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Structural Engineering Basics - Fundamentals of Structural and Building Engineering

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Structural engineering is a branch of civil engineering that involves the application of the laws of physics, mathematics and empirical knowledge to safely design the 'bones' and load bearing elements of man made structures. Modern day structural engineering provides a large and detailed body of knowledge that can accurately predict the performance of different shapes and materials used in structures to resist loads and stresses on structures. The principles of structural engineering were used thousands of years ago when building structures like the pyramids in Egypt or the Acropolis in Greece.

WHAT DO STRUCTURAL ENGINEERS DO?

Structural engineers are trained professionals who are responsible for making sure that the structures we use in our daily lives, like bridges and tall buildings, are safe, stable and don't collapse under applied loads. They do this by applying their technical knowledge to specify different types of construction materials in various shapes and geometries and design structures that can withstand the pressures and stresses of their environment such as gravity loads, storms and earthquakes.

As a structural engineer, I work closely with my clients to understand the function of the project in order to provide a safe, constructable and economical solution to complete their project successfully. Generally speaking, the structural design process of a building can be divided into three stages: load calculation, structural analysis and design.

Depending on the function of the building, standards and building codes can be used to estimate the weight of the building, and snow, wind and earthquake loads on the structures. Once the loads acting on the structure are known, the structure is analyzed to determine the effect of all these loads on the individual elements of the structure. Engineering software can be used by structural engineers to analyze different kinds of structures. It is always a good idea to check the validity of the software results using first principal knowledge and basic structural analysis formulas. The forces and stresses from the structural analysis software can be used to design the main structural elements including the floor system, vertical supports, foundations and other parts of the building.

As a structural engineer, the safety of the public is my top priority. When it comes to buildings and infrastructure we use in our society, the consequences of a collapsed structure can be catastrophic. This is the why structural engineers use factors of safety in their design to account for uncertainty in load assumptions and unexpected deficiency in construction material or workm anship.

WHERE DO STRUCTURAL ENGINEERS WORK?

Structural engineers are brought on to a project if an owner is planning on changing the use of a building, introducing more floors to a building, or adding a significant expansion to a building. It's very important to understand that introducing alterations to any structural element without consulting a professional engineer may result in serious damage to the structure and in some cases partial or extensive collapse of the building.

Structural engineers are also brought on board if there is damage to a structure due to fire, corrosion, environmental deterioration, impact or wear and tear that could result in a loss of capacity and impose a threat to the public's safety. When a structural engineer is contacted for an assessment of an existing building, they would visually inspect the structure and determine the structural integrity of the load bearing elements, potential concerns regarding the occupants safety, suggest repair techniques and recommend structural details to restore the structure to its original conditions in order to resist the applied loads.

ARE ARCHITECTS & ENGINEERS THE SAME THING?

I get this question often and the answer is no. Both architects and engineers have important but different roles in the design of a building. I like to explain this by thinking of a residential building for an example. If the aesthetics of the building looks pleasing and the spaces inside feel comfortable and inviting, this means that the architect did a good job designing the building. The work of the structural engineer however, is evident in the stability of the structure under different loading conditions. No matter how windy it is outside or how much snow there is on the roof, the building remains in tact, safe and comfortable to its occupants.

Hopefully you now have a good understanding as to what structural engineering is, what structural engineers do, and the importance of structural engineering in a society where there are structures all around us that we are constant using in our day to day lives. Structural engineers, as do other engineers, have a huge responsibility to ensure that the public is safe and cared for, and that their best interests are considered. If you have any questions with regards to structural engineering, feel free to leave a comment below!

If you'd like to learn more about the basics of structural engineering, please download our FREE Ultimate Guide to Structural Engineering Basics or sign up for our detailed online structural engineering course here.

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What Is Structural Engineering & What Do Structural Engineers Do?

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Structural engineering is a branch of civil engineering that involves the application of the laws of physics, mathematics and empirical knowledge to safely design the 'bones' and load bearing elements of man made structures.

