The essence of structure

Abstract

Equilibrium has been shown to be the basis of all structural concepts. Whatever we build, static equilibrium has to be established to meet the forces of Nature which try to disrupt our structures. The need to enclose space prevents us from always guiding forces along the lines of direct equilibrium and all structural problems derive from this. Funicular lines (catenaries) come closest to the ideal and so does any structural form whose shape approaches the catenary. The most elementary form of structure is post and beam. This deviates most from our basic concept, and loads on such a simple structure deviate more from an equilibrating reaction if they are concentrated, than if they are distributed. From this elementary truth derives one of the fundamentals of the geometry of layout; namely that wherever possible, point loads should be avoided.