What is Construction system?

Construction systems are the ways in which materials are combined to construct the elements of a
building. They can be classified according to the mass of the system into heavyweight and lightweight
construction.

Heavyweight construction
Heavyweight walls typically consist of concrete blocks or precast concrete. If designed and insulated
properly the thermal mass in the concrete can be utilized to store heat from the sun, reducing heating and
cooling energy and improving comfort.
Using thermal mass for heating and cooling has more information.
Heavy mass walls have very good sound insulating characteristics and may therefore be a good
option for noisy environments.
If the building has multiple storeys or complex shapes concrete is often used at least in some of the
load bearing walls.
Homes with heavy mass walls typically have a slab-on-ground floor. On a sloping site, this may
require expensive foundations. Specific engineering design will be required for sites with certain ground
conditions, such as those prone to liquefaction.
Characteristics of heavyweight construction include:
 excellent durability
 low maintenance
 potential for thermal mass (with appropriate design)
 most suited to climates with a large diurnal (day/night) temperature range
 should not be used on remote sites where materials must be transported for long distances
 generally high embodied energy
 generally significant site impact and disturbance because of substantial foundation system
requirements
 generally quarried raw materials that cause a high impact on the landscape
 generally, require heavy lifting equipment on site
 often require temporary support during construction, which can increase waste.
Lightweight construction
Lightweight construction systems typically have walls consisting of either timber or steel framing
with cavities between the outer cladding and the inner lining. These cavities are usually filled with the
insulation material. But there are also other less common lightweight systems.
Lightweight walls are suitable for a large range of cladding options. Most lightweight walls will
require a drainage cavity between the framing and the cladding to allow any water that penetrates the
cladding to run back out rather than be absorbed into the framing.
Certain ground conditions may make lightweight construction desirable if it avoids the need for
extensive earthworks and/or special foundations.
Another advantage of lightweight wall systems is that wall construction can be faster than for heavy
mass walls. Many of the wall systems are at least partly pre-assembled off-site meaning that they can be
precision fabricated in a factory. Typically, this is just the wall and roof framing, however in some cases walls
are clad, or even installed with services and insulation and lines in the factory. This lets the building be
closed in faster, meaning that construction progress is less weather dependent.
Lightweight materials generally have a lower amount of embodied energy than heavyweight
construction at completion. However, the most significant environmental impact of a building occurs during
its use. A well-insulated and designed heavy mass building may be as or even more environmentally friendly
than a poorly insulated or designed lightweight building over its lifetime.
Light-weight walls tend to be less insulating to sound than solid heavy-mass walls.
Characteristics of lightweight construction include:
 less durable than heavyweight construction
 higher maintenance required than heavyweight construction
 greater responsiveness to outdoor temperature changes – this can be beneficial by cooling
more rapidly at night in warmer climates
 suitable for remote sites where materials must be transported for long distances
 generally lower embodied energy
 generally lower site impact and disturbance than heavyweight construction
 generally lower environmental impact, for example, sustainably sourced timber, sometimes
kiln-dried using biomass fuel
 able to be handled without the need for heavy machinery.
Which construction system to use?
The type of construction system used for a project can affect the building’s:
 sustainability
 thermal performance
 environmental impact/carbon footprint.
Which construction system is selected for a building depends on the:
 local availability of materials and skills
 durability of the material
 intended lifespan of the system/building
 maintenance requirements
 life cycle costs and energy consumption
 environmental impact
 end use/reuse potential.

Types of Alternative Building Construction Systems in the Philippines

 Cast-In-Place and Pre-Cast Construction
 Pre-stressed Concrete
 Composite Construction Method
 Pre-Engineered Materials & Structures
 Wall Construction
 Skylight Construction
 Cable Structures
 Membrane Structures
 Shell Structures

CAST-IN-PLACE AND PRE-CAST CONSTRUCTION

Precast concrete
It is made in a plant and shipped to a site as individual units. Think of it like Lego. Each precast unit is
like a separate block that’s then connected together to form a structure. You’ll see precast units used in low-
rise to mid-rise buildings like apartments or offices, mainly for their shorter lead times and increased
durability.
Cast-in-place concrete,
On the other hand, is mixed and poured directly into a mold on-site. Think of this as the more
“traditional” style of concreting, where cement trucks arrive on-site and workers pour out the mix into a
specific area. It’s mainly used for foundations and load-bearing structures like beams and columns.

