In our world of seemingly unlimited computing, numerous analytical approaches to the estimation of stress, strain, and displacement—including analytical, numerical, physical, and analog techniques—have greatly advanced the practice of engineering. Combining theory and experimentation, computer simulation has emerged as a third path for engineering design and performance evaluation. As a result, structural engineers working in the practical world of engineering must apply and, ideally, thrive on these idealizations of science-based theories.

Analyzing the major achievements in the field, Understanding Structural Engineering demonstrates how to bring science to engineering design. This book illustrates:

Key conceptual breakthroughs in structural engineering in the twentieth century The science of structural engineering from basic mechanics and computing to the ultimate process of engineering design How engineers implement theory to practice through idealizations and simplifications Current and future trends in structural engineering

Developments and advancements in structural engineering hinge on a few key breakthroughs in concepts, simplifications and idealizations. Simplification, inherent in the art of structural engineering, is a key theme throughout this book. But the authors go further. Their clear explanations of the role and impact of new, science-based developments shows you how to put them into practice.

Reviews

"… I have been reading parts of the book, and have shown it around. I think it is a very nice summary of the past, present, and future of structural engineering. … a great text for a graduate course … gives the reader a good overview of the whole field, so that the individual specialists will know where their particular expertise fits into the overall picture. Congratulations on another great job!"

— Theodore V. Galambos, University of Minnesota, Department of Civil Engineering, Minneapolis, USA

Cp>From Science to Engineering

Historical Sketch

The Fundamentals of Structural Analysis

Elastic Analysis as a Start

Plastic Analysis as a Further Progress

Finite Element Analysis as a Logical Extension

Strut-and-Tie Model as a Powerful Tool

Advanced Analysis for Steel Frame Design as the Current Progress

Computer-Based Simulation as the Future Trend

Summary

The Era of Elasticity

Fundamentals of Elasticity

The Concept of Generalized Stress and Generalized Strain

Theory of Structures

Theory of Structural Stability

Theory of Plates

Theory of Shells

Finite Element

The Allowable Stress as a Basis for Design

Historical Sketch

The Era of Plasticity

Fundamentals of Plasticity

Limit Theorems of Perfect Plasticity

Bar Element as a Start

Concrete Plate Element as a Next Step

Strut-and-Tie Model as a Recent Progress

Historical Sketch

The Era of Finite ...