Civil Engineering Introduction to Civil Engineering English Courseware chapter fourCH42 Composition and Function of BuildingA building is composed of many elements For example take the house in Fig 41

ructural system.

Fig. 4.2 Load on a building

Load-bearing structures include foundations, columns, walls, beams, and slabs. Foundations are the lowest part of a building that transfer the weight of the building to the ground. Columns are vertical elements that support beams and slabs. Walls are vertical elements that enclose and divide a building into different spaces, and they also resist lateral forces such as wind and earthquake. Beams and slabs are horizontal elements that transfer the weight of the building to the columns and walls.

In summary, the enclosing structures and load-bearing structures work together to form a building, providing shelter and support for people's lives and activities