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1 Introduction to Statics and
Structural Analysis
KL21 03, CLASS 02
SEMESTER I 201 2/ 201 3
Definitions
Mechanics: the physical science which deals with
the effect of forces on objects. the effect of forces on objects.
Statics: part of mechanics which concerns the
equilibriumof bodies under action of forces.
Dynamics: part of mechanics which concerns the
motion of bodies under action of forces.
Structure: a system of connected parts used to Structure: a system of connected parts used to
support loads (in more general term: body).
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Structural Analysis
The process to determine how a structure responds to
specified loads, based on the application of physical specified loads, based on the application of physical
laws (engineering mechanics) and mathematics.
Primary objective:
computation of reactions,
internal forces, stresses,
and deformations and deformations.
Fundamental relations:
equilibrium, constitutive,
and compatibility.
Scalars and Vectors
Scalar quantities: only associated with magnitude.
Vector quantities: possess direction as well as Vector quantities: possess direction as well as
magnitude.
Free vector: not confined to a unique point or line in space.
Sliding vector: has a line of action but not at a unique point of
application. The vector can be applied at any point along the
line of action.
Example: When an external force acts on a body, the force can be
applied at any point along its line of action without changing the applied at any point along its line of action without changing the
external effect on the body. (see principle of transmissibility in
Chapter 2)
Fixed vector: has a unique point of application
Example: In calculations of internal forces due to an applied force,
the force must be treated as a fixed vector.
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Vector Addition
Parallelogram rule
Triangle rule
Vector subtraction
Component of a Vector
Two vectors (or three for vector in space) whose sum
equals a certain vector V are the components of that equals a certain vector V are the components of that
vector.
Components of a vector are related to vector addition. Use parallelogram rule
to determine the components of a vector.
Components of a vector are not always equal to the projections of the vector
onto the same axes. They will be the same only if the axes are perpendicular to
each other (figures (b) and (c) above).
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Units
Unit SI US
mass kilogram (kg) slug mass kilogram (kg) slug
length meter (m)
foot (ft., )
inch (in., )
time second (s) second (s)
force Newton (N) pound (lb)
1 N = 1 kg-m/s
2
1 slug = 1 lb-s
2
/ft g b /
g = 9.81 m/s
2
= 32.2 ft/s
2
= 386.4 in/s
2
Accuracy and Approximations
Accuracy to three significant figures is considered
satisfactory in most engineering calculations. satisfactory in most engineering calculations.
However, keep all the digits in the calculation to
avoid round-off errors.
Small-angle approximations are commonly used in
structural analysis (fairly accurate up to 0.2 radian
or about 10
o
): )
sin ; tan ; cos 1
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Problem Solving
Formulate the problem
State the given data State the given data.
State the desired result(s).
State your assumptions (if any).
Develop the solution
Draw any diagrams you need to understand the relationships.
State the governing principles/equations.
Make your calculations.
Check the consistency of the units.
Ensure that the answers are reasonable in terms of magnitude,
directions, common sense, etc.