A. Floor System and Roof Slab System

1. Flat Slab
A flat slab is a one-way or two-way slab system
that usually does not have beams or girders in which
load is transferred directly to the supporting concrete
columns and load-bearing walls also known as drop
panels and the drop panel acts as a T-beam on the
support.
They improve shear capacity and stiffness of the
floor system below vertical loads, resulting in economic
duration.
Here we will learn about flat slab, types of flat
slab, merits & demerits of flat slab.
Flat slabs are also known as beamless slabs are
the type of slab in which the floor slab is supported
directly on columns without the action of beams or girders.
Thin flat slabs ranging from 5 to 9 m are the preferred solution for building in-situ concrete frame
buildings.
These slabs are typically used on parking decks, commercial buildings, hotels, or places where beam
projections are not desired.
Types of Flat Slab
1. Typical Flat Slab
2. Flat Slab without drop and with column head
3. Flat Slab with drop panel and without column head

Advantages of Flat Slab:

 A flat slab reduces the overall height of the structure.
 These slabs are capable of lifting concentrated loads.
 They require less formwork.
 Since the reinforcement of flat slabs can be easily expanded, it is easy to place.
 They also have better quality control.
 Sprinklers, utilities, and other piping are easy to install due to the absence of beams.
 This gives a better appearance and diffusion of light.
 Better fire-resistant than other floor systems.
 They can be constructed rapidly.

Disadvantages of Flat Slab:

 In the flat plate system, the construction of large spans is not possible.
 The use of a drop panel can interfere with large mechanical ducting.
  They are not suitable for masonry walls (brittle supports).
 The thickness of the flat plate slab is greater than that of the typical RCC two-way slab.
Construction of Flat slab

image source: https://cadbull.com/

Cast-in-Place Flat Slab
 Image source: https://www.pinterest.ph/
Pre-Cast Flat Slab

2. Ribbed Floor and Waffle Slab

3. A ribbed slab, giving

considerable extra strength on
one direction. Ribbed floors
consisting of
4. equally spaced ribs are usually
supported directly by columns.
They are either one-way
spanning
5. systems known as ribbed slab
or a two-way ribbed system
known as a waffle slab.
6. A ribbed slab, giving
considerable extra strength on
 one direction. Ribbed floors
consisting of
7. equally spaced ribs are usually
supported directly by columns.
They are either one-way
spanning
8. systems known as ribbed slab
or a two-way ribbed system
known as a waffle slab.
9. A ribbed slab, giving
considerable extra strength on
one direction. Ribbed floors
consisting of
10. equally spaced ribs are
usually supported directly by
 columns. They are either one-
way spanning
11. systems known as ribbed
slab or a two-way ribbed system
known as a waffle slab.
Ribbed slab system which consists of a series of parallel reinforced concrete T beams
framing into reinforced concrete girders. The slab is the flange of the beam and the extended part
is the web. The extended part is known as ribs. The spacing between the ribs should be in general
20-30 inch. The ribs are tapered in cross-section in its lower part.

Types of Ribbed Floor Slab

1. One-way Ribbed Slab system

Image source: https://readcivil.com/ribbed-slabs-types-and-

its-advantages-in-construction-purpose

2. Two-way Ribbed Slab System

Image source: https://readcivil.com/ribbed-slabs-types-and-
its-advantages-in-construction-purpose
Advantages of Ribbed and Waffle Slabs

 In this type of slab, the tension stress is eliminated in the tension side of the slab. The strength of
concrete in tension is very small and so elimination of much of the tension concrete is done by the
use of pan forms.
 Economical where the live loads are fairly small such as apartment houses, hotels.
 Long slab spans can be constructed through ribbed and waffle Slabs. In many cases, long spans are
desirable in the building. Ribbed or waffle slabs are an easy solution for this purpose.
 Provide architectural advantages. All the Electrical appliances can be installed easily in the gap of the
ribs which can be architecturally aesthetic.
 Slab thickness of ribbed or waffle slabs is less than other slab systems. Therefore, the weight of slab
is reduced. This saving of weight can change in structural characteristic.
 Lighter and stiffer slab than an equivalent flat slab.
 Reducing the extent of foundations by reducing the ultimate load.
 They provide a very good form where slab vibration is a viable issue.

