Basic Structures

Introduction ix
Acknowledgements xiv
1 What is structural engineering? 1
2 Learn the language: a simple explanation of terms used by structural engineers 9
3 How do structures (and parts of structures) behave? 12
4 Force, mass and weight 27
5 Loading - dead or alive 33
6 Equilibrium - a balanced approach 39
7 More about forces: resultants and components 45
8 Moments 56
9 Reactions 71
10 Different types of support - and what's a pin? 78
11 A few words about stability 86
12 Introduction to the analysis of pin-jointed frames 99
13 Method of resolution at joints 104
14 Method of sections 127
15 Graphical method 135
16 Shear force and bending moments 145
17 This thing called stress 177
18 Direct (and shear) stress 182
19 Bending stress 194
20 Combined bending and axial stress 217
21 Structural materials: concrete, steel, timber and masonry 231
22 More on materials 243
23 How far can I span? 249
24 Calculating those loads 257
25 An introduction to structural design 268
26 More on structural types and forms 305
27 An introduction to deflection 325
28 Shear stress
29 Buckling and torsion
30 3-pinned arches and frames
31 Virtual work
32 Mohr's circle
33 Trusses without numbers
34 Plastic analysis
Further reading 339
Appendix 1: Weights of common building materials 341
Appendix 2: Conversions and relationships between units 343
Appendix 3: Mathematics associated with right-angled triangles 345
Appendix 4: Symbols 347
Appendix 5: A checklist for architects 348
Appendix 6: Getting more out of civil engineering
Index 349