1.1: Structural Analysis Defined

A structure, as it relates to civil engineering, is a system of interconnected members used to support external loads. Structural analysis is the prediction of the response of structures to specified arbitrary external loads. During the preliminary structural design stage, a structure’s potential external load is estimated, and the size of the structure’s interconnected members are determined based on the estimated loads. Structural analysis establishes the relationship between a structural member’s expected external load and the structure’s corresponding developed internal stresses and displacements that occur within the member when in service. This is necessary to ensure that the structural members satisfy the safety and the serviceability requirements of the local building code and specifications of the area where the structure is located.

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