Construction of Ribbed Floor System and Waffle Slabs

Images source: https://www.pinterest.ph/pin/482729653792719326/?nic_v3=1aIszXtK4

 3. Lift Floor Slab
Lift-Slab Construction is a precast method of construction of slab on the ground and then lifting it to the
structure.
Openings are left around the columns, and a steel collar is slid down each column for embedment in
every slab. The collar is used for lifting the slab, connecting it to the column, and reinforcing the slab against
shear.
To raise the slabs, jacks are set atop the columns and turn threaded rods that pass through the collars
and do the lifting. As each slab reaches its final position, it is wedged in place and the collars are welded to
the columns.

Image source: https://www.pinterest.ph/pin/403142604118368544/?nic_v3=1aIszXtK4

4. Slip Form method

Slip form construction involves pouring concrete into the top of a continuously moving formwork. As the
concrete is poured, the formwork is raised vertically at a speed that allows the concrete to harden before it
is free from the formwork at the bottom. The concrete to be used needs to be workable enough to be placed
into the form and consolidated by vibration, yet quick-setting enough to emerge from the form with
strength. The concrete must be constantly monitored for its setting rate to ensure the forms are not being
raised too fast. It is a self-contained formwork system and can require little crane-time during construction.
This is a formwork system that can be used to form any regular shape or core. The formwork rises
continuously, at a rate of about 300mm per hour, supporting itself on the core and not relying on support or
access from other parts of the building or permanent works.
 image source: https://www.slideshare.net/tivarrose/slipform-construction
Slip Form Method
Advantages of slip formwork construction

 Slip forming can achieve high production rates, however, once continuous concreting has begun
there is little flexibility for change and so very careful planning is required.
 Only minimal scaffolding and temporary works are required allowing the construction site to be
less congested, and so safer.
 The exposed concrete can be finished at the bottom of the rising formwork.
 There is flexibility in that tapering structures with wall reductions can be achieved.
 A major cost of concrete structure construction is the required formwork to retain the concrete
till it can be safely de-shuttered and be able to support itself and other imposed loads.
 The formwork needs to be continually removed to newer locations and then re-erected.
 In the case of slip form building, the formwork is erected only once and remains intact until the
entire structure is completed.
 The reduction in the movement of formwork and workers also leads to far more safe working
conditions that also make it a major advantage.

B. Wall Panel System

1. Flat type
Flat panels are a type of metal panel profile that create a flush, seamless appearance. They use a
concealed fastener system, so no hardware is visible after installation, making for a clean, uninterrupted
finished product. They can range in size and shape, and are able to be used as wall panels in both interior
and exterior settings. Flat panels create a crisp look that replicate a wood-plank appearance, but bring the
longevity and durability metal provides.
 Image source: https://www.bridgersteel.com/

Benefits of Flat Panels

Flat metal panels are a great choice for most projects, and have some beneficial qualities that make them a
preferred choice over other materials. Here are just a few:

