MODULE 1:

INTRODUCTION TO
STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS
AND ITS CONCEPTS
Engr. Kenneth Lua
 Structural Analysis
• Structural analysis is the prediction of the performance of a given
structure under prescribed loads and/or other external effects, such
as support movements and temperature changes.

Reference: Kassimali
 Structural Engineering
• Structural engineering is the science and art of planning, designing,
and constructing safe and economical structures that will serve their
intended purposes

Reference: Kassimali
Structural Analysis
vs Structural Design
Reference: Engineering Discoveries
 Phases of a Typical Structural Engineering
Project

Reference: Kassimali
 Basic Structural Elements

Truss Members – Axial Forces Only (T&C)

Strut – Compression Only
Tie – Tension Only
Columns

Beams and Girders

Beam Columns – columns subjected mainly
to bending forces

Arch – Compression
Suspended Cable - Tension

Reference: gfschools.org
Types of Loads
• Concentrated Load (kN, lbs)

• Uniform Load/ Distributed Load/ UDL (kN/m , plf )

• Triangular Load (kN/m , plf)

• Parabolic Load
Reference: gfschools.org
Reference: gfschools.org
Reference: gfschools.org
 WINDWARD

LEEWARD

Reference: gfschools.org
Reference: gfschools.org
Reference: gfschools.org
Reference: gfschools.org
Reference: gfschools.org
Reference: gfschools.org
 Load Path
Gravity/Vertical Load Path

Load -> Slab -> Beams -> Columns -> Foundation -> Ground
Reference: engineersdaily
Load Path
Lateral Load Path

Shear Wall System

Lateral Load -> Floor/Top of Wall -> Wall -> Foundation -> Ground
Load Path
Lateral Load Path

Braced System

Lateral Load -> Floor System -> Bracings -> Column/Foundation

 Load Path
Lateral Load Path

Moment Frame

Lateral Load -> Floor System/Beams -> Columns -> Foundation -> Ground
Tributary Area