Week 4: Structural Systems

 Interior Designers do not typically deal with structural systems, but we must recognize the building's structure and know when an engineer or architect is required on a project. 

Structural systems carry loads of a building and transfer them to the foundation. They do this through three primary walls, bearing walls, stud walls, and structural frame. 


Structural basics focus on stability, strength and stiffness, and economy. Loads consist of tension, compression, and deflection. 


Some of the main structural forms are trusses, arches, shells, cables, posts, and beams. Historically, heavy timber mortise and tenon were used for support beams and others. Today, wood, steel, masonry, concrete, and bearing walls are the main ways in which to distribute the loads. 


Alternative systems can be used such as SIPs which are Structural Insulated Panels, that contain agriboard which is made of rice or wheat straw. There is also rammed earth, cordwood, bamboo frames, and earth sheltering. 

recycling materials can reclaim lumber and you can also get some from some of the older barns and other buildings. 

The alternative building system that I looked up was Straw Bale Construction. It uses bales of straw as structural elements and building insulation. it was first used in construction in 1896. in 1902 people began plastering the hay bales before using them structurally to keep the cows from eating them. Wheat, rice, barley, rye and oats are used form the straw bales. it is a good use of resources and is renewable. Rodent infestation can be a problem though and is not flame retardant. 







Comments

  1. Professor VanderNoordaaSeptember 19, 2024 at 5:13 PM

    Eliana- I really appreciate the time and attention you put into this blog entry. Your summary was very organized and comprehensive. I appreciate the diagrams you included to explain the material. Your summary and analysis of the Straw Bale construction methods was very good. 50/50 Total Points

    ReplyDelete
  2. Sami FordSeptember 20, 2024 at 10:28 AM

    Great job! I liked how you used so many pictures, both to break up the chunky text and use them as helpful visual examples. Additionally, your Straw Bale Construction was very interesting.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Rebeca HerreraSeptember 21, 2024 at 9:27 AM

    The pictures you provided really complimented your summary and I enjoyed reading through it!

    ReplyDelete

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