1. Long span structures are those with spans larger than 15-20 meters that require construction methods beyond ordinary reinforced concrete. They provide column-free interior spaces to reduce costs and construction time. Examples include stadiums, exhibition halls, and storage facilities.
2. Loads on structural systems include dead loads, live loads, wind loads, thermal stresses, and stresses from ground movement, vibrations, or earthquakes.
3. Common materials for long span structures are reinforced concrete, metal, timber, metal/concrete combinations, plastics, and fiber reinforced plastics.