1. Beams, columns and framing elements

These are the elements that make up the skeleton of a building, ensuring its stability in the face of the various stresses (own weight, operating loads, snow, wind, accidental actions such as earthquakes, etc.) to which buildings may be subjected.

Three types of element can be distinguished (figures 1 and ):

• Linear beams that fall within the scope of standard NF EN 13225 (February 2005): columns, beams, purlins, stringers ;

• Surfaces: shells, floors, self-supporting roofing panels, façades and walls (see