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SkyCiv Cloud Structural Analysis Software

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Defining Structural Analysis

Structural analysis is the process of calculating and determining the effects of loads and internal forces on a structure, building or object. Structural Analysis is particularly important for structural engineers to ensure they completely understand the load paths and the impacts the loads have on their engineering design. It allows engineers or designers to ensure a piece of equipment or structure is safe for use under the estimated loads it is expected to withstand. Structural Analysis can either be performed during design, testing or post-construction and will generally account for the materials used, geometry of the structure and applied loads.

Structural Analysis usually looks at individual structural elements, and the forces they undergo. A structural engineer will look at the structural analysis results for beams, slabs, cables and walls. All of these elements have forces applied to them, such as wind loads, dead loads (like self weight) and live loads (like people or vehicles). So it is important for the engineer to review how each of these elements behave under these loads. This is the core focus of structural analysis.

What are the types of Structural Analysis?

There are various methods used to perform structural analysis, depending on the level of accuracy required by the engineer. We can define structural analysis as being any of the following methods:

1. Hand Calculations

Simple hand calculations are an extremely fast and easy way to evaluate the effects of simple forces on simple structures. An example would be calculating the bending moment forces on a horizontal beam. These back of the envelope calculations are standard practice in civil engineering, for those who do not wish to spend long hours designing the structure - but rather wish to know the rough forces a beam will undergo due to applied loads. Our structural engineering tutorials have some fantastic tutorials on how to perform some simple structural analysis using hand calculations.

2. Finite Element Analysis

Finite Element Analysis (FEA) is a complex numerical method used to solve complicated problems which contain a number of variable inputs such as boundary conditions, applied loads and support types. It is a far more complicated, yet accurate method to run structural analysis compared to hand calculations. FEA requires that the structure is broken up into smaller parts (or elements) which can be evaluated individually for a more accurate estimate of the solution. This can be an extremely difficult and time consuming process to set up and run. It is common that an FEA model will comprise of matrices thousands of entries - making it pretty much impossible to be evaluated by human calculations. In saying this - FEA is an extremely powerful and accurate method of structural analysis and is the backbone of most Structural Analysis Software.

3. Structural Analysis Software

There are a great number of Structural Analysis Software that can perform the accurate FEA calculations without the difficulty of having to manually set up the complex process. SkyCiv Structural 3D is one such software which allows users to evaluate the effects of point loads, moments and distributed loads on a structure or design ( SkyCiv S3D Documentation). This method is hands down the optimal and most common method to evaluate a structure with high precision and low calculation time. Some drawbacks of standard software is that it can be inaccessible or expensive. However, here at SkyCiv we aim to completely remove such disadvantages by providing affordable structural analysis software on an online platform - ready to be used by structural analysis engineer from any computer at anytime!
SkyCiv Structural 3D Software Demo

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Defining Structural Analysis Structural analysis is the process of calculating and determining the effects of loads and internal forces on a structure, building or object. Structural Analysis is particularly important for structural engineers to ensure they completely understand the load paths and the impacts the loads have

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Rishabh Engineering Services - Quality Engineering Solutions

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Structural stress and flexibility analysis services using STAAD Pro ensures the safety and durability of the plant.

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Structural analysis is the method of determining and calculating the effects of loads and internal forces acting on a structure, building, or object. It is a process determining the response of the structure to specified arbitrary external loads.

Structural Analysisof structure is essential before starting construction work. It provides the details of the size of the foundation, the size of the column and beam, and reinforcement details that are sufficient to carry the load acting on the structure. Before constructing any structure, there are several documents required like plan, elevation & section details.

This process of finding out the load that a structure can carry safely, without failure is called Structure Analysis.

The most general definition of a structure is a building or an object made from several parts. From an engineering point of view, the structure may be defined as follows:

The structure is composed of a number of components or elements connected together by joints or supports to fulfill the function for which it is constructed; in such a way that they can transmit the forces coming on the structure to the foundation safely without showing considerable deformation.

Theconcept of structural analysis is applied not only in building constructions but also in our day-to-day life.
For instance,

The aluminum container for carrying food parcels is provided with vertical ribs, which can impart stiffness to it. As a result, it becomes easier to carry it without bending.

