An Overview of Structural Analysis
Structural analysis is the process that examines the physical integrity
of a structure, such as an aircraft, bridge, building or sea vessel.
This process relies on the constant laws and principals of physics and
mathematics to predict and examine the stability of a structure. It is
often used to evaluate the ability of a structure to withstand high
winds, forces of nature, heavy weight loads, earthquakes and flood
waters.
Why Structural Analysis is Important
Structural analysis is an instrumental part of any architectural
student's training. Engineers rely on structural analysis to render
structurally sound plans and models. Without structural analysis,
countless dollars would be wasted on the trial and error method of
building full scale structures only to find later that they are
physically flawed.
The process can also be used to evaluate the safety and integrity of
bridges, embankments and buildings following a natural disaster such as
an earthquake or flood. In this form, structural analysis can help to
save lives.
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govern it were studied by historical figures such as Leonardo da Vinci and Galileo
Galilei. The Goal of Structural Analysis
The main goal of the structural analysis process is to compute the
internal forces, stresses and deformations of any given structure.
By
inputting certain facts pertaining to the materials used, support
conditions, structural loads and geometry, a resulting equation can be
compared to know failure criteria. |
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Three Approaches to Structural Analysis
This process can be approached in three different ways: the mechanics of
the given materials, continuum mechanics and the elasticity theory, and
the finite element approach. All three approaches are based on the
fundamentals of equilibrium, constitutive, and compatibility.
Approach One: The Mechanics and Strength of the Materials Used
This approach uses the known properties of each type of building
material and examines mathematically how those materials will react
under the stress of a load. The computations are based on linear
isotropic infinitesimal elasticity and Euler-Bernoulli beam theory. This
approach is considered to be simpler in nature than the other two and
can be computed by hand.
Approach Two: Elasticity Methods
The second analytical approach uses a set of equations for linear
elasticity. This system is part of 15 partial differential equations and
may be used only for relatively simple geometries. This process is
useful in examining structural elements such as beams, shells, columns,
plates and shafts. This approach can also be computed by hand.
The Third Approach: the Finite Element Approach
The finite element approach examines a structure's connection between
various materials and determines the flexibility or stiffness of the
structure. This approach is used for more complex structures and often
requires the use of a computer.
This brief overview of structural analysis examines the bare bones
basics of the process and does not include the inherent limitations and
effectiveness of each approach to structural analysis.
Josh Parker is a staff writer for Strucalc - Structural Analysis
Software Company. StruCalc is one of the most intuitive structural
analysis and design programs available. With structural analysis
software, you can Quickly size beams, columns, and footings with
StruCalc 7.0 Software. Strucalc offers quality, professional software,
built with strict engineering methods and specifications to every
business in need of an easy to use, affordable software package.
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