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Architecture vocabulary · Building Elements and Structure

Structural system

Meaning in architecture, with examples

nounCore term

In architecture, structural system means: The set of connected elements, such as foundations, columns, beams, walls and slabs, that carries a building's loads safely down to the ground.

In Turkish: taşıyıcı sistem, strüktür

How it is used

Architects choose a structural system with the structural engineer early in design: frame, load-bearing walls, shell, truss and so on. In conversation they often just say 'the structure'. Juries frequently ask students to explain their structural system.

Example sentences

  1. We chose a steel structural system because the hall needs long spans.

  2. Your structural system isn't clear; where do the loads go on the ground floor?

Common collocations

  • choose a structural system
  • structural engineer
  • structural frame
  • long spans
  • columnA vertical structural member, usually of concrete, steel or timber, that carries loads from beams and slabs down to the foundations.
  • beamA horizontal structural member that carries loads across an opening or between supports and transfers them to columns or walls.
  • structural gridA regular pattern of lines on a plan that sets out where columns and main walls sit, with lines labelled by letters in one direction and numbers in the other.
  • foundationThe lowest part of a building, usually below ground, which spreads the building's weight safely into the soil or rock.
  • steel frameA structure of steel columns and beams joined together, which carries the floors and roof and makes large open spaces and tall buildings possible.

More terms: Building Elements and Structure

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