Structural Analysis [Hardcover]

This book is intended to provide the student with a clear and thorough presentation of the theory and application of structural analysis as it applies to trusses, beams, and frames. Emphasis is placed on developing the student's ability to both model and analyze a structure and to provide realistic applications encountered in professional practice.

The contents of each chapter are arranged into sections with specific topics categorized by title headings. Discussions relevant to a particular theory are succinct, yet thorough. In most cases, this is followed by a "procedure for analysis" guide, which provides the student with a summary of the important concepts and a systematic approach for applying the theory. The example problems are solved using this outlined method in order to clarify its numerical application. Problems are given at the end of each chapter and are arranged to cover the material in sequential order; moreover, for any topic they are arranged in approximate order of increasing difficulty.

During recent years there has been a growing emphasis on using computers to analyze structures by matrix analysis. These developments are most welcome, because they relieve the engineer of the often lengthy calculations required when large or complicated structures are analyzed using classical methods. Although matrix methods are more efficient for a structural analysis, it is the author's opinion that students taking a first course in this subject should also be well versed in the classical methods. Practice in applying these methods will develop a deeper understanding of the basic engineering sciences of statics and mechanics of materials. Also, problem-solving skills are further developed when the various techniques are thought out and applied in a clear and orderly way. By experience, one can better grasp the way loads are transmitted through structures and obtain a more complete understanding of the way structures deform under load. Finally, the classical methods provide a means of checking computer results rather than simply relying on the generated output.

Most of the problems in the book depict realistic situations encountered in practice. It is hoped that this realism will both stimulate the student's interest in structural analysis and develop the skill to reduce any such problem from its physical description to a model or symbolic representation to which the appropriate theory can be applied. Throughout the book there is an approximate balance of problems using either SI or FPS units. The intent has been to develop problems that test the student's ability to apply the theory, keeping in mind that those problems requiring tedious calculations can be relegated to computer analysis. Using the STRAN computer program, included with this book, the student also has a means of checking the solutions to many of these problems, and can thereby be encouraged to apply a computer analysis throughout the course. The answers to selected problems are listed in the back of the book.

This book is divided into three parts. The first part consists of seven chapters that cover the classical methods of analysis for statically determinate structures. Chapter 1 provides a discussion of the various types of structural forms and loads. The analysis of statically determinate structures is covered in the next six chapters. Chapter 2 discusses the determination of forces at a structure's supports and connections. The analysis of various types of statically determinate trusses is given in Chapter 3, and shear and bending-moment functions and diagrams for beams and frames are presented in Chapter 4. In Chapter 5, the analysis of simple cable and arch systems is presented, and in Chapter 6 influence lines for beams, girders, and trusses are discussed. Finally, in Chapter 7 several common techniques for the approximate analysis of statically indeterminate structures are considered.

In the second part of the book, the analysis of statically indeterminate structures is covered in five chapters. Both geometrical and energy methods for computing deflections are discussed in Chapter 8. Chapter 9 covers the analysis of statically indeterminate structures using the force method of analysis, in addition to a discussion of influence lines for beams. Then the displacement methods consisting of the slope-deflection method in Chapter 10 and moment distribution in, Chapter 11 are discussed. Finally, beams and frames having nonprismatic members are considered in Chapter 12.

The third part of the book treats the analysis of structures using the stiffness method. Trusses are discussed in Chapter 13, beams in Chapter 14, and frames in Chapter 15. A review of matrix algebra is given in Appendix A.