Introduction To Structural Analysis
Introduction To Structural Analysis
Introduction To Structural Analysis
Performance characteristics
- stresses or stress resultants (e.g., axial forces,
shear forces & bending moments).
- deformations (e.g., deflections, axial
shortening).
- support reactions.
2 Classification of Structures
Structural Systems
• combination of structural elements (e.g. ties, struts, beams,
columns, beam-columns) and the materials from which they are
composed of.
• some of the basic types of structural systems are:
Trusses
Frames
Cables
Arches
Trusses
•consist of pin-jointed slender elements,
usually arranged in triangular fashion
•elements are usually assumed to be subjected to tension (ties) or
compression (struts) only
•advantages: long span; controlled deflection; lightweight
•disadvantage: high fabrication costs
truss dome
roof truss
Frames
•consist of beams and columns that are either pin- or fix-
connected
•members subject to axial, shear & moment loadings
Cables
•usually flexible & carry their loads in tension
•commonly used to support bridges and
building roofs
Arches
•achieve its strength in compression
•results in secondary loadings involving shear & moment
•used in bridge structures, dome roofs, etc.
Beams
• usually straight horizontal members
used to carry gravity loads
3 Structural Idealization
To develop the ability to model or idealize a structure so that
the structural engineer can perform a practical force analysis of
the members
Support Connections
typical “pin-supported”
connection (metal)
typical “roller-supported”
connection (concrete) typical “fixed-supported”
connection (concrete)
Idealized models often used
in structural analysis
When selecting the model for each support, the engineer must be aware of how the
assumptions will affect the actual performance.
The analysis of the loadings should give results that closely approximate the actual loadings.
Support Connections
Type of Connection Idealized Symbol Reaction Number of Unknowns
One unknown.
The reaction is a force
that acts in the direction
of the cable or link.
One unknown.
The reaction is a force
that acts perpendicular
to the surface at the
point of contact.
One unknown.
The reaction is a force
that acts perpendicular
to the surface at the
point of contact.
The support will develop a force on the member if it prevents translation of the member,
and it will develop a moment if it prevents rotation of the member.
Pang Sze Dai, NUS 15
1 Introduction to Structural Analysis
Two unknowns.
The reactions are two
force components.
Two unknowns.
The reactions are a
force and a moment.
Three unknowns.
The reactions are the
moment and the two
(c) Tan K H, NUS force components.
Idealized Structure
actual structure
actual beam
Tributary Loadings
There are 2 ways in which the load on surfaces
is transmitted to various structural elements
• 1-way system
• 2-way system
Tributary Loadings
Floor loadings first go to beams AB, CD and EF.
(Note: Beams AB, CD and EF are sitting on top of beams AE and BF)
Loading from beams AB, CD and EF then go to beams AE and BF.
3m 1.5 m 0.75 m
1.5 m
7.2 kN/m
3m
1.5 m 1.5 m 10.8 kN 10.8 kN
l1 l1
l2 l2
If l2 / l1 > 2, the slab behaves like a one-way slab.
??? kN/m
1.5 m
3.0 m
l2 1.5 m 1.5 m
??? kN/m
If l1 = 3.0m, l2 = 4.5m
4.5 m
1.5 m 1.5 m
4 Load Path
Every structural element and structure must be supported in
order to transfer the applied loading to the foundations where
it is dissipated through the ground.
4 Load Path
The loads are transferred between structural members at the
joints using either simple or rigid connections.
In the case of simple connections, axial and/or shear forces
are transmitted whilst in the case of rigid connections in
addition to axial and shear effects, moments are also
transferred.
The type of connections used will influence the degree of
indeterminacy and the method of analysis required.
Connection design, reflecting the assumptions made in the
analysis, is an essential element in achieving an effective load
path.
http://expeditionworkshed.org/workshed/push-me-pull-me/
5 Structural Modelling
What are the bracings for? Do you need bracings at both ends of the building?
joints
Weak axis
Strong
axis joints