STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS

FIFTH EDITION

CHAPTER
1
Introduction to
Structural
Analysis and
Loads

1
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 Structural Analysis, Fifth Edition Kassimali

Student objectives and outline

• 1.1 Learn about some of the contributors
to modern structural analysis
• 1.2 Understand why structural engineering
is important and a typical design process
• 1.3 Know the five basic categories of
structures
• 1.4 Know the simplified analytical models
used to represent structures
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 Structural Analysis, Fifth Edition Kassimali

1.1 – Historical Background

• Mathematical structural analysis was first
used in the mid-seventeenth century
• Prior to that, trial and error was used along
with rules of thumb
• Many well-known and impressive buildings
were constructed in earlier times
• Examples include the Egyptian pyramids,
Greek temples, and Gothic cathedrals
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 Structural Analysis, Fifth Edition Kassimali

Early contributions
• Galileo analyzed cantilever beams and
other structures in Two New Sciences
(1638)
• Robert Hooke formulated the relationship
between force and deflection (Hooke’s Law)
• Leonhard Euler developed buckling theory
• C. A. de Coulomb analyzed elastic bending
in beams

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 Structural Analysis, Fifth Edition Kassimali

1800 to 1950
• Most classical methods were developed
during this time
• L. M. Navier published the first textbook on
strength of materials (1826)
• Hardy Cross presented the moment-
distribution method
• These new methods allowed the creation
of many new types of structures
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 Structural Analysis, Fifth Edition Kassimali

Computers
• Computers can solve huge systems of
equations quickly and efficiently
• This allows analyses to be performed in
seconds
• J. H. Argyris, S. Kelsey, M. T. Turner, and
others developed many modern methods

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 Structural Analysis, Fifth Edition Kassimali

1.2 – Role of Structural Analysis

• Structural analysis
exists to predict the
performance of
proposed structures
• The design process is
iterative- an example
flowchart is on the
right

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 Structural Analysis, Fifth Edition Kassimali

Planning
• Functional requirements are established
• General layout and dimensions are
outlined
• Materials and types of structures are
considered
• This step produces an economical
structure that meets the requirements

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 Structural Analysis, Fifth Edition Kassimali

Preliminary Design and Load Estimation

• Structural member sizes are estimated

using approximations and experience
• The weight of the structure is estimated
based on these assumptions
• Loads are estimated based on this
building weight and other factors

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 Structural Analysis, Fifth Edition Kassimali

Structural Analysis
• The estimates of member sizes and the
loads on the building are used to analyze
the structure
• Deflections and stresses are determined
at different points in the structure

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 Structural Analysis, Fifth Edition Kassimali

Safety and Serviceability

• Based on the structural analysis, the
building may or may not meet safety and
serviceability requirements
• These requirements are determined from
design codes
• If the requirements are met, construction
begins, if not, the design must be revised

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 Structural Analysis, Fifth Edition Kassimali

Revised Structural Design

• If the requirements are not met, the design
must be modified to meet them
• Loads are estimated using the new
weights from the new design
• Structural analysis is performed again
• This process is repeated until the design
meets the requirements

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 Structural Analysis, Fifth Edition Kassimali

1.3 – Classification of Structures

• The structural engineer must decide what
type of structure should be used to support
or transmit loads
• Structures may be classified based on
what type of stresses they primarily
develop in their members
• The five main categories are tension,
compression, truss, shear, and bending

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 Structural Analysis, Fifth Edition Kassimali

Tension structures
• Tensile stress is
distributed uniformly
over the cross-
sections of members
• Cables are flexible
and can only support
tension
• Examples include
hangers and cables

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 Structural Analysis, Fifth Edition Kassimali

Compression structures
• Compression
structures are subject
to axially compressive
loads
• Secondary bending
and shear forces are
also often developed
• Examples include
columns and arches

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 Structural Analysis, Fifth Edition Kassimali

Trusses
• Composed of straight
members connected
by joints at their ends
• Members are in either
pure tension or pure
compression
• Real trusses are often
bolted or welded to
gusset plates instead
of jointed
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 Structural Analysis, Fifth Edition Kassimali

Shear structures
• Shear structures are
used to reduce lateral
movement from wind
and earthquakes
• Members develop
mostly in-plane shear
• Examples include
concrete shear walls

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 Structural Analysis, Fifth Edition Kassimali

Bending structures
• Bending structures
mostly develop
bending stresses
• Shear stresses are
sometimes also
important
• Examples include
beams, rigid frames,
slabs, and plates

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 Structural Analysis, Fifth Edition Kassimali

1.4 – Analytical Models

• An analytical model is a simplification of a
real structure, to make analysis easier
• The model represents the structure as
accurately as possible
• Characteristics of the structure that have little
effect on the desired properties are ignored
• Structural analysis is only valid with an
accurate model

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 Structural Analysis, Fifth Edition Kassimali

Plane vs. Space Structures

• A plane structure is one in which all
members and loads are in a single plane
• Many real structures may be subdivided into
plane structures for analysis
• Some structures, such as latticed domes and
aerospace structures cannot be subdivided
and must be analyzed in three dimensions
• These structures are space structures

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 Structural Analysis, Fifth Edition Kassimali

Line Diagram
• Each member is
represented by a line
through its centroidal
axis
• Rigid connections are
represented by points
• Hinged connections
are represented by
small circles

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 Structural Analysis, Fifth Edition Kassimali

Connections
• Rigid connections prevent both
translations and rotations, and transmit
both forces and moments
• Hinged connections only prevent
translations, and transmit only forces
• These are idealizations of real
connections, which are neither perfectly
rigid or perfectly flexible

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 Structural Analysis, Fifth Edition Kassimali

Supports
• Fixed supports do not allow any motion
• Hinged supports do not allow translation
but allow rotation
• Roller, or link, prevents motion only in one
direction
• Like the connections, these are
idealizations of real supports

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 Structural Analysis, Fifth Edition Kassimali

Chapter 1 - Summary
• Structures may be characterized by the
types of loads they transmit or support
– You should know the types of structures and
how to identify them
• Many idealizations are used to simplify
analysis
– You should be comfortable interpreting a line
diagram as an idealization of a real structure

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