 Aesthetics — Probably the biggest and best benefit of Flat metal panels is their aesthetically pleasing
appearance. They replicate the look of wood-planks, but come with the strength of steel. You can
choose from a variety of painted finishes, or opt for a textured finish like our Charred or Weathered
Wood, to even further create the wood plank look. Plus, Flat panels create uninterrupted, bold lines
that are ideal for a modern look!
 Longevity & Strength — As with other metal panels, Flat panels also carry the same durability and
lifespan. You can expect your Flat panels to last between 40-70 years, and sometimes even longer.
They’ll hold up well in all types of conditions, including heavy snowfalls, high-speed winds, and more.
Flat panels allow you to get the design style you want with the strength you need from your building
materials!
 Minimal Maintenance — One of the biggest headaches of wood plank walls and vinyl siding is their
constant need for maintenance. With Flat panels, maintenance will be the last of your worries.
Metal requires extremely little upkeep — no annual sealing, power washing, scrubbing, or other
costly maintenance required. You simply just want to give your panels a yearly inspection to ensure
there’s no damage.
 Versatility — A huge benefit to Flat panels are their versatility. There’s virtually no project they can’t
handle. From accent walls to covering thousands-of-square-foot commercial spaces, these panels
are up for any challenge. They’re ideal for architecturally demanding projects because of this. No
matter what idea you have for these panels, there’s likely a way to get it done.

Construction Details of flat type wall panel

 2. Ribbed type
The Ribbed Insulated Metal Panel is a very versatile panel. It has a ribbed face, giving it a unique
look. The ribbing adds a slight shadow to the panel, adding character to any building. It is used in the
commercial, industrial and architectural sectors.
Allied Insulated Metal Panels allow for fast assembly times and easy installation, resulting in reduced
construction labor costs and earlier business starts. They can be installed vertically or horizontally. They are
available in seven different thicknesses and a wide range of colors to meet your design needs.

BENEFITS
 Resistant to aggressive environments
 A versatile material that allows any configuration
 Quick to install and easy to maintain (easy to clean)
 Easily removable and can be reused
 Made to measure, avoids waste
 High thermal insulation capacity
 High mechanical strength
  The fasteners are hidden and protected
 High dimensional stability
 Water vapor tight

3. Window type
Sometimes referred to as a type of curtain wall, the window wall is an aluminum framed unitized
cladding system used primarily on mid and high-rise residential construction. The distinctive feature of the
window wall is that it spans between the floor slabs. At the base of the system on each floor, the window
wall units are laterally fastened to an aluminum angle, which, in turn, is fastened to the floor slab.

Image sources: https://vertexeng.com/insights/curtain-wall-and-window-wall-systems/

Components of Window type wall panel system

PRESTRESSED CONCRETE

Prestressed concrete is a form of concrete used in construction, it is substantially prestressed

(compressed) during production, as it strengthens against tensile forces that would be exist in service.

In prestressed concrete, internal stresses are introduced in a planned manner to counter the
stresses resulting from the superimposed load to the desired strength.

Basically, concrete is strong in compression and weak in stress, the reinforcement provided in concrete to
withstand the stress.

Images source: https://people.iith.ac.in/prestressed/

Methods of prestressed concrete:

1. Pre-tensioning:

In this system, wires/cables are stressed before casting concrete.

 One end of the reinforcement is secured to the abutment, while the other end of the reinforcement
is pulled using a jack and then this end is fixed to the other abutment and concrete is poured.

After treatment and hardening, reinforcement intentions are revoked.

The reinforcement that bends to resume its original length would be compressed by bending the concrete
around it, thus transmitting the prestress to the concrete.

2. Post-tensioning:

In this system, reinforcement is tensioned after the concrete is hardened, leaving the ducts to first insert
the cable to the beam.

The ducts are released into the concrete by providing a steel spiral to the corrugated steel tubes.

When the concrete is hardened and develops its strength, the cable is passed through the ducts, one
end is fixed to the anchor, then the other end of the cable. Jack pulls the cable and compresses the concrete
at the same time.

Image source: http://www.cmswillowbrook.com/constructorknowledge/2015/4/5/lets-get-technical-basics-of-post-tension-concrete-beams-and-slab

Equipment used in prestressed concrete:

1. Tensioning apparatus:

Prestressing steel may be tensioned by means of levers, screw jacks, hydraulic jacks or similar
mechanical apparatus. The type of tensioning apparatus shall be such that a controlled force can be applied.
A device should be attached to this apparatus for measuring applied force, this measuring device should not
have an error of more than 5 %.

