1. TED 316 – Structural Design
Building Classifications:
Structure Categories
TED 316 – Structural Design

2. Functionality and primary use
Think of structures according to:
Functionality
Primary purpose of the structure

3. Uses for structures What are some common uses for structures?
Contain things
Protect things
Living spaces
Support things
Make things move in a specific direction
Move things

4. Sheltering structures
Primary purpose: to protect contents from damage caused by elements (wind, rain, snow).
Materials
People
Examples
Houses
Garages
Churches
Storage units
Schools
Skyscrapers
Airport hangers
Hotels

5. Containing structures
Primary purpose: to hold in the contents, contain or hold back a load.
Could be human contents.
Examples
Grain bins
Prisons
Dams
Retaining walls
Swimming pools
Zoo cages

6. Supporting structures
Primary purpose: to elevate or support a load.
We’ll talk more about this category later.
Examples
Paved roads
Railroad bed
Stadiums (seating areas)
High tension electric towers
Bridges

7. Directing structures
Primary purpose: to create a constructed, fixed route pathway.
If the directing structure breaks, all forward motion stops.
Examples
Railroad rail system
Tunnels
Canals
Monorails
Pipelines
Ski lifts

8. Transporting structures
Primary purpose: to transport cargo or people.
The structure itself must move
Secondary purposes do not matter.
Examples
Trains
Buses
Oil tankers
Motor homes
Airlines
Mobile homes
Ships
Rockets/space shuttle

9. Directing vs. transporting structures
Directing structures
Cargo or material moves
Structure stays stationary
Transporting structures
Cargo or material stays stationary within the structure
Structure itself moves

10. significance
These are the Structure Categories found in the PA and ITEEA standards.
Found on PRAXIS exam

11. sources