The game of building blocks, which you might have played in childhood, is also based on principles of structural analysis. If you insert several blocks in a straight line, then the blocks will fall.

A similar phenomenon happens in the case of buildings. Slender buildings that are very tall tend to collapse.

However, you can prevent this by providing a firm base, i.e., increasing the fixity at the base.

To know the behavior of the structure under the loaded condition.

To know the maximum load up to which the structure can be loaded, so that the structure will not fail.

To ensure that the displacement and deformation remain within the permissible limits.

As discussed earlier, a structure is composed of many parts joined together to transfer the loads. These parts are referred to as elements/members in structural analysis. Some of the structural elements are mentioned below:

Beam: A horizontal member transmitting transverse loads. Resistance loads are applied laterally to the beam axis. The load produces shear and bending moments in the beam.

Column: A vertical member carrying only gravity loads. It transmits axial force or bending force.

Truss: A structure having slender members connected by pin-joint. It carries axial load only, applied at joints. Members undergo either compression or tension.

Grid: Network of beams intersecting each other at right angles. Vertical loading is transmitted through grids.

Frame: Network of beams and columns with rigid joints.

Plates: Members carrying bending in two directions are called plate structures.

Continuum mechanics principles are followed in their analysis. A concrete flat slab is an example of a plate structure

Arch: Members carrying compression in one direction only.

Following are the load act on structure,

The loads on the structure due to the self-weight of the building and the weight of the permanent furniture are classified as dead loads.

To calculate dead load,

Assess the quantity of the material

Multiply it by the unit weight of the material

Dead Load = Quantity of Material x Unit Weight
The unit weights of the material can be found from IS: 875(Part I)- 1987.

The loads that are 'imposed' on the structure are called imposed loads. The following loads are included I imposed loads:

The loads which change their position with respect to time are called live loads.

E.g., the weight of a person, furniture, moving partitions, etc.

The minimum values to be taken for the design purpose are given in IS:875 (Part II)- 1987 based on the occupancy of the building, i.e., whether the structure is residential, warehouse, etc.

Loads from the crane and other moving machinery are called crane loads.

These loads are vital for the structure. If they are not considered, then the structure may undergo failure during its erection itself!

These loads can be known from the manufacturer's data.

For off-shore structures, these loads are essential.

e.g., the force exerted by water current on the bridge piers, abutments, and other waterfront structures

These are random loads, and specialists with enough experience are needed to determine them.

The pressure exerted by the soil on the structures or part of the structure embedded partly or fully in the ground is called earth pressure.

These loads are required for the foundation of the structures.

These are also needed for the design of retaining walls, underground water tanks, culverts, bridges, etc.

The structures carrying moving loads are to be designed for impact loads.

e.g., bridge

The force exerted on the structures by the horizontal component of the wind is considered under the wind load.

It is considered for the design of tall buildings.

the earthquake causes shaking of ground in all directions, and role reversal in the structural elements take place.

As the ground shakes horizontally, horizontal inertia forces are generated. These lateral forces are transferred through slabs, beams, and columns.

And Columns that are designed to carry compressive loads start getting tensile loads too.

So, the lateral forces are evaluated to make the structure earthquake-resistant.

The following values are needed to be for executing any structural analysis,

Material properties (To know the value of Elastic Modulus)

Structural load

Support conditions

Geometry

As you complete the Structural analysis, you will have the values:

Support reactions

Displacement value

Stress in the member

These values are then compared to the criteria for structural failure to conclude how much load the member will be able to resist.

Based on Type,

1. Solid structure

2. Frame structure

3. Membrane structure

4. Composite structure

Based on the Form,

1. 1-D structures: Rope, cable. Strut, beam, column, and arch

2. 2-D structures: slab, membranes, domes, and plates

3. 3-D structures: Solid masses

Based on the Determinacy of the structure,

Determinate structure: The structure whose support reactions and internal forces in the members can be found from the equations of static equilibrium is called a statically determinate structure.

2. Indeterminate structures: The structure whose support reactions and internal forces in the members can NOT be found out from the equations of static equilibrium is called a statically indeterminate structure.