2. Temporary gripping devices:

Wedges, yokes, double cones are the gripping devices, the prestressing wires may be gripped signally or in.
group. Gripping device shall be such that in a tensile test, the wires fixed by them should bleep before the
failure of grip.

3. Releasing device:

It should be such that during the period between the tensioning and release, the tension in the prestressed
concrete elements is fully maintained by positive means as external anchorage.

Anchorage:

The anchorage may consist of any device, which will provide the following clauses:

 It should be strong enough to resist the breaking strength of tendons.

 Holding capacity should be more.
 It should be safe against dynamic, static and impact loads.
 prestressed concrete examples
Advantages of Prestressed Concrete:

 The reinforcement of concrete using excessive tensile steel improves the effectiveness of the
material.
 The prestressing system works for a span greater than 35 m.
 Prestressing will increase the shear strength and exhaustion resistance of concrete.
 Dense concrete is provided by a prestressing system, thereby bettering durability.
 The best choice for constructing smooth and thin buildings.
 Prestressing helps reduce the useless load of concrete construction.
 Prestressed concrete remains uncontrolled even below service load conditions which proves
structural effectivity.
 Composite construction using this concrete unit and cast-in-unit achieves economic structure.

Disadvantages of prestressed concrete:

 This concrete is high materials cost.

 Formwork is extra complicated than RC.
Uses of prestressed concrete:

 In bridges, pre-stressed concrete is used to increase the potential span of the bridge and to make
the bridge more durable under moving traffic conditions.
 The types of concrete are used to reduce the overall weight of the building thus reducing seismic
forces and making the building economical.
 These slabs can also span large distances which can reduce the number of columns in the building.
 They are used in construction work such as factories and warehouses.
 They are durable and can travel great distances.
Example of Pre-stressed concrete structures

Images source: https://www.nbmcw.com/

Beautiful by design: New Cooper River Bridge, Charleston

COMPOSITE CONSTRUCTION METHOD

The composite construction is a modern building method that is based in the combination of steel
cross sections and reinforced concrete elements and is aimed at the maximum possible utilization of their
properties to the benefit of the structure. The construction of the composite structure from a metal bearing
body is also far superior to the classical prefabrications. The flexibility of composite construction in terms of
the architectures that can be achieved, as well as the anti-seismicity provided by the accompanying
technological superiority cannot be answered in classical prefabricated buildings.

Advantages over conventional

 Provides an anti-seismic shield. The supports and beams have been replaced by structural
steel cross sections they can provide an anti-seismic shield for the building.
 Ensures constant and high-level construction specifications due to the use of industrial
elements.
 Provides freedom of architectural design. Allows the design of large uniform spaces without
any intervening support structures.
 It is recommended for the construction of high-rise buildings without the use of large cross
sections.
 Favors the vertical expansion, due to smaller weight.
 Requires a shorter time of delivery (approximately one half of the conventional)
 Provides a reduced contribution in social security stamps (50% less than conventional).
 Requires a lower cost for foundation due to smaller loads borne.
 Because the specific construction method is recommended worldwide and in Greece and in
particular, in areas with a high seismic activity due to the high strengths in case of
earthquake.
  There is no transportation cost involved (in the case of composite construction, the metal
framework is built at the job site and can be erected with a few hours at the project site).
 Easy restoration of damages.
 It is the building method that was used in all of the major Olympic projects.

Composite Construction Layout

Composite deck floors using shallow profiles are usually designed to span 2.5 to 4.5 m between supports.
When the deck is propped during construction the spans are around 4 to 5 m. long span floors (12 to 18 m)
are achieved by primary beams at 6 to 9 m centers. Shorter secondary beams support the slab (Diagram A).
The type of grid shown in Diagram B offers services integration within the depth of the floor. Alternatively,
the secondary beams can be designed to span the longer distance so that the depths of the primary and
secondary beams can be optimized.

Propped Construction

The steel beam is supported at mid- or quarter-span until the concrete slab has hardened sufficiently to
allow composite action. Propping affects speed of construction but allows smaller steel sections.

