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AR 324 Introduction to Structural Analysis (1)

The document provides an introduction to structural analysis, emphasizing its importance in ensuring that buildings and structures can safely support loads and resist forces. It discusses various types of structures, loads, equilibrium, support reactions, and methods for minimizing beam deflection. Understanding these principles is crucial for engineers to design safe and durable structures.

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LEONIL MATA
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11 views

AR 324 Introduction to Structural Analysis (1)

The document provides an introduction to structural analysis, emphasizing its importance in ensuring that buildings and structures can safely support loads and resist forces. It discusses various types of structures, loads, equilibrium, support reactions, and methods for minimizing beam deflection. Understanding these principles is crucial for engineers to design safe and durable structures.

Uploaded by

LEONIL MATA
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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AR 324

INTRODUCTION TO
STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS

SUBMITTED BY:
LEONIL S. MATA
BS ARCH 3B

SUBMITTED TO:
ENGR. Wilfredo Lumagbas Jr.
Structural Analysis
Structural analysis is the study of how buildings, bridges, and other structures
behave when forces act on them. Engineers analyze structures to make sure they
don’t collapse, bend too much, or break under pressure. They calculate how different
parts of a structure—like beams, columns, and floors—work together to support loads
safely.

Think about a table. If you place a heavy object, like a television, in the middle of the
table, it must be strong enough to hold the weight without bending or breaking.
Structural analysis is like testing the table’s strength before using it.

Why is it important?

Imagine building a house without testing if the walls can


support the roof. If the structure isn't analyzed properly, it
could collapse, putting people in danger. Structural
analysis helps prevent accidents by ensuring stability and
durability.

Classification of Structures
Structures come in different types, depending on their shape, purpose, and how they
handle forces.
The main classifications include:
Frame Structures – Made of beams and columns, like houses, skyscrapers, and
bridges.
Shell Structures – Curved or dome-shaped, like stadium roofs and water tanks.
Solid Structures – Massive structures made of solid materials, like dams and walls.
Truss Structures – Made of interconnected triangles, like power transmission towers
and steel bridges.

Different structures are designed for different needs. A bridge


needs a strong frame, while a water tank needs a shell-like
shape to hold liquid without leaking.
A tent is an example of a frame structure because the poles
form a skeleton that supports the covering. On the other hand,
an egg is a natural shell structure—it has a curved outer layer
that distributes force evenly, making it strong despite its thin
walls.
Loads on Structures
A load is any force that a structure must support. There are three main types:
Dead Load – The permanent weight of the structure itself (e.g., walls, beams, roof).
Live Load – The temporary weight added to a structure (e.g., people, furniture, vehicles).
Environmental Load – Forces caused by nature (e.g., wind, earthquakes, snow).

If a building is not designed to handle loads properly, it could collapse. Engineers calculate the
expected loads to ensure safety.
Example:
A bed must support the weight of a mattress (dead load) and the weight of people sleeping on it
(live load). If someone jumps on the bed, the sudden force increases the load temporarily.

Equilibrium and Support Reactions


For a structure to remain standing, all the forces acting on it must be balanced. This balance is
called equilibrium. The forces that keep a structure stable are called support reactions.
Fixed Supports – Prevent movement in all directions, like the foundation of a building.
Hinged Supports – Allow rotation but prevent movement, like door hinges.
Roller Supports – Allow movement in one direction, like bridge expansion joints.

If the supports of a structure are weak or unbalanced, it will tilt, fall, or break.
Example:
A see-saw is a great example of equilibrium. If two people of equal weight sit at opposite ends, it
stays balanced. But if one person is heavier, the see-saw tilts, showing that equilibrium is lost.

Shear and Moment Diagram


When forces act on a beam or structure, they create two main effects:
Shear Force – A force that tries to slide one part of a structure past another.
Bending Moment – A force that tries to make a structure bend or break.
A shear and moment diagram is used by engineers to visualize these forces and design stronger
beams.

If a beam is not strong enough to handle shear and bending forces, it can crack or break, leading to
structural failure.
Example:
Imagine holding a pencil at both ends and pressing down in the middle. The pencil bends because
of the bending moment. If you press too hard, it snaps due to shear force.
Arches and Cables
Arches are curved structures that distribute weight evenly, making them strong.
Cables are flexible elements that carry tension forces and are used in suspension bridges.

Arches and cables allow engineers to build large, strong, and lightweight structures that can carry
heavy loads efficiently.
Example:
A rainbow-shaped stone bridge is an example of an arch. The curve helps distribute the weight of
people and vehicles so it doesn’t collapse. A hammock hanging between two trees is an example of
cables under tension—it stretches but doesn’t break.

Methods of Beam Deflection


Beam deflection refers to how much a beam bends when a force is applied. Engineers use different
methods to calculate and minimize deflection, such as:
Adding more supports – Reducing the distance a beam needs to span.
Using stronger materials – Making beams stiffer to resist bending.
Increasing beam thickness – Making beams more resistant to bending forces.
Why is it important?
If beams deflect too much, floors and ceilings can sag, which can cause cracks and long-term
structural damage.
Real-Life Example:
If you place a wooden plank between two chairs and stand in the middle, it bends. But if you place a
thicker plank or add a third chair in the middle for support, it bends less.

Final Thoughts
Understanding these concepts helps engineers design buildings,
bridges, and other structures that are safe, durable, and
functional. Each principle plays a role in ensuring that structures
can carry loads, resist forces, and remain stable over time.

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