Lecture 02:
Structural Engineering
Purpose to Design
Dr: Mahmoud Abdelkarim
Lecture Objectives
Understand the aim and scope of structural engineering.
Distinguish between structures and structural elements.
Explore the stages of structural design: analysis,
materials, and final design.
Learn how design codes and limit states guide safe and
functional structures.
The Aim of Structural Engineering
Structural Engineering is the discipline within civil
engineering focused on:
Ensuring that structures are safe, stable, and
serviceable.
Designing systems that resist loads and transmit them
safely to the ground.
Balancing efficiency, economy, and durability in built
environments.
The ultimate goal is to protect human life and ensure
long-term performance of infrastructure.
Structure vs. Structural Element
What Is a Structure?
A structure is a complete system that:
Receives loads from external sources (e.g., gravity, wind, seismic)..
Distributes those loads internally through its components.
Transmits them safely to the ground or supporting systemin a stable and controlled manner.
*- Stability is a non-negotiable requirement in every stage of design—from concept to final detailing
Examples: buildings, bridges, towers, dams.
What Does Stability Mean?
Stability in structural engineering refers to a structure’s ability to:
Maintain its shape and position under applied loads.
Resist collapse or excessive deformation due to internal forces or external disturbances.
Return to equilibrium after being disturbed (e.g., wind gusts, seismic activity).
A stable structure does not overturn, buckle, sway uncontrollably, or collapse when subjected to
expected loads.
Structure vs. Structural Element
Structure vs. Structural Element
What Are Structural Elements?
Structural elements are the individual components that make up a structure:
Element Function
Slabs Distribute floor loads horizontally
Beams Resist bending and shear
Columns Transfer vertical loads to foundations
Walls Provide lateral stability and enclosure
Foundations Anchor the structure to the ground
The structure is the system; the elements are its building blocks.
Structure vs. Structural Element
Structure vs. Structural Element
SLABS
البالطات ذات الكمرات نظام البالطات
المتقاطعة .الصندوقية
panelled beam slabs waffle slabs
Structure vs. Structural Element
Structure vs. Structural Element
Stage 1: Structural Analysis
Structural analysis is the process of determining how a structure responds to applied loads. It begins
with understanding the loads themselves—what they are, how they act, and how they’re classified.
What Is a Load?
A load is any force, pressure, or deformation imposed on a structure. It can be vertical,
horizontal, or dynamic, and it initiates internal forces and deformations.
Loads types:-
• Dead Loads: Self-weight of structure and fixed components.
• Live Loads: Occupancy, furniture, vehicles.
• Environmental Loads: Wind, snow, seismic, thermal.
• Accidental Loads: Fire, impact, explosion.
Load combinations are defined by design codes to simulate real-world scenarios.
Stage 1: Structural Analysis
1. Idealization of the Structural System
• Convert the real structure into a simplified analytical model (e.g., frame, shell, or solid
elements)
• Assumptions include linearity, material homogeneity, and geometric simplifications
• Geometry is discretized into nodes and elements
2. Definition of Boundary Conditions
• Boundary conditions represent how the structure is supported or restrained
Types include:
o Fixed Support: Restrains all degrees of freedom
o Pinned Support: Allows rotation but prevents translation
o Roller Support: Allows horizontal movement but resists vertical displacement
• These conditions are essential for solving equilibrium equations
Stage 1: Structural Analysis
Stage 1: Structural Analysis
3. Stability Check
• 2D Systems: Stability requires three constraints to prevent rigid body motion, either not parallel and not
concurrent reactions (hinge and roller) or not parallel with moment restraint support (fixed support).
• 3D Systems: Must ensure all six degrees of freedom per node are adequately restrained
• Stability is verified before proceeding to load the application
4. Application of Loads
• External loads are applied to the idealized model
• Load paths and distribution are considered to ensure a realistic simulation
5. Determination of Straining Actions
o Axial Force (N) o Shear Force (V)
Internal forces and moments are calculated:
o Bending Moment (M) o Torsional Moment (T)
• These are derived from equilibrium and compatibility conditions
Stage 1: Structural Analysis
Stage 1: Structural Analysis
6. Strain Evaluation 7. Stress Evaluation
Strain is the measure of deformation per unit length Stress is the internal force per unit area within a
material
Types include:
Stress components include:
o Normal Strain (ε): Change in length
• Normal Stress (σx, σy)
o Shear Strain (γ): Change in angle between lines
• Shear Stress (τxy, τyz, etc.)
• Strain is computed from displacement fields
Final Output of Structural Analysis
• Displacement Field: Movement of nodes under load
• Internal Forces: Forces and moments within elements
• Strains: Deformation characteristics
• Stresses: Material response used for design
Stage 2: Material Characteristics
What Is a Material?
A material is a substance used to construct structural elements, chosen for its mechanical
and environmental performance.
Key Properties & Their Meaning
Property Meaning Design Relevance
Density Mass per unit volume Affects dead load
Compressive Strength Resistance to crushing Critical for concrete and masonry
Tensile Strength Resistance to pulling forces Essential for steel and reinforcement
Modulus of Elasticity (E) Stiffness (stress/strain) Determines deflection
Ductility Ability to deform without breaking Important for seismic design
Durability Resistance to degradation Influences lifespan and maintenance
Affects long-term behavior of
Creep & Shrinkage Time-dependent deformation
concrete
Thermal Expansion Size change with temperature Critical for bridges and long spans
Stage 2: Material Characteristics
Common Materials & Their Unique Traits
Material Unique Trait Common Uses
High compression, low Slabs, beams, columns,
Concrete
tension foundations
High tension, ductile, Frames, bridges,
Steel
uniform reinforcement
Lightweight, renewable, Roofs, residential framing,
Timber
anisotropic aesthetic elements
Good compression, poor
Masonry Walls, arches, partitions
tension
Floors, bridges, high-rise
Composite Combines concrete and steel
buildings
Designers select materials based on structural demands, environment, and cost.
Stage 3: Design
Applying Design Concepts
Using analysis results and material data to:
Choose appropriate cross-sections.
Calculate section properties:
Area (A): Axial load capacity.
Moment of Inertia (I): Bending resistance.
Section Modulus (S): Stress distribution.
Radius of Gyration (r): Buckling analysis.
Design Codes & Safety Factors
Follow national/international codes (e.g., Eurocode, ACI, ASCE).
Apply partial safety factors to loads and materials.
Stage 3: Design Process
ULS vs. SLS Design
ULS (Ultimate Limit SLS (Serviceability Limit
Concept
State) State)
Prevent collapse or Ensure usability and
Purpose
failure comfort
Load Factors Applied Not applied
Strength, stability, Deflection, cracking,
Checks
fatigue vibration
Will the floor sag or
Example Will the beam break?
crack?
Both ULS and SLS must be satisfied for a safe and
functional structure
Final Takeaway
Structural engineering is a journey from concept to calculation, from materials to
mechanics, and from safety to serviceability. It’s the art and science of making structures
stand strong and serve society.