Structural element

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