Structural elements are used in structural analysis to split a complex structure into simple elements. Within a structure, an element cannot be broken down (decomposed) into parts of different kinds (e.g., beam or column).
Structural elements can be linear, surfaces or volumes.
Linear elements:
- Rod - axial loads
- Beam - axial and bending loads
- 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
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