Indeterminate structures are further classified into statically or kinematically indeterminate structures.

The structure should remain in equilibrium after a load is applied to it. In simple terms, no component of the structure should exhibit motion on the application of load. When can this condition be fulfilled?

If the structure possesses sufficient rigidity to develop reactions in response to the loads applied to it, then the equilibrium of the structure is achieved.

To check whether a structure will be in equilibrium or not, three mathematical equations are developed for two-dimensional structures, and six mathematical equations are developed for three-dimensional structures.
For 2-D Structures,
The following 3 conditions should be fulfilled:

1. The summation of the forces in the horizontal direction should be zero.

2. The summation of the forces in the vertical direction should be zero.

3. The summation of the moments about the direction perpendicular to both the above forces should be zero.

For 3-D Structures,

The following 6 conditions should be fulfilled:

1. The summation of the forces in the horizontal direction (X) should be zero

2. The summation of the forces in the vertical direction(Y) should be zero

3. The summation of the forces in the direction perpendicular to both horizontal and vertical directions (Z) should be zero

4. The summation of the moments in the horizontal direction(X) should be zero

5. The summation of the moments in the vertical direction(Y) should be zero

6. The summation of the moments about the direction perpendicular to both horizontal and vertical directions (Z) forces should be zero

The structural analysis can be completed by applying the following step-by-step procedure:

For structural analysis, the idealization of the structural system is done to simplify the structure and make the calculations simpler and easier.

Some of the idealizations that we are aware of are listed below:

We assume the beam is a line structure.

The joints of a truss are pin-jointed.

In a truss, we assume loads are acting only on joints; the loads acting on members cause bending moments, which is not suitable for the truss. And as we have assumed the truss to possess pin or hinge joints, it cannot take bending moments.

The threats to structures are the forces acting on them, which tend to reduce their capacity and stability. These can be in the form of various loads, as discussed earlier.

Concentrated load

Distributed load

Concentrated moment

Distributed moment

Internal force (axial, shear, or moment)

Defection

Internal stresses include:

Bending stresses: Caused by the bending moment.

Shear stresses: Caused by the shear force.

The efficiency of the Structure

Efficiency: Structural efficiency is the measure of the mass of a structure to the load it can support safely without excessive deformation and deflections.

If a structure is lighter and supports heavy loads, then its efficiency is deemed higher.

The following methods may be implemented for the analysis of the Determinate Structures,

For Beams,

Macaulay's method

Moment area method

Conjugate beam method

Consistent Deformation method

From Influence Line Diagrams

Method of Joints

Method of Sections

Unit load method

From Influence Line Diagrams

Compatibility equations and the Principle of Superposition are mostly applied during the analysis of indeterminate structures.

The following methods may be implemented for the analysis of the Indeterminate Structures

Castigliano's Theorem

Slope Deflection method

Moment Distribution Method

From Influence Line Diagrams (Used for structures having Moving Loads, like Bridges)

Matrix methods

Stiffness method

Flexibility method

FAQs:
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Structural Analysis | What Is Structural Analysis | Load Acting On Structure

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Structural analysis is the method of determining and calculating the effects of loads and internal forces acting on a structure, building, or object. It is a process determining the response of the structure to specified arbitrary external loads. Structural Analysisof structure is essential before starting construction work.

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Engineers and architects must understand as much about their structures as possible. This helps them to design better models. Applying structural analysis techniques allows them to do this.

Finding its roots in software development, structural analysis has evolved. Today, architects and engineers can use structural analysis in several ways. It's important in everything from model development through to building information modelling.

Structural analysis involves the use of graphs and diagrams to represent a system. These visual documents portray the system's specifications in a way that others understand. In software development, you'd use it to portray the system you intend to code. However, you can apply the basic steps to your models.

Think of it in terms of the 3D models you create for clients. You need to find a logical path from the data you have to the model you want to create. Structural analysis techniques, much like building information modelling, allow you to do that. They help you to tackle complex data sets, producing an accessible structure at the end.

