Fundamentals of Structural Analysis (Prentice Hall International Series in Civil Engineering and Engineering Mechanics)

This volume focuses on the application of the concepts and principles of mechanics to the analysis of structures, rather than the routine solution of certain types and classes of existing structures. The significance of intuitive perception and the differences between real structures and their mathematical models is stressed. Photographs of laboratory models are used to demonstrate the behaviour of deflected beams. The book covers both classical structural analysis and matrix analysis, including an introduction to the finite element method. Original features include numerous examples of application on the direct stiffness method and a review of mechanics of rigid and deformable solids.