Structural Analysis Introduction

refers to a system of connected parts used to support a load. As engineers, we must account for its safety, aesthetics, and serviceability, while taking into consideration economic and environmental constraints.

is the science and art of planning, designing, and constructing safe and economical structures that will serve their intended purposes.

is an integral part of any structural engineering project, its function being the prediction of the performance of the proposed structure.

composed of flexible steel cables are frequently employed to support bridges and long-span roofs.

are straight members subjected to axially compressive loads. When a straight member is subjected to lateral loads and/or moments in addition to axial loads, it is called a beam-column.

is a curved structure, with a shape similar to that of an inverted cable. Such structures are frequently used to support bridges and long-span roofs.

are composed of straight members connected at their ends by hinged connections to form a stable configuration.

such as reinforced concrete shear walls, are used inmultistory buildings to reduce lateral movements due to wind loads and earthquake excitations.

Some of the most used structures, such as beams, rigid frames, slabs, and plates, can be classified as

is a straight member that is loaded perpendicular to its longitudinal axis.

are composed of straight members connected either by rigid (moment-resisting) connections or by hinged connections to form stable configurations.

The design of horizontal members or beams of rectangular frames is often governed by

are gravity loads of constant magnitudes and fixed positions that act permanently on the structure.

are loads of varying magnitudes and/or positions caused using the structure.

induced mainly by wind and earthquakes, are called the lateral loads

It is produced by the flow of wind around the structure. The magnitudes of wind load that may act on a structure depend on the:

• geographical location of the structure
• obstructions in its surrounding terrain, such as nearby buildings
• the geometry and the vibrational characteristics of the
structure itself.

It is the horizontal component of ground motion that causes structural damage and that must be considered in designs of structures located in earthquake-prone areas.

The portion of the slab area whose load is carried by a particular member is called the

For floor systems with a beam length to spacing ratio of greater than 2.0 (L/s > 2.0)

For floor systems with a beam length to spacing ratio less than or equal to 2.0 ( L/s ≤ 2.0)