
Folded Plates – a type of two-way slab that is folded or corrugated thus providing stiffness and a high moment of inertia
Shells – thin, lightweight, curved structures that resist axial and shear forces
Cylindrical Shells – a shell structure that is extended in the longitudinal direction
Shell Dome – an arch that is revolved about its vertical axis forming a hemispherical shell
Hyper-bolic Paraboloids – a structure that is composed of a double contour curved plane that can carry surface tension, compression, and shear stress
Tension Structures – structures that are composed of light weight materials such as cables and fabrics
Cable Nets – a type of tension structure that is composed of cable segments that are connected to form a three dimensional framework
Fabric Structure – a tensile structure where fabric is curved and stretched between supporting elements to provide a continuous surface for the flow of tension forces
Air Supported Structures – a tensile structure that uses air pressure to support and stabilize fabric or other membranes