CENGR 412

STRUCTURAL
THEORY I
E N GR . J OS EP H F R A N K A . N A G A L

Introduction
Structural Analysis is the prediction of the performance of a
given structure under prescribed loads.
Structural Engineering has long been a part of human endeavor,
but Galileo is considered to be the originator of the theory of
structures.
The objective of a structural engineer is to design a structure
that will be able to withstand all the loads to which it is subjected
while serving its intended purpose throughout its intended life span.
Structural engineering is the science of planning, designing, and
constructing safe, economical structures. Structural analysis is an
integral part of this process.

Civil Engineer -is aprofessional engineeringdiscipline that deals with the

design, construction, and maintenance of the physical and naturally built
environment, including works like roads, bridges,canals, dams, and
buildings.

Named after the

engineerGustave
Eiffel, whose
company designed
and built the tower.

Eiffel Tower

Engineer Joke
"Architects and engineers are among the
most fortunate
of men
since they
build their own
monuments with public consent,
public approval,
and often
public money. "
- John Prebble

6 Specialty Divisions of Civil

Engineering

Structural engineering- is a field ofengineeringdealing with

theanalysisand design ofstructuresthat support or resistloads.

6 Specialty Divisions of Civil

Engineering

Geotechnical engineeringis the branch of civil engineering

concerned with the engineering behavior ofearth materials.

6 Specialty Divisions of Civil

Engineering

Transportation engineeringis the application of technology and scientific

principles to the planning, functional design, operation and management of
facilities for any mode of transportation in order to provide for the safe, efficient,
rapid, comfortable, convenient, economical, and environmentally compatible
movement of people and goods (transport).

6 Specialty Divisions of Civil

Engineering

Water engineeringas a sub-discipline ofcivil engineeringis

concerned
with
the
flow
and
conveyance
offluids,
principallywaterand sewage.

6 Specialty Divisions of Civil

Engineering

Project management and Construction engineeringis a

professional discipline that deals with
thedesigning,planning,construction, andmanagementof
infrastructuressuch
ashighways,bridges,airports,railroads,buildings,dams,
andutilities.

6 Specialty Divisions of Civil

Engineering

Environmental and Energy

engineeringis the integration
ofscienceandengineeringprinciples to improve the natural
environment (air, water, and/or land resources), to provide healthy
water, air, and land for human habitation (house or home) and for
other organisms, and to remediate pollution sites.

Reinforced
concrete
design

Structural
theory

Steel design

Pre-stressed
concrete
design

Timber design

Role of Structural Analysis in Structural Engineering Projects

Involves establishment of the functional requirements

Sizes of the various members of the structural system selected

in the planning phase are estimated based on approximate
analysis, past experience, & code requirements.
Involves determination of all loads that can be expected to
act on the structure.
Values of the loads are used to carry out an analysis of the
structure in order to determine the stresses or stress resultants
in the members & the deflections at various points of the
structure,.
Results of the analysis are used to determine whether or not
the structures satisfies the safety & serviceability requirements
of the design codes.

Planning phase

Preliminary structural
design

Estimation of loads

Structural
analysis
Are the safety and
serviceability
requirements
satisfied?

yes
Construction phase

no

Revised
structural
design