Structural analysis primarily focuses on the data needed to ensure a software or model performs its functions. As a result, it requires a logical approach. Engineers and architects train such skills extensively. This allows them to convert project requirements into a model or program that meets the client's needs.

These are several benefits of using structural analysis for engineers and architects. However, you must adapt the software-oriented approach for your field. Let's look at the steps involved in using the technique.

7 Steps To Structural Analysis

A typically structural analysis involves seven steps. Here, we've adapted the steps for use when designing a structure. If you follow these steps, you'll reap the benefits of structural analysis.

Step #1 - Study the Existing Solution

In the case of architects and engineers, this step often involves studying an existing building. You may have to design a replacement for an existing structure. Alternatively, you may have a pre-existing model a client has refused.

In either case, the first step involves looking at what currently exists. Look for the problem points, and confer with your client. Ask them why the current solution doesn't work for them.

Step #2 - Model the Current Solution

You may want to create a model for the existing building as part of your structural analysis. This is where you use the data collected in step 1. The model provides a visual representation of the faults you've spotted.

Sometimes, you can use this model to demonstrate why a client may need a new solution. They may be unaware of the problems you highlight.

As a side note, you can skip the first two steps if there's no previous solution to work from.

Step #3 - Model a New System

This is where your design skills come into play. You build a new model that confronts the issues found in the old one.

Many use building information modelling for this purpose. You can input the current data sets to create the existing model, and share it using the cloud. Each stakeholder then applies their expertise to the model. In doing so, they collectively create a new, improved model.

This new model forms the basis of what you'll present to your clients.

Step #4 - Model the Physical Environment

Lighting, the land, and the flow of people are all aspects of the physical environment. Architects and engineers must account for these external factors during their structural analysis.

Again, building information modelling may help. You can use the data you collect to determine how the physical environment affects your model. Look at things like lighting, as well as the surrounding structures.

Step #5 - Evaluate the Alternatives

Clients may want to see that the solution you develop is the best one possible. As a result, you must consider the alternatives.

Evaluate each individually, picking out its pros and cons. Use this information to explain why your model is the superior choice. The use of multiple models in building information modelling also helps. It allows you to identify and evaluate alternative solutions. Use the collected data in different ways to see how it affects the model you've developed.

Step #6 - Choose the Best Method

Step 5 may have shown you that a different approach works better than the method you came up with. Don't ignore this.

If an alternative method offers a better solution, make the switch. Remember that you want to deliver the best possible solution to your client. This may involve scrapping previous work. However, it's worth it to provide the best solution to the problem.

Step #7 - Create the Graphical Specs

You'll probably have done this throughout the process. After all, the model you create is a graphic in its own right. You may also have various 2D and 3D drawings.

As a result, this final step often involves touching things up for final presentation standard. For example, you may have to consider how you'll render the completed model. Alternatively, you may have to consider which digital design software package works best for the model. Some create their initial models in basic design software, before moving onto more complex software later on.

The Benefits of Using Structural Analysis

So, you've seen the steps, but you may still wonder about the benefits of using structural analysis. The system helps you in several aspects of your projects.

Benefit #1 - Greater Efficiency

Much like with building information modelling, structural analysis improves project efficiency. Following the steps means there's little room to miss the important things. You cover every base, from the issues with an existing model through to the alternatives to the model you come up with.

You have a plan in place and establish feasibility at an early stage. Furthermore, you create a structure that all stakeholders can work within. Everybody understands their role within your projects and works as per the system's design.

The use of data and logic also ensure projects don't run over time and budget. You use your data to its maximum capacity and create logical models.

This has an impact at all levels of the project. You get your models completed quicker, but you also ensure contractors don't run into issues during the building phase. The logical progression required for structural analysis leaves no stones unturned. They won't come back to you with issues you failed to account for.

Instead, you account for every obstacle the project may face. As a result, there are fewer delays required to tackle issues that other stakeholders bring up later on. Most building information modelling software packages also take potential obstacles into account.

Benefit #2 - It Takes Client Needs into Account

In most cases, your clients have come to you with a problem. They may need you to redesign an existing model. Or, they have certain specifications your model must meet.

