Basic Structural System Behavior
- Box system Þ code designation as a bearing wall system
(also known as shearwall systems or dual function walls)
- Stable
- Often very symmetrical
- Commonly used in low-rise construction.
- The dual function walls transfer both vertical and horizontal loads to the ground.
- Vertical loads are transferred to the ground using a post and beam mechanism.
- The basic vertical load path is given by the following pictures 1
Þ 2 Þ 3.
3. Horizontal loads are transferred to the ground through shearwalls.- The hard problem in structural engineering is to economically design for lateral
loads due to:
- Wind
- Earthquakes
- Blasts
- Bearing wall structures make use of specially designed and carefully connected
horizontal diaphragms and vertical shearwalls to ensure lateral stability, as shown below.
- The basic vertical load path is given by the following pictures 1
Þ 2 Þ 3.
