What type of connections does a building have when elements are connected by simple connectors?

When elements in a building are connected by simple connectors, they typically form pinned connections. Pinned connections allow for rotation at the connection points without transmitting moments between the elements. This means that the connected elements can move relative to each other to some extent, which can help accommodate forces like wind or seismic activity while maintaining structural integrity.

Using pinned connections is advantageous in various structural scenarios, as they simplify the analysis of forces acting on the elements and allow the structural framework to be more efficient. In contrast, rigid connections, continuous connections, and flexible connections have different characteristics: rigid connections can transfer moments, continuous connections imply a continuous load path, and flexible connections allow some deformation. Understanding pinned connections is essential for evaluating the behavior of structures under loads and their overall stability.