Understanding Structural Engineering: From Theory to Practice

Wai-Fah Chen

Preference :

In structural engineering, elasticity and plasticity, mechanics of materials, and continuum mechanics are studied, employed, idealized, simplified, and implemented into engineering practice. The magnitude of difference between the actual performance of a real structure in the real world and the performance predicted on the basis of this drastically simplified theory can only be ascertained by long-term experience and observation, as realistically reflected in building codes supplemented with a variety of safety factors to account for differences. In this book, we focus on the theories that have stood the test of time and have been widely used in the actual design of structural-engineering solutions. We do not, however, cover historical feats or provide a detailed analysis of the design process. Rather, we focus on the way structural engineers deal with ideal material models, ideal structural elements, and systems, and how they apply these simplifications to the formulation of the basic equations of equilibrium and compatibility of a real structural system thereby achieving successful design solutions.

We have deliberately omitted any discussion on the theory of structural dynamics because a palatable treatment of structural dynamics theory in connection with its application to earthquake-engineering designs cannot be accommodated within the space and scope of this book.

Content :

Chapter 1 From Science to Engineering
Chapter 2 The Era of Elasticity
Chapter 3 The Era of Plasticity
Chapter 4 The Era of Finite Element
Chapter 5 Strut-and-Tie Model for Design of Structural Concrete Discontinuity Regions
Chapter 6 Toward Advanced Analysis for Steel Frame Design
Chapter 7 The Era of Model-Based Simulation

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