ABSTRACT
As a constructed object, a building is composed of many different physical components. Some small components participate as parts of larger components, which become even larger systems, and this process eventually results in the completion of an entire building. This chapter presents structural principles and related design issues of cantilevered building components, such as cantilevered stairs, balconies and canopies, theoretically and with real world examples. Stairs are an essential building component which connects spaces of different levels. This unique architectural function requires careful structural considerations and at the same time provides a good opportunity to explore creative design. Stone is one of the oldest building construction materials. While stones used as building materials, such as granite, limestone and marble, have great compressive strength, no stone has substantial tensile strength. Therefore, stone is typically not a good material for cantilever structures which carry loads primarily by bending action because bending is a combined action of compression and tension.
