How can you determine the most efficient support conditions for a structure?

Three broad categories of bridge superstructure, are Girder (M and V), Truss (F) and Tension), and Arch. Thermal Movement and Load Transfer Girder bridges can be further classified into Simply Supported, Continuous, and Balance Cantilever. For a simple span girder, one end will be pinned support ( transferring longitudinal breaking/seismic load) and the other roller ( allowing thermal movement). For continuous bridges, recommended to place pinned support at approximately central support allowing expansion and contraction on either side. Pinned support also can be placed strategically to transfer load on a short-height pier. For arch, two options, Two hinged arches, both support pinned Fixed arches, both support fixed.

In practical scenarios, achieving 100% fixity or a perfectly pinned condition in structural design is challenging. The actual support conditions significantly depends on soil characteristics; stiffer strata tend to lean towards fixity, whereas softer strata often lead to a more pinned condition

The structural system is so important as well as the support conditions. The structural system and support condition are the most important requirements for stability and equilibrium of structure. Fixed/Pinned/Roller are ideal support condition based on rigid assumptions that could be accepted with careful consideration, while the real support condition is elastic support either linear or nonlinear.

Starting from soil investigation, structural designer to look through soil report which eventually gives the allowable bearing capacity and sometimes recommend foundation type. Upon this, designer will decide footing type based on applied loads and desired spaces from architect requirement. Whether to adopt separate footing or strip or raft, designer should combine safety, economy, and ease of construction.

Determining an appropriate support type for a structure should be based on the type of loading that is being anticipated and the manner of transmission of all such loading to the foundation and soil. Also bracing conditions (whether a frame if "braced" or "unbraced") should be considered also. A structural engineer/ designer can choose to release supports while another might decide to fix them. Both choices are valid as long as the forces generated from any choice are transmitted correctly.

Support types: the different types of supports available, such as fixed, pinned, and roller supports, and how they affect the structure behavior Support reactions: This involves calculating reactions that the supports exert on the structure due to the applied loads Support efficiency: This involves evaluating the efficiency of different support conditions based the internal forces and displacements in the structure, the material properties Support analysis: This involves verifying the chosen support conditions using structural analysis software to ensure that the structure can safely withstand the applied loads Support design: This involves designing the supports themselves, taking into account factors such as the loads they will carry

Support reactions. Once you have chosen the support type, you need to calculate the support reactions. Support reactions are the forces and moments that the supports exert on the structure to balance the external loads. You can use the equations of equilibrium to find the support reactions by summing up the forces and moments in each direction and setting them equal to zero. You may also need to consider the compatibility of displacements and rotations at the supports to solve for unknown reactions.

The reactions at supports are the forces taken into consideration in the very design of joint connections and members such that the entire structural system is balanced and in equilibrium by analyzing how external loads are distributed within the system. Also support reactions help in determining shear and flexural behaviour of the members by taking into account the internal stresses.

Equilibrium equations are quite enough to get support reactions in Elastic design. Considering displacements and rotations helps to reach more realistic support reactions and also straing actions in the structure itself as in this case the deformed shape is considered.

There are different types of supports and reactions to these supports. This means that for the support system you've identified ,the analysis will provide for the equivalent load reactions when determining the bending moments,shear,torsion and buckling.

In simpler words, a support can be considered efficient, if it utilizes its entire contact area such that the least base size can be used without exceeding the safe bearing capacity. In order to achieve this, the loads transferred to the base shall be centred with least bending moment. The bending moment, resulting from moment transferred from columns or induced due to the lateral force acting at a height above the base, can be reduced by providing necessary lateral tie beams and other detailing methods. However, as there can be different load conditions at the support, all critical scenarios should be considered together with site conditions on a case by case basis to select the most efficient support.

The support efficiency of a structure involves the given force and maximum force which is required in order to give a better performance to a structure, which also includes having a higher strength and stress for the structure to be held properly

I think that conclusion not quite accurate due to the following: 1- Fulfilling the serviceability conditions and code limitations for displacement; the better choice of support type is that get less steel weight to get the most economical solution. 2- The higher straing actions can be overcome by using built up tapperd section or by using haunches, also we add some longitudinal bracing system to reduce the side displacement to get lesser bending moments to finally reduce steel weight.

Vamos come?ar definindo eficiência estrutural como sendo os requisitos normativos exigidos nas legisla??es locais. Cabe também dizer que superdimensionar os elementos afim de garantir o atendimento das normas n?o é considerável. Aquele elemento estrutural, esbelto o suficiente pra promover seguran?a, longevidade, baixo custo e atendimento às normas, é um exemplo clássico de eficiência estrutural.

