Nonbuilding structures, also referred to simply as structures, are those not designed for continuous human occupancy. The term is used by architects and structural engineers to distinctly identify structures that are not buildings.

Hungerford Bridge seen from the London Eye

Examples of nonbuilding structures:

• Aerial tramway support pillar
• Boat lifts
• Bridges and bridge-like structures (aqueducts, overpasses, trestles, viaducts, etc.)
• Building canopies
• Chimneys and smokestacks
• Dams
• Electric power transmission towers
• Ferris wheels and observation wheels
• Parking structures
• Offshore oil platforms (except for the production and housing facilities)
• Piers
• Roller coasters
• Retaining walls
• Structures designed to support, contain or convey liquid or gaseous matter, including
  • Cooling towers
  • Pipelines
  • Distillation equipment and structural supports at chemical and petrochemical plants and oil refineries
  • Storage tanks
• Television and radio masts and towers
• Tunnels
• Wharves

Exceptions

Some structures that are occupied periodically and would otherwise be considered nonbuilding structures are categorized as "buildings" for fire and life safety purposes:

• Aviation control towers
• Factories
• Kiosks
• Lighthouses
• Power stations
• Refineries
• Vehicles such as watercraft and aircraft
• Warehouses

See also

• Architectural structure
• Building
• Fire safety
• Hyperboloid structure
• List of famous transmission sites
• List of masts
• List of tallest buildings and structures in the world
• List of tallest buildings and structures in the world by country
• List of tallest structures in the world