One of the benefits of using structural analysis is that the technique takes the client's needs into account from the beginning. The process of analysing and modelling the current system helps. It allows you to ask questions of the client, and gives them time to tell you about specific issues.

This continues throughout the process. Modelling the physical environment offers a real-world interpretation of your model. You also consider the alternatives, which gives your client something else to think about.

At every stage of the structural analysis process, you take the needs of your clients into account. This results in quicker project turnarounds and more satisfied clients.

Benefit #3 - Better Risk Analysis

One of the benefits of using structural analysis is that it challenges you to look at all aspects of a project. As a result, you analyse risks constantly. The data points out areas of contention, so you can adapt the model to them.

This benefit also comes back to the client-focus. You have a better understanding of what the client wants. As a result, you take on less risk when designing the model. In some cases, you may even get feedback from the clients' customers. For example, you could expect more feedback when replacing an older model. The clients' customers may have raised complaints, which you can use to shape your own efforts.

Step 5 also forces you to take stock of the solution that you come up with. Many architects and engineers assume their ideas offer the best solution. This creates risk, as it means they don't look at potential alternatives.

The benefits of using structural analysis include the analysis of alternatives. You don't run the risk of somebody coming up with a better idea. After all, you've considered multiple ideas as part of the process.

The structural approach means you examine your models in more detail. Combine it with building information modelling to get as many stakeholders involved as possible. Together, you'll discover the risks, and come up with ways to overcome them.

Benefit #4 - It Makes Projects More Manageable

You confront the issue of feasibility during the early stages of the process. You collect data, consider the problem, and come up with a solution. As a result, the project grows from a solid foundation. You understand how you'll manage every stage of the project, and who you must involve.

Using structural analysis when developing models helps you to determine the workload your team takes on. You can assign tasks confidently, and ensure you have the correct people in place.

It comes down to the planning. The data you have available shows you exactly what you need to do. Your models build on this information. As the process continues, you identify problem areas and tasks. For example, you'll know when to invite contributions from electricians. Plus, you can tackle potential structural issues early in the process.

Structural analysis gives you control of the project from start to finish.

Benefit #5 - Create Updateable Models

Structural analysis doesn't just take the client's present needs into account. It also considers future issues. It allows for the creation of models you can modify and update as time goes on.

This is particularly useful during the pre-construction stage. Your models may face last minute changes. An uncaught design flaw could cause issues, or the client may change their requirements.

Each demands modification of the existing model. Sometimes, you may need to add to your model based on the client's new requirements. Combine the structural analysis approach with the right building information modelling software. This helps in several ways.

For example, you can code new data sets into the model to reflect the changes. The building information modelling structure also allows you to share these changes with your team. Everybody can contribute to the ongoing maintenance and updating of the model during development. As a result, new client demands don't set the project back too far. Your model can adapt to them, in preparation for the construction phase.

Conclusion

As you can see, the processes behind structural analysis don't just apply to software development. You can adapt them to the models you build. In doing so, you will reap the benefits of using structural analysis.

These benefits include greater efficiency, which leads to faster project turnarounds. You'll spend less time and money on projects, allowing you to take more work on. Clients feel more involved in the process, and feel happier with the results. You can also create plans for the work to come, and incorporate all the relevant project data.

Also, structural analysis helps you understand the risks associated with your project. Applying the technique also results in the creation of more flexible, updateable models.

Think of your model as the development stage for a piece of software. Use it to iron out the bugs. You can then move onto construction.

Before you can enjoy the benefits of using structural analysis, you need the right tools at your disposal. That's where Archistar Academy can help.

Furthermore, Archistar Academy offers several courses across the spectrum of digital design software. You'll develop your skills, allowing you to create more accurate and functional models.

Please don't hesitate to get in touch with Archistar Academy today if you have any questions.

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The Benefits of Using Structural Analysis

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Engineers and architects must understand as much about their structures as possible. This helps them to design better models.

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needs additional citations for verification .improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. (Learn how and when to remove this template message)

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Structural analysis is the process of performing calculations to help determine the effects of different internal forces and types of loads on a particular structure, or building. Structural analysis is an important component for structural engineers as it helps them to fully understand the specific load paths and the impacts that the different types of loads have on their engineering design.

