Engineering Notes: Structural Analysis
Introduction to Structural Analysis
Structural analysis is the determination of the effects of loads on physical structures and their
components. Structures subject to loads include buildings, bridges, vehicles, machinery, furniture,
attire, soil strata, prostheses and biological tissue.
Types of Structures
Common structural types include trusses (assemblies of members connected at joints), beams
(horizontal members carrying transverse loads), frames (rigid connections between beams and
columns), and arches (curved structures that carry loads primarily through compression).
Equilibrium Equations
For a structure in static equilibrium, the sum of all forces and moments must be zero: Sum Fx = 0, Sum
Fy = 0, Sum Mz = 0. These three equations of equilibrium allow determination of up to three unknown
reactions for a statically determinate structure.
Bending Moment and Shear Force
Bending moment (M) and shear force (V) diagrams are essential tools for structural analysis. The
relationship between distributed load (w), shear force, and bending moment is: dV/dx = -w and dM/dx =
V. Maximum bending moment occurs where shear force equals zero.
Deflection of Beams
The deflection of beams can be determined using the elastic curve equation: EI*(d^2y/dx^2) = M(x),
where E is Young's modulus, I is the moment of inertia, and M(x) is the bending moment. Common
methods include double integration, moment-area method, and conjugate beam method.
Column Buckling
Euler's critical load for column buckling is: Pcr = (pi^2 * E * I) / (KL)^2, where K is the effective length
factor depending on end conditions, L is the column length, E is Young's modulus, and I is the minimum
moment of inertia. Columns with KL/r > 200 are considered slender.