Artificial Structures

Artificial Structures

1. Massive

   • The earliest man-made constructions where very heavy and massive. They were used stone or wooden lintels (small horizontal beams) to open small holes.

2. Vaulted

   • They are the structures formed by arches, vaults and domes. Romans used these construction elements to cover spaces such as basilicas, pantheons and cathedrals and that allowed them to increase the size of the openings (holes) in their structures.

3. Frame

   • They are the structures of our buildings and houses. They combine elements such as beams and pillars. They can be made out of wood, steel or concrete. The use of reinforced concrete was a breakthrough in the world of construction.
     • Pillars
       • Strong elements placed in a vertical position that support the weight of the elements that rest on them. When they have a cylindrical shape, they are called columns.
     • Beams
       • Elements normally placed in a horizontal position that support the load of the structure and transmit it to the pillars.

4. Triangulated

   • They are usually made up of metal or wooden bars. Triangulation makes structures undeformable, so this construction type is a good solution for building bridges, roofs, and vertical structures like towers and scaffolding.

5. Suspended

   • They are based on the use of cables from which the structure hangs. They are used in bridges and to cover stadiums and pavilions.

6. Pneumatic structures

   • Pneumatic structures are removable and light, therefore they are used in constructions that must be transported and installed quickly and easily. They are used to build field hospitals, children's attractions, inflatable boats, etc ...

7. Laminated structures

   • They are made of thin sheets of metal, plastic or composite materials such as reinforced concrete. They owe their resistance to the curvature or folds that they present. They are used as outer shells of objects and in wavy roofs.

8. Geodesic structures

   • They are three-dimensional structures made up of bars, that combine the properties of vaults with those of triangulated structures. This way they can create curves and cover large spans.

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