Unpropped Construction
The steel beams must carry the weight of the wet concrete on its own. By the time construction loads can be
applied to the slab, some composite behavior can be used.

Elements of Composite Construction

The elements that make up composite construction are:

There are two main forms of deck: shallow and deep. The figure above illustrates a typical shallow deck (50–
100 mm) and below is a deep deck (225 mm) supported on an ASB. The deep deck systems are proprietary;
we will only consider the design of shallow deck systems, though the principles are the same.

The beams are ordinary structural steel sections (except for the ASB). The shear studs are normally 19 mm
diameter 100 mm high studs, though there are different sizes.
Types of Composite Beam

1. Down stand beams

The most common type of
composite beam is one where a composite
slab sits on top of a down stand beam,
connected by the use of through deck
welded shear studs. This form of
construction offers a number of advantages -
the decking acts as external reinforcement
at the composite stage, and during the
construction stage as formwork and a
working platform. It may also provide lateral
restraint to the beams during construction.
The decking is lifted into place in bundles,
which are then distributed across the floor
area by hand. This dramatically reduces the
crane lifts when compared with a precast based Image source: https://www.steelconstruction.info/File:C8fig3.jpg
alternative.

Shallow floor solutions

2. Composite Slab

Composite slabs comprise reinforced concrete cast on top of profiled steel decking, which acts as
formwork during construction and external reinforcement at the final stage. The decking may be either re-
entrant or trapezoidal, as shown below. Trapezoidal decking may be over 200 mm deep, in which case it is
known as deep decking. Additional reinforcing bars may be placed in the decking troughs, particularly for
deep decking. They are sometimes required in shallow decking when heavy loads are combined with high
periods of fire resistance.
 3. Composite Column

Composite columns may take a range of forms, as shown in the figure below. As with all composite
elements they are attractive because they play to the relative strengths of both steel and concrete. This can
result in a high resistance for a relatively small cross-sectional area, thereby maximizing useable floor space.
They also exhibit particularly good performance in fire conditions.

Image source: https://www.steelconstruction.info/File:Fig_7_Typical_composite_column_cross_sections.png

Typical composite column cross sections

4. Composite Connection

Although design guidance exists for composite connections, they have been very little used in the UK (or
indeed elsewhere in Europe). In theory they appear to be attractive, as slab reinforcement can be used to
avoid the need to add to the steelwork connection, for example with extra rows of bolts in an extended end
plate. However, it is difficult to achieve the correct detailing for composite connections, because the needs
for strength, stiffness and ductility can border on the mutually exclusive - too little reinforcement will reduce
connection ductility (rotation capacity) because of potential rebar failure, too much will reduce ductility
because of concrete crushing failure.
 Image source: https://www.steelconstruction.info/images/4/41/SCI_P213.pdf

Example of Composite Construction

Image source: https://www.steelconstruction.info/File:Economic_composite_construction.JPG

Economic composite construction

CABLE/TENSILE STRUCTURES

A tensile structure is a structure element carrying only tension and no compression or bending. A
tensile membrane structure is most often used as a roof, as they can economically and attractively span
large distances. This type of structure is commonly found in sports facilities, warehousing and storage
buildings, and exhibition venues. In this article we briefly discuss the types, shapes and advantages of tensile
structures.
 Image source: https://theconstructor.org/structural-engg/tensile-structures-types-shape/5816/
Olympia Park at Munich

Image source: https://theconstructor.org/structural-engg/tensile-structures-types-shape/5816/

The Millennium Dome in London

Types of Tensile Structures

The classification of tensile structures is made on the plane in which the tensile forces are acting in the
structure. On this basis, the tensile structure is divided into following types.

1. Linear Tensile Structures

Linear tensile structures are the structure in which the all the member are in linear tensile forces. These
linear members are supported by the compression members, but the major loads are carried out by tensile
members. Common example of these structure is cable suspended bridges. The main pillars act as
compression members, but the whole load is carried out by the cables which are in tension.
 Image source: https://theconstructor.org/structural-engg/tensile-structures-types-shape/5816/

Tensile forces acting on suspended bridge.

