A structure is a collection of elements that are connected together to form a load-bearing system, while a frame is a specific type of structure that is made up of a series of interconnected beams and columns that work together to support loads.

Structures must be designed to resist a variety of loads, including dead loads, which are the weight of the structure and its permanent fixtures; live loads, which are the weight of people and movable objects; wind loads; snow loads; and seismic loads.

A statically determinate structure is one where the internal forces and displacements can be determined using the laws of statics, while a statically indeterminate structure is one where the internal forces and displacements cannot be determined using the laws of statics alone and additional information, such as the deformations of the structure, is required.

A beam is a structural element that spans an opening and is subjected to bending and shear forces, while a column is a vertical structural element that transmits the load from the structure above to the structure below.

A truss is a type of structure that is made up of a series of interconnected triangles, while a frame is a type of structure that is made up of a series of interconnected beams and columns.

Plastic analysis is a method used to determine the strength and deformation of a structure under a load beyond the elastic limit, while elastic analysis is a method used to determine the strength and deformation of a structure under a load that is within the elastic limit.