At first, we need to assess the expected loads that structure will bear during it's lifetime. This includes both permanent loads like self-weight, live loads, wind loads and seismic loads. By understanding these loads, we can determine the types and locations of supports needed to distribute the weight effectively. Materials like concrete may require different support conditions than steel due to their differing properties.

Determining the most efficient support conditions for a structure involves a comprehensive analysis of various factors. Static and dynamic analyses help understand load distribution and stress levels, while Finite Element Analysis (FEA) software can model different support configurations to optimize efficiency. It is important to consider soil conditions for appropriate foundation support, as well as adhere to structural codes and standards to ensure safety and compliance with design requirements. Consulting with structural engineers and experts can provide valuable insights and recommendations for selecting the most efficient support conditions for a structure.

The most efficient support of a structure depends on a variety of factors, including the weight and size of the structure, the materials used, and the type of loads the structure will be subjected to. To determine the most efficient support, engineers typically use a process called "optimization," which involves calculating the best combination of materials and supports that will provide the desired level of support while minimizing cost and weight

Firstly, we have to validly predict the loads that the structure will bear during it's lifespan. Both dead loads-self-weight, floor coverings- and live loads -wind, earthquakes- need to be estimated. Then, using the load combinations(EC8-EN1992), we calculate the section's forces. Static and Dynamic analyses provide in detail, how load is distributed and with Finite Element Analysis(FEA) softwares, we can quickly model many different type of supports. Based on these results, we can optimize not only the location, but also the type of the support,so that stability and functionality are ensured. Lastly, we need to take into consideration the materials to be used. Concrete structures require different support types than Composite Structures.

Sure, the using of such mentioned techniques will help to reach optimum structural system and support type and/or locations. This can be improved when considering structure soil interaction. The powerful used software the most optimistic solution reached.

Totally agreed, and it is better needed to consider also the three dimensional analysis other than the two directional to got better simulation of the structure. Attention must also be paid for accurate input of the members and joints/ connections parameters.

We need to analyze the load distribution and determine how loads (such as dead loads, live loads, wind loads, etc.) will be distributed throughout the structure. Consider the location, magnitude, and direction of loads, as well as any dynamic or transient loads.

In structural engineering, there are several types of supports, fixed supports, which don't allow movement at all, roller supports, which allow sideways movement but not up and down, pin supports, which allow rotation but not movement, fixed and guided supports, which allow movement in one direction but not in another; and spring supports, which are flexible like a real spring. These supports are chosen based on what the structure needs to do and how it needs to move.

The support design is very important and considerate when it comes to structure or structural works. The support design gives vital information about supports and how it application in the structure to be made Support design are made to be hold structures firms to avoid failure

In my perspective, I would say it's support design which generalizes & puts into consideration several things. - The loads acting on the building(Dead Load, Live Load, Wind & Earthquakes Loads if applicable to the area) - Materials used for building the structure - Design requirements.

the successful design fits the proposal, the best way is to verify the design against the design purpose/requirements Sometimes you allow the movement as a solution rather than rigid connections/support waving/distributing the forces is one of the successful ways to manage seismic loads.

To determine the most effiecent, in terms of stifness, durability, and sustainability, support type for the specific structure system we firstly have to take into consideration the Codes & Standards(EC8, ACI). It is obligatory that the support element satisfy not only the code's requirements but the structure'speculiarities as well, to ensure stability and functionality of the structure under it's loads. Also, it is critical to keep the constructability to such an extent, so that the cost of the support system is ideal. For example, by using pinned support, we allow the rotation of a component, in contrast to rigid supports, if the geometry of the support is complicated and it leads to high-cost solutions.

It’s mostly dependent on the functionality and the types of loads that may be acting on the structure. For example, if a multistory building will be in seismically active region, you can’t risk having simple or roller supports, as lateral loads will need to be transferred to the soil.

Apart from all these, another issue to be considered is cost. While designing, rentability is an issue that should always be considered. We can simply say that the benefit/cost ratio should be more than 1

Correctly executed supports will reduce vibrations inside buildings caused by Issues like wind, traffic or seismic activity, that can make inhabitants uncomfortable. These vibrations could also endanger the building's structural integrity.

Si bien el artículo habla sobre la relación de esfuerzos, cálculos y tipos de soporte, en ocasiones debemos adaptarnos a las condiciones que encontramos en campo, ya que muchas veces no es tan viable como se especifican en los detalles y habrá que entrar a re evaluar estas condiciones con las reales. Sin embargo, siempre bajo los lineamientos y parámetros de dise?o.