Importance of Structural Analysis

The structural analysis allows designers or engineers to make sure that a structure, or a piece of equipment, is safe for use under the estimated loads that the structure is expected to withstand. Structural analysis is performed prior to the design stage, and it provides the internal forces and stresses that will be evaluated during the design and code checking. The process will typically account for the materials used, applied loads, and geometry of the structure or object.

The Types of Structural Analysis

Several different types of structural analysis can be done to accommodate the specific project requirements. The following methods are how structural analysis can be performed:

Simple hand calculations provide an extremely fast and simple option to evaluate the different effects of simple forces on simple structures. A possible scenario would be to calculate the bending moment forces on a horizontal beam. These simple calculations are a standard practice often seen in the civil engineering sector. It is suitable for engineers who prefer not to spend an extended period of time designing, but would like to still determine the rough forces that a beam will be exposed to due to applied loads.

Finite Element Analysis is a much more complicated numerical method that can help engineers to solve complex problems with various variable inputs like applied loads, boundary conditions, and support types. Finite Element Analysis may be more complex but it is much more accurate as compared to hand calculations. This method requires the structure to be broken up into smaller sections to be individually evaluated to obtain a more accurate estimate of the solution. This may be a time-consuming process that may also pose various issues to implement and execute. It is common for a Finite Element Analysis model to involve matrices from thousands of entries which most definitely cannot be done through human calculations.

A structural analysis and design software performs an accurate set of calculations without all the complex procedures. The software enables engineers to evaluate the effects of moments, point loads, and distributed loads on a design or structure. This method offers unmatched results and is the most common analysis to evaluate a structure with low calculation time and high precision. Some of the common drawbacks of many standard software include the software being too costly or inaccessible. However, with ASDIP structural software, we strive to fully eradicate such disadvantages to deliver to you an affordable structural analysis and design option that can easily be accessed on any Windows operating system.

The ASDIP structural engineering program offers an array of different modules that cater to the specific needs of the variety of civil and structural engineering fields. The software comes with a user-friendly graphical user interface that is simple to use for time-saving designing and calculations.

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Understanding Structural Analysis - Structural Engineering Software

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Structural analysis is the process of performing calculations to help determine the effects of different internal forces and types of loads on a particular structure, or building. Structural analysis is an important component for structural engineers as it helps them to fully understand the specific load paths and the impacts that the different types of loads have on their engineering design.

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Structural engineering has existed since humans first started to construct their own house. Structural engineers design, and assess structure to ensure that they are efficient and stable. Structural analysis is a comprehensive determination to assure that the deformations due to load in a structure will be satisfactory and lower than the permissible limits, and failure of structure will never occur.It is a method by which we find out how a structure or a member of a structure behaves when subjected to different loads. The results of the analysis are used to verify the structure's strength for its uses. Structural analysis is thus a key part of structural engineering.
The process to determine the response or behaviour of a structure under some specified loads or combinations of loads is known as structural analysis. Response means to find out support reactions, bending moment, rotation, stresses, strains, shear force, and deflection that, the particular member would undergo due to the application of different types of loads. Analysis of a structure involves its study from the viewpoint of its strength, stiffness, stability, and vibration.
For a structural engineer to start a structural design, he/she must have the loads, or forces and moments that a particular member and the structure as a whole have to resist. Unless there are determined the design cannot start. Hence structure analysis is condition precedent to structural analysis.
The structure we are going to build is assumed to have some specific lifespan. We are going to design it in such a way that it must be capable of taking all applied load (dead as well as live) without failure during its lifespan. So, before the design, we have to determine the behaviour of structure under different load conditions. The structure is analyzed for different load combination like gravity load, live load, wind load, earthquake load apart from effects of nature and environment etc.

When any member or structure is loaded, it will undergo direct compression or tension or bending or torsion. It will get deformed. The material of that member or structure will resist load. So, that process to find out shear force, bending moment, deflection, rotation, shear stress and strain is known as structural analysis.

