Statics And Mechanics Of Structures

The statics and mechanics of structures form a core aspect of civil engineering. This book provides an introduction to the subject, starting from classic hand-calculation types of analysis and gradually advancing to a systematic form suitable for computer implementation. It starts with statically determinate structures in the form of trusses, beams and frames. Instability is discussed in the form of the column problem - both the ideal column and the imperfect column used in actual column design. The theory of statically indeterminate structures is then introduced, and the force and deformation methods are explained and illustrated. An important aspect of the book’s approach is the systematic development of the theory in a form suitable for computer implementation using finite elements. This development is supported by two small computer programs, MiniTruss and MiniFrame, which permit static analysis of trusses and frames, as well as linearized stability analysis. The book’s final section presents related strength of materials subjects in greater detail; these include stress and strain, failure criteria, and normal and shear stresses in general beam flexure and in beam torsion. The book is well-suited as a textbook for a two-semester introductory course on structures.

This book is concerned with the static and dynamic analysis of structures. Specifi cally, it uses the stiffness formulated matrix methods for use on computers to tackle some of the fundamental problems facing engineers in structural mechanics. This is done by covering the Mechanics of Structures, its rephrasing in terms of the Matrix Methods, and then their Computational implementation, all within a cohesivesetting. Although this book is designed primarily as a text for use at the upper-undergraduate and beginning graduate level, many practicing structural engineers will find it useful as a reference and self-study guide. Several dozen books on structural mechanics and as many on matrix methods are currently available. A natural question to ask is why another text? An odd devel opment has occurred in engineering in recent years that can serve as a backdrop to why this book was written. With the widespread availability and use of comput ers, today's engineers have on their desk tops an analysis capability undreamt of by previous generations. However, the ever increasing quality and range of capabilities of commercially available software packages has divided the engineering profession into two groups: a small group of specialist program writers that know the ins and outs of the coding, algorithms, and solution strategies; and a much larger group of practicing engineers who use the programs. It is possible for this latter group to use this enormous power without really knowing anything of its source.

This second edition of Structural Mechanics is an expanded and revised successor to the highly successful first edition, which over the last ten years has become a widely adopted standard first year text. The addition of five new programmes, together with some updating of the original text, now means that this book covers most of the principles of structural mechanics taught in the first and second years of civil engineering degree courses. - Suitable for independent study or as a compliment to a traditional lecture-based course - Adopts a programmed learning format, with a focus on student-centred learning - Contains many examples, carefully constructed questions and graded practical problems, allowing the reader to work at their own pace, and assess their progress whilst gaining confidence in their ability to apply the principles of Structural Mechanics - Now covering the major part of the Structural Mechanics/Analysis syllabuses of most Civil Engineering degree courses up to second year level.

This book provides a comprehensive yet concise presentation of the analysis methods of lightweight engineering in the context of the statics of beam structures and is divided into four sections. Starting from very general remarks on the fundamentals of elasticity theory, the first section also addresses plane problems as well as strength criteria of isotropic materials. The second section is devoted to the analytical treatment of the statics of beam structures, addressing beams under bending, shear and torsion. The third section deals with the work and energy methods in lightweight construction, spanning classical methods and modern computational methods such as the finite element method. Finally, the fourth section addresses more advanced beam models, discussing hybrid structures as well as laminated and sandwich beams, in addition to shear field beams and shear deformable beams. This book is intended for students at technical colleges and universities, as well as for engineers in practice and researchers in engineering.

Research and Applications in Structural Engineering, Mechanics and Computation contains the Proceedings of the Fifth International Conference on Structural Engineering, Mechanics and Computation (SEMC 2013, Cape Town, South Africa, 2-4 September 2013). Over 420 papers are featured. Many topics are covered, but the contributions may be seen to fall

This book presents a complete and unified treatment of the fundamental themes of structural mechanics, ranging from the traditional to the most advanced topics, covering mechanics of linear elastic solids, theory of beam systems, and phenomena of structural failure. The book considers explicitly all the static and kenetic operators of structural mechanics with their dual character. Topics relating to structural symmetry are covered in a single chapter while dynamics is dealt with at various points. The logical presentation allows the clear introduction of topics such as finite element methods, automatic calculation of framed beam systems, plate and shell theory, theory of plasticity, and fracture mechanics. Numerous worked examples, exercises with complete solutions and illustrations make it accessible both as a text for students and as a reference for research workers and practicing engineers.