INTRODUCTIVE DEFINITIONS

1. Structure: a structure is a body, composed of several structural elements so assembled that it can set
up resistance against deformation caused by the applied external forces. The various structural
elements that may be present in a structure are: tension members, compression members, flexural
members, and foundation elements.

2. Structural Engineering: it is that branch of Civil Engineering that deals with both the Structural
Analysis as well as Structural Design.

3. Structural analysis: this branch deals with the determination of internal stresses in these members as
well as the determination of reaction components, when the structure is subjected to external forces.

4. Structural design: this part deals with the selection of proper material, proper sizes, proportion and
shape of each member and its connecting details. The selection is such that it is economical and safe. It
satisfies all the stress requirements imposed by the most severe combination of loads to which the
structure is required to transmit or resist including its self-weight.

5. The design of a structure has two aspects: functional aspect and strength aspect. In the first aspect,
called functional design, a structure a structure is so proportioned and constructed that it serves the
needs efficiently for which it is constructed. In the second aspect, called structural design, the structure
should be strong enough to resist external forces to which it is subjected during its entire period of
service. The structural design in a limited sense also deals with the design of various parts or members
of a structure. The structural design is governed with the standard specifications. The hand-books are
used as working tools in the structural design.

6. Design of Steel Structures: it is a structural design, when the structural steel is used as a material for
the structure.

7. Design of Timber Structures: it is a structural design, when the timber is used as a material for the
structure.

Requirements governing any structural design: these are conditions that must satisfy any designed
structure. The structure must:

 Have adequate strength

 Have adequate stability and rigidity
 Be durable
 Fit the functional requirements
 Etc.
The aim of the structural designer is to produce a safe and economical structure to meet certain
functional and esthetic requirements. The general design procedure consists of the following steps:

 Selection of type of structure,

 Layout of the structure,
 Determination of forces on the structure in elements (or components) of the structure and,
 Checking the performance of the structure under service condition