Improving the Environmental Compatibility of Three Common Structural System Used in Canada

Abstract

Many factors contributing to the impact of new and existing structures on the environment are a direct or indirect result of the consumption of energy for building, operating, maintaining and disposing of these structures. The impact, however, is not limited to factors tied to energy consumption only, other factors, such as emissions, site impact, noise and light pollution etc., are also involved. In the paper three structural systems widely used in Canada are briefly characterized. The three systems are: System A: Typically used for low-rise residential and commercial buildings one to two storeys high; main structural framing consists of wood or metal studs. System B: Usually employed for high-rise structures used as residential apartment or office buildings; main structural farming made from reinforced concrete. System C: Common structural system for single to two storey industrial, commercial and office structures; main load bearing system is constructed using structural steel framing. Some possibilities of improving the environmental compatibility of these systems is discussed. The focus is on using advantages of the hexagonal shapes and patterns to achieve these improvements, mainly by better utilization of materials and more effective layout of the structures.