Do you have a limited amount of land, but still want to build a home with a spacious balcony area? Then, a cantilever structure could be the solution. This structure is known for being aesthetic, innovative, and functional.
Its applications are also very diverse, not only for homes but also for vital structures such as bridges. However, it should be noted that a cantilever is not a simple type of structure.
There are several technical aspects that need to be considered to ensure the construction remains safe and sturdy. If you plan to build a cantilever structure, first read the explanation in this article as an initial step before starting.
What Is a Cantilever Structure?
A cantilever structure is a building element that extends out from a main wall or column without any additional support at its end. At a glance, a cantilever appears to float in the air.
Beyond its aesthetic appeal, cantilevering creates more spacious, open areas both inside and outside the building. This supports design flexibility in architecture while also improving land use efficiency.
Working Principle of Cantilever Structures
In cantilever construction, there are several working principles that construction workers need to understand, including:
1. Bending Moment
The bending moment is the force that causes a structural element to bend or deflect under applied loads.
In a cantilever, the part attached to the wall (the supported end) bears the greatest load because the other end (the free end) supports the load without additional support.
The bending moment is used to balance the load at the free end, preventing the structure from breaking or collapsing.
Simply put, if a long board is clamped at one end and the other end is pressed downward, the board will bend. The force causing this bending is called the bending moment.
2. Shear Force
The second working principle is shear force, which acts parallel to the surface of the structural element and functions to transfer loads from the free end to the support point.
In a cantilever structure, the largest shear force is located in the area near the support point. Shear force ensures that the load at the free end is transmitted to the supported end without causing the element to crack or slip.
Read also: Identifying the Cause of Wall Cracks and How to Fix
Application of Cantilever Structures in Buildings
Generally, cantilevers are applied in the following structures:
1. Balcony
One of the most common applications of cantilevers is the balcony. With a cantilever design, the area under the balcony becomes an open space without columns, resulting in a cleaner, more modern appearance, and it can be used for other purposes.
Cantilever balconies are widely implemented in modern house designs, apartments, condominiums, resorts, and commercial buildings such as art galleries or modern offices.
In general, constructing a cantilever balcony is relatively easier because it does not require complex structural calculations or a large budget allocation.
2. Building Lobby
With a cantilever structure, the building lobby can be expanded to a more spacious area and receive more natural light. Building lobbies generally involve the use of cantilever structures made of concrete, steel, and glass.
To enhance its appearance, you can add decorative elements such as facade cladding, wall lamps, or a vertical garden.
3. Swimming Pool
Another fascinating application of a cantilever is in swimming pools. Typically, cantilever pools are found in luxury hotels or modern cliffside villas.
These "floating" pools create a dramatic visual effect and offer a unique user experience.
The cantilever structure for swimming pools must be designed with sufficient strength and stability due to the relatively large water load. Therefore, these pools are typically constructed as reinforced-concrete cantilever structures reinforced with steel.
Read also: 9 Small Pool Design Inspirations for a Minimalist Backyard
4. Furniture Elements
Some furniture elements that can be made using cantilever structures include stairs, kitchen tables, beds, and hanging shelves.
Floating stairs are often used in homes with modern, minimalist, or contemporary design.
Floating stairs can stand firmly because all the load is transferred to the building floor through the wall. Interestingly, there are now floating stair designs whose supports are hidden inside the wall, making them look more unique and minimalist.
Meanwhile, the use of cantilevers in hanging beds is also noteworthy. When the bed is raised, the space below can be used as storage or a lounge.
5. Bridge
A cantilever bridge is generally built to minimize the number of supports in the middle of a wide river or valley.
With a cantilever design, each side of the bridge is gradually extended outward from its main support.
Then, the two projecting ends from opposite sides meet in the middle to form a single long span.
As a result, this bridge does not require a central support column, making it more efficient, aesthetically pleasing, and environmentally friendly.
Things to Consider When Building a Cantilever
If you plan to build a cantilever structure in a home or other building, there are several things to consider, including:
- Structural analysis: Before constructing a cantilever, technical calculations are required, including load analysis, bending moments, shear forces, and deflection (the extent to which the structure will bend under a load). All of this is intended to ensure that the structure does not bend excessively, crack, or lose stability over the long term.
- Material use: Building a cantilever usually requires steel and reinforced concrete. These two materials complement each other because steel is known for its tensile strength, while concrete is strong in compression.
- Length and dimensions: The cantilever's length and dimensions must be adjusted based on the material's strength and the load magnitude. The longer the cantilever, the stronger the material must be, and the calculations must be more detailed.
In conclusion, the cantilever structure is an attractive choice for modern buildings seeking to be unique, aesthetically appealing, and efficient.
However, during implementation, accurate calculations, adequate technical expertise, and high-quality materials that support the structure's strength and durability are required.
To meet material needs in cantilever construction, you can choose products from Semen Merah Putih.
One of Semen Merah Putih's flagship products, Semen Merah Putih Watershield, is a super-premium multipurpose cement product equipped with water-repellent technology.
With this technology, Semen Merah Putih Watershield provides triple protection against water seepage from the outside, the inside, and the ground or capillary water.
Compared to regular cement, Semen Merah Putih Watershield offers several advantages. This product is suitable for various structural and non-structural applications, including skim coating, plastering, slab casting, column casting, and brick laying.
To create a strong and durable cantilever structure, trust Semen Merah Putih Watershield.
If you want complete information about this product or the best solution for your project, don't hesitate to contact us immediately!
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