Load Bearing Structure – Types, Function, Advantages, Difference Between Load Bearing Structure and Framed Structure

Load Bearing Structure

Load bearing structures are those structures in which the walls of the structure carry the weight of the entire structure in addition to its self-weight. Interior and exterior walls of the structure that support trusses and other systems in the structure are known as load-bearing walls.

• In this type of structure, the load is transferred to the foundation through the load-bearing walls.
• These structures do not have any beams and columns in them.
• Load bearing walls are meant to carry the entire imposed load on the structure with their own weight.
• The materials used to construct load-bearing walls are concrete, bricks or stone.
• All exterior walls are load-bearing walls and the interior walls which are aligned above the support are also loaded. bearing. Load-bearing walls are always perpendicular in direction to the roof.
• Walls having thicknesses of more than 6 inches are usually load-bearing walls.
• These types of structures are suitable only for 2-3 stories.
• In multi-storey buildings, the thickness of walls decreases as we go above the building. Therefore the carpet area of each floor varies.
• These types of structures are weak in earthquake resistance. Also, these structures do not have large openings in the walls. These have limited openings which affect the lightning and ventilation system for the building.

Functional requirements of the load-bearing wall

1. Strength
2. Weather resistant
3. Fire resistant
4. Resist Damp Penetration
5. Thermal insulation

Framed Structure

Framed structures are those structures which are formed by framed elements usually beams and columns of the structure. These structures are the network of beams and columns joined upto form a skeleton framework of the structure. The structural frame carries the total load of the structure and transfers it to the foundation. These structures are rigid and stable. These structures can resist vertical loads as well as lateral loads on the structure.

Framed structures are easy to erect from pre-made members. These members are easily connected to each other in the sequence such that they form the correct structural framework. These structures are multi-storey structures that also can carry heavy loads compared to load-bearing structures. These members are set at right angles to each other to prove the best support for the entire structure.

Advantages of framed structures

1. These structures are constructed very fast due to simplicity in construction.
2. These structures are able to resist all the vertical loads and lateral loads acting on the structure.
3. These are adaptable to any shape of the structure.
4. These structures offer large unobstructed areas as only columns and beams are constructed first.
5. These structures reduced dead load on the structure due to less thickness of the walls and the absence of thick shear walls.
6. Framed structures are fire resistance structures because the members are made up of steel.
7. These structures are also good resistance to earthquake forces and are suitable for large buildings. Many multi-storey buildings can be built up by using framed structures.

Also read: Tube Frame structure

Different types of load act on the structure

The loads acting on the structure can be classified into three types:

1. Vertical loads
2. Horizontal loads
3. Longitudinal loads

Vertical loads: It consists of dead load, live load and impact load on the structure.

Horizontal loads: It consists of wind loads, earthquake loads on the structure

Longitudinal loads: In some special cases, such as bridge construction tractive and braking forces are also considered.

Loads on structure

Dead load: It is the permanent load on the structure which are transferred throughout the life span of the structure. It is primarily due to the self-weight of the structure, permanent partition walls, fixed equipment and weight of different materials.

Live load: It is moveable loads on the structure. It can also be called as imposed load. This is the load produced by the intended use or occupancy of the weights of the moveable furniture, or any other material.

Impact load: This type of load is caused by vibrations or acceleration. Thus impact load is equivalent to imposed load incremented by some percentage known as impact factor. The impact factor depends upon the intensity of impact on the structure.

Earthquake loads: This type of load is also known as seismic loads. These loads are horizontal types of loads caused due to the shaking of the land surface.

Wind loads: This type of load is caused due to the movement of air with respect to the earth’s surface. It causes a horizontal load on the structure. The amount of wind load depends upon the – geographic location, the size of the structure, the shape of the structure, the height of the structure, etc.

Also read: Post Tensioning in Building structures

Difference between the load-bearing structures and framed structures:

Also read: Boundary wall