Structural element

In structural engineering, structural elements are used in structural analysis to split a complex structure into simple elements (each bearing a structural load). Within a structure, an element cannot be broken down (decomposed) into parts of different kinds (e.g., beam or column).^[1]

Structural building components are specialized structural building products designed, engineered and manufactured under controlled conditions for a specific application. They are incorporated into the overall building structural system by a building designer. Examples are wood or steel roof trusses, floor trusses, floor panels, I-joists, or engineered beams and headers. A structural building component manufacturer or truss manufacturer is an individual or company regularly engaged in the manufacturing of components.

Structural elements can be lines, surfaces or volumes.^[2]

Line elements:

Rod - axial loads
Beam - axial and bending loads
Pillar
Post (structural)
Struts or Compression members- compressive loads
Ties, Tie rods, eyebars, guy-wires, suspension cables, or wire ropes - tension loads

Surface elements:

membrane - in-plane loads only
shell - in plane and bending moments
- Concrete slab
- deck
shear panel - shear loads only

Volumes:

Axial, shear and bending loads for all three dimensions

^ Waddelln Alexander Low Waddell (1916). Bridge Engineering - Volume 2. New York: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. pp. 1958. Retrieved 2008-08-19.
^ Ryal, M.J.; Parke, G.A.R.; Harding, J.E. (2000). The Manual of Bridge Engineering (Google books (preview)). London: Thomas Telford. p. 98. ISBN 978-0-7277-2774-9. Retrieved 2009-04-12.

[waddell-1] Waddelln Alexander Low Waddell (1916). Bridge Engineering - Volume 2. New York: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. pp. 1958. Retrieved 2008-08-19.

[2] Ryal, M.J.; Parke, G.A.R.; Harding, J.E. (2000). The Manual of Bridge Engineering (Google books (preview)). London: Thomas Telford. p. 98. ISBN 978-0-7277-2774-9. Retrieved 2009-04-12.

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