Linear tensile structures are further classified into following types,

 Suspension bridges
 Draped cables
 Cable-stayed beams or trusses
 Cable trusses
 Straight tension cables

2. Three-dimensional Tensile Structures
Three-dimensional tensile structures, is a compilation of elements that are primarily in tension, with the
compression being transferred to a central mast and down into the ground. The most common occurrence
of three-dimensional tension can be seen at sports arenas and usually serve as roofs for these structures.

Images source: https://theconstructor.org/structural-engg/tensile-structures-types-shape/5816/

Tensegrity Tensile Structures

Three-dimensional tensile structures are further classified into following types,

  Bicycle wheel (can be used as a roof in a horizontal orientation)
 3D cable trusses
 Tensegrity structures
3. Surface-Stressed Tensile Structures

Surface-stressed tensile structures are same as other 2 tensile structure, but the surface members are
tension bearing members. Fabric tensile structures are the great examples of Surface-stressed tensile
structures, where the vertical pillars hold the special designed fabric which is in tension.

Image source: https://theconstructor.org/structural-engg/tensile-structures-types-shape/5816/

Fabric Tensile Structure

Surface-Stressed tensile structures are further classified into following types,

 Fabric structure
 Prestressed membranes
 Pneumatically stressed membranes
 Gridshell

Shapes of Tensile Structures

The four basic shapes used in the tensile structures are,
1. Conical Tension Structure
Highly effective for covering large areas, a conical tension structure is easily identified by its tent-like
shape. Conical designs can feature either single or multiple masts. For both design options, membranes are
tensioned between a ring at the pinnacle and the lower perimeter support columns. Cones are especially
effective in areas that need to comply with high rain or snow load regulations.
 Image source: https://theconstructor.org/structural-engg/tensile-structures-types-shape/5816/
Conical Tension Structures
2. Hypar or Anticlastic Structure
As one of the most common of all tensioned membrane structures due to its aesthetically pleasing look,
hypar (hyperbolic paraboloid) shapes are notable for their excellence with shape retention and water runoff.
These structures rely on two opposing curvatures, also known as anticlastic, for their stability. This type of
structure is ideal for shade over seating areas or high traffic walkways.

Image source: https://theconstructor.org/structural-engg/tensile-structures-types-shape/5816/

Hypar or Anticlastic Structure

3. Parallel Arch or Barrel Vault Structure

These symmetrical curved parallel arch designs form an incredibly functional tensioned membrane
canopy that can span long distances such as a sports arena or smaller areas such as an entryway. Depending
on the spans, a barrel vault system can be a very cost-effective way to incorporate tensile membrane on a
project due to the repetitive nature of the design and efficiencies of materials.
 Image source: https://theconstructor.org/structural-engg/tensile-structures-types-shape/5816/
Parallel Arch or Barrel Vault Structure
4. Cable Net & Membrane Structure
For long-span tensile membrane roofing applications typically found in stadiums or large spaces, 3D
cable net or cable grid structures are an efficient solution for lightweight tensile architecture.

Image source: https://theconstructor.org/structural-engg/tensile-structures-types-shape/5816/

Cable Net & Membrane Structure
Advantages of Tensile Structures
 Shelter of environment (sun, rain, wind)
 Translucency in general, possibilities to design light effects
 Light weight & Durability
 Endless form possibilities, catching character
 Short building time, off site manufacturing of structure, less site interruption time
 Large spans
 Recyclability and Eco friendliness
 Adaptability to exciting building technologies (steel, glass, cement, stone)
 Simplicity of maintenance & Easy repair or replacement
Construction of Cable/Tensile Structures

Image source: https://www.pinterest.de/pin/394839092308357209/?nic_v3=1aIszXtK4

Tensile Structure connection Details
Image source: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/pin/243475923596625884/?nic_v3=1aIszXtK4
PRE-ENGINEERED BUILDINGS/STRUCTURES

Pre-Engineered Buildings (PEB) are the buildings which are engineered at a factory and assembled at
site. Usually, PEBs are steel structures. Built-up sections are fabricated at the factory to exact size,
transported to site and assembled at site with bolted connections. This type of Structural Concept is
generally used to build Industrial Buildings, Metro Stations, Warehouses etc.

