1st Edition

Understanding Structures An Introduction to Structural Analysis

By Mete A. Sozen, Toshikatsu Ichinose Copyright 2009
    364 Pages 588 B/W Illustrations
    by CRC Press

    Before structural mechanics became the common language of structural engineers, buildings were built based on observed behavior, with every new solution incurring high levels of risk. Today, the pendulum has swung in the other direction. The web of structural mechanics is so finely woven that it hides the role of experience in design, again leading to high levels of risk.

    Understanding Structures brings the art and science of structures into the environment of a computer game.  The book imparts a basic understanding of how buildings and bridges resist gravity, wind, and earthquake loads. Its interactive presentation of topics spans elementary concepts of force in trusses to bending of beams and the response of multistory, multi-bay frames.

    Formulate Graphical and Quantitative Solutions with GOYA

    The companion software, GOYA, runs easily on any java-enabled system. This interactive learning environment allows engineers to obtain quick and instructive graphical and quantitative solutions to many problems in structures.

    Simulation is critical to the design and construction of safe structures. Using GOYA and the tools within Understanding Structures, engineers can enhance their overall understanding of structure response as well as expedite the process of safe structure design.

    Trusses
    What is a Truss?
    Bar in Tension or Compression
    Symmetrical Truss with Two Elements of Equal Size at 90°
    Symmetrical Truss with Two Elements at Various Orientations
    Unsymmetrical Truss with Two Elements
    Truss with Three Members
    Hands-on Approach to Truss Design
    Analysis of Statically Determinate Trusses
    Stable Trusses
    Building a Truss
    Problems
    Moments and Deflections in Cantilever Beams
    What is a Bending Moment?
    What is a Shear Force?
    What is a Distributed Load?
    What is a Couple?
    The Effects of Moment on Stresses in a Beam
    The Effects of Moment on Strains in a Beam
    Deformation of a Beam—Spring Model
    Deformation of a Beam—Continuously Deformable Model
    Moment and Deflections in Simply Supported Beams
    The Effect of a Concentrated Load on Shear, Moment, and Deflection
    The Effect of Several Concentrated Loads on Shear, Moment, and  Deflection
    Similarities between Beam and Truss Response
    Construction and Test of a Timber Beam
    Bending and Shear Stresses
    First Moment
    Second Moment and Section Modulus
    Construction and Test of a Styrofoam Beam
    Shear Stress
    Frames
    Introductory Concepts
    A Simple Bent
    A Portal Frame
    Statically Indeterminate Frame
    Multistory Frame
    Three-Hinged Frame
    Buckling
    Simple Models
    Continuously Deformable Model
    Problems
    List of Symbols
    Index

    Biography

    Sozen, Mete A.; Ichinose, Toshikatsu