ABSTRACT
Structures are one of mankind's basic needs next to food and clothing, and are a hallmark of civilization. This chapter discusses materials and sets out a general classification of structures, followed by one of steel structures. Structural steels are alloys of iron, with carefully controlled amounts of carbon and various other metals such as manganese, chromium, aluminium, vanadium, molybdenum, neobium and copper. The structural engineer adopts a classification for structures based on the way the structure resists loads. There are: gravity masonry structures; framed structures; shell structures; tension structures; and pneumatic structures. Structural engineering covers the conception, planning, design, drawings and construction for all structures. Professional engineers from a number of disciplines are involved and work as a team on any given project under the overall control of the architect for a building structure. The aim of the structural designer is to produce the design and drawings for a safe and economical structure that fulfils its intended purpose.