The adoptability of PEB in the place of Conventional Steel Building design concept resulted in many
advantages, including economy & easier fabrication. This type of building structure can be finished internally
to serve any functions that is actually help in low rise building design. Examples of Pre-Engineered Buildings
are warehouses, Canopies, Factories, Bridges etc.

Image source: https://civildigital.com/

Components of PEB:

Pre-Engineered Buildings consist different steel structural member which are as follows,

 Primary Frame: Primary framing of a PEB is an assembly of built-up I-Shaped steel members & that
framing consist trusses or castellated beams etc.
 Secondary Structural Elements: It is actually Cold Formed Members, which can be in diff. shapes like
“Z”, “C” etc. In general, known as “Purlins”.
 Roof & Wall Panels: Tin shades & Curtain Wall made of Glass & Roll-formed steel sheets usually
come in this category, S
 Sandwich Panels: Sandwich Panel is made of three layers, in which a non-Aluminum Core is inserted
b/w two aluminum sheet.
 Other Accessories: Mezzanine floors, Bolts, Insulation, etc.
 image source: https://civildigital.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Components-of-PEB.jpg

Components of PEB

Advantages of PEB:

There are many advantages of Pre-Engineered Buildings, which are as follows,

 Quality control is the main advantage as all the structural member are engineered beforehand,
standards of different codes also taken into consideration & these components are made in factory
under the supervision of Quality Control Engineer.
 Lower cost due to the saving in design, manufacturing and on-site erection cost.
 Minimizing time of construction due to the use of software for design of the structural components.
 Low Maintenance due to use of standard quality of paints over steel members, which increases the
ability to withstand & finally the maintenance cost will be low as compare to conventional steel
building.
 Quick Erection, as all the members are Pre-Manufactured & skilled labor is used for connections of
different components.
 Warranty on PEB, mostly warranty period of 20 years given by manufactures for PEB.
Disadvantages of PEB:

Although PEB have many advantages in the field of Industrial structure but still there are some demerits of
Pre-Engineered Buildings, which are as follows,

 Rusting / Corrosion Sensitive, as if the quality of steel used or paint used for coating of steel
members is not of good quality, then it can damage the structure and thus reduces the life of
structure.
 Insulation Cost, as insulating the building to an agreeable benchmark will furthermore add to your
construction costs.
 Appearance, Steel Sections can be unattractive when left exposed.

Construction of Pre-engineered structures

Image source: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/pin/23714335523765748/?nic_v3=1aIszXtK4

REFERENCES

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 SmarterHomes. (n. d.). Construction Systems. Retrieve from

https://www.smarterhomes.org.nz/smart-guides/construction-and-materials/construction-systems/

 Brickeye. (2020, April 06). What’s the Difference Between Precast and Cast-In-Place Concrete?
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 The Constructor. (n. d.) Lift-Slab Construction. Retrieve from

https://theconstructor.org/concrete/lift-slab-construction/6824/
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https://constructionor.com/prestressed-concrete/

 Williams Form Engineering Corp. (n. d.). Post-Tensioning System. Retrieve from
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 Smart. (n. d.) Composite Construction. Retrieve from
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%20benefit%20of%20the%20structure.

 SteelConstruction. (n. d.). Composite Construction. Retrieve from

https://www.steelconstruction.info/Composite_construction

 The Constructor. (n. d.) Tensile Structures – Types, Shapes and Advantages. Retrieve from
https://theconstructor.org/structural-engg/tensile-structures-types-shape/5816/

 Kataria, P. (2017, May 24). Pre-Engineered Buildings (PEB) | Components | Advantages | Design
Methodology. Retrieve from https://civildigital.com/pre-engineered-buildings-peb-components-
advantages-design-methodology/#:~:text=Pre%20Engineered%20Buildings%20%28PEB%29%20are
%20the%20buildings%20which,site%20and%20assembled%20at%20site%20with%20bolted
%20connections.