Structural Analysis

All structural forms used for load transfer from one point to another are 3-dimensional in nature. In principle one could model themas 3-dimensionalelasticstructure and obtain solutions (response of

structures to loads) by solving the associated partial differential equations. In due course of time, you will appreciate the difficulty associated with the 3-dimensional analysis. Also, in many of the structures, one or two dimensions are smaller than other dimensions. This geometrical feature can be exploited from the analysis point of view. The dimensional reduction will greatly reduce the complexity of associated governing equations from 3 to 2 or even to one dimension. This is indeed at a cost. 

This reduction is achieved by making certain assumptions (like Bernoulli-Euler’kinematic assumption in the case of beam theory) based on its observed behavior under loads. Structures may be classified as 3-, 2- and 1-dimensional (see Fig. 1.1(a) and (b)). This simplification will yield results of reasonable and acceptable accuracy. Most commonly used structural forms for load transfer are: beams, plane truss, space truss, plane frame, space frame, arches, cables,plates and shells. Each one of these structural arrangement supports load in a specific way. 

Know more Structural Analysis,free download this book-click here