Module 1
CE 311 – THEORY OF STRUCTURES
1. Title of the Module
Chapter 1 – Introduction to Structural Analysis
2. Introduction
Before structural analysis takes its course, its preliminary aspects are necessary to be
realized. Such process, emanating from the theory of structures is discussed in order to recognize
the types of structures, their components, supports and loadings. Considering these elements will
pave way for an appropriate analysis and design.
3. Learning Outcomes
At the end of this module, the students must be able to:
Identify and classify various types of structural system, supports and loadings
Determine the stability and determinacy of structural system
Recognize the different internal forces acting on structures
Understand how structural system react to external forces
4. Learning Content
1.1 Analysis and Design Process of
Structural Engineering
Structural analysis is an integral part of
structural engineering projects. Structural engineering
is the science and art of planning, designing, and
constructing safe and economical structures that will
serve their intended purposes. Structural engineering
projects follow various steps as shown in the flow
chart.
1. Planning Phase
This phase usually involves the establishment of the functional requirements of
the proposed structure, the general layout and dimensions of the structure, considerations
of the possible types of structures that may be feasible and the types of materials to be
used. Non-structural factors such as aesthetics, environmental impact are also considered
in this phase. The outcome of this phase is usually a structural system that meets the
functional requirements.
2. Preliminary Structural Design
This phase considers the sizes of the member of structural system based on
approximation, code requirements and past experience. The estimation of the member
sizes is the basis for the weight of the structure.
3. Estimation of Loads
This phase determines all the loads that are expected and anticipated to act on
the structure.
4. Structural Analysis
This phase carries out the values of the loads. Analysis of the loads determine the
stresses, shear forces, moments, and deflections at various points of the structure.
5. Safety and Serviceability Checks
The result of the analysis are used to determine whether or not the structure
satisfies the safety and serviceability requirements of the design codes. If the design code
requirements are satisfied, then the drawings and the construction specifications are
prepares, and the constructions phase begins.
6. Revised Structural Design
If the code requirements are not satisfied, then member sizes are revised, and
phase 3 through 5 are repeated until all the safety and serviceability requirements are
satisfied.
1.2 Classification of Structures
Tension Structures
Compression Structures
Trusses
Shear Structures
Bending Structures
1.3 Types of Support
1.4 Loads on Structures
Dead Loads
Dead load consist of the weights of the various structural members and the weights of
any objects that are permanently attached to the structure. Hence, for a building, the dead loads
include the weights of the columns, beams, and girders, the floor slab, roofing, walls, windows,
plumbing, electrical fixtures, and other miscellaneous attachments.
Example 1.
Live Loads
Live loads can vary both in their magnitude and location. They may be caused by the
weights of objects temporarily placed on a structure, moving vehicles, or natural forces.
Wind Loads
When the speed of the wind is very high, it can cause massive damage to a structure.
The reason is that the pressure created by the wind is proportional to the square of the wind
speed.
Earthquake Loads
Earthquakes produce lateral loadings on a structure through the structure’s interaction
with the ground. The magnitude of an earthquake load depends on the amount and type of
ground accelerations and the mass and stiffness of the structure.
Impact Loads
When live loads are applied rapidly to a structure, they cause larger stresses than those that
would be produced if the same loads would have been applied gradually. The dynamic effect of
the load that causes this increase in stress in the structure is referred to as impact.
Snow Loads
In many parts of the United States and the world, snow loads must be considered in designing
structures. The design snow load for a structure is based on the ground snow load for its
geographical location, which can be obtained from building codes or meteorological data for that
region.
Hydrostatic and Soil Pressures
Structures used to retain water, such as dams and tanks, as well as coastal structures partially
or fully submerged in water must be designed to resist hydrostatic pressure.
5. Teaching and Learning Activities
Answer the following:
1. What are the loads subjected to structures according to National Structural Code of the
Philippines 2015. Define each load.
2. What are the load combinations according to National Structural Code of the Philippines
2015.
Exercise. The floor system of a gymnasium consists of a 130-mm-thick concrete slab resting on
four steel beams (A = 9,100 mm2) that, in turn, are supported by two steel girders (A = 25,600
mm2), as shown in the figure below. Determine the dead loads acting on beam BF and girder AD.
6. Recommended Learning Materials and Resources for Supplementary Reading
National Structural Code of the Philippines 2015
Structural Analysis by Besavilla
Structural Analysis, Fifth Edition by Aslam Kassimali
Elementary Structural Analysis, Third Edition by Norris, Wilbur, Utku