Structural analysis deals with a calculation of load coming on the structure and analyzing them. It is a procedure followed to find and measure the effect of external forces on physical objects like built structure elements. Structural analysis is the main tool that structural engineers use to assure that a structure can withstand various types of forces that it will encounter during its normal operation. It is used to predict the behaviour of the structure upon loads acting on them. Structural analysis is important because the design of element sizes, material to be used for structural elements are done on the basis of structural analysis.
The objective of analysis of a structure from the viewpoint of its strength is calculating internal forces, which will arise in all members of a structure as a result of external exposures.

The objective of analysis of stability of a structure is to determine the loads on a structure, which leads to presence of new forms of equilibrium.
The objective of analysis of a structure from the viewpoint of its stiffness is the determination of the displacements at specified points of a structure as a result of external exposures.
The objective of analysis of a structure from the viewpoint of its vibration is to determine the frequencies and correlative shapes of the vibration. These data are necessary for analysis of the forced vibration caused by loads like earthquake, wind etc.
Analysis of any structure is based on some assumptions. These assumptions consider the purpose and features of the structure, type of loads and operating conditions, properties of materials, etc.
Because of modern day calculation loads available, the structural analysis is divided into three large principal groups.

Static analysis

Dynamic analysis

Stability analysis

Vibration analysis

The structural analysis is based on engineering mechanics, mechanics of solids, experience and engineering judgment. For structural analysis, one must have known about the behaviour of structural elements, mathematics, and basic physics and mechanics. For assumed section, one has to find reactions, moments so that resulting stress, strain, etc.
After selection of materials and before starting the structural analysis, one has to know physical and chemical properties of materials like modulus of elasticity, plasticity, density etc.

The structural analysis is a mathematical process by which the response of a structure to specified loads and actions is determined. This response is measured by determining the stress resultants or internal forces and deformations or displacements throughout the structure.
The analysis process is done by making some assumption. In the analysis, i.e. we assume the dimensions of all the structural elements, loads, material properties, and support conditions. The sizes are generally assumed either from experience or by thumb rule which has been arrived at empirically and historically. And we have to find reactions like force, bending moment, deflection, rotation, stress, and strain at each and every point of the structure, which are the basic data that we need for structural design.
To execute an accurate analys is a structural engineer must collect information such as structural loads, geometry, support conditions, and material properties. The results of such an analysis mostly include support reactions, stresses and displacement. These data are then compared to criteria that indicate the conditions of failure.

Steps for Analysis of Structure

Structural Idealization

Applying Loads

Calculating Reactions

Calculating Internal Forces

Calculating Internal Stresses

Evaluating Efficiency and safety

Structural Analysis Method

Analytical Method

Method using Numerical Approximation

Finite Element Method

Fundamental Approaches of Structural Analysis

There are two major approaches to the analysis of any structure. The first one is related to the analysis of a structure subjected to given fixed loads and is called the fixed load approach. The outcome of this analysis are diagrams, which show a distribution of internal forces (bending moment, shear, and axial forces) and deflection for the entire structure due to the given fixed loads. These diagrams indicate the most unfavourable point (or member) of a structure under the given fixed loads.
The second approach considers that a structure is subjected to unit concentrated moving load only. The results of the second approach are graphs which are called the influence lines. Each influence line represents the distribution of internal forces in the one specified section of a structure.

Structural analysis is carried out by observation of the real structure, on a model of the structure created on some scale, and by the use of mathematical models. When elements of the main structures are to be examined, then models are used for the estimation of the different loads. Most structural analyses are executed on the mathematical models, in which the model can be elastic or inelastic, forces may be static or dynamic, and the model of the structure might be two dimensional or three dimensional.
Structural analysis is important as it provides a basis for structural design and also it evaluates whether a specific structural design will be able to withstand external and internal stresses and forces. The structural analysis helps to determine the cause of a structural failure. The purpose of the structural analysis is to design a structure that has the proper strength, safety, and rigidity. It will than allow to proportion member and its detailing, joints.

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Structural engineering has existed since humans first started to construct their own house. Structural engineers design, and assess structure to ensure that they are efficient and stable.