Introduction to Structural Analysis: Displacement and Force Methods

Bridging the gap between what is traditionally taught in textbooks and what is actually practiced in engineering firms, Introduction to Structural Analysis: Displacement and Force Methods clearly explains the two fundamental methods of structural analysis: the displacement method and the force method. It also shows how these methods are applied, particularly to trusses, beams, and rigid frames.

Acknowledging the fact that virtually all computer structural analysis programs are based on the matrix displacement method of analysis, the text begins with the displacement method. A matrix operations tutorial is also included for review and self-learning. To minimize any conceptual difficulty readers may have, the displacement method is introduced with the plane truss analysis and the concept of nodal displacement.

The book then presents the force method of analysis for plane trusses to illustrate force equilibrium, deflection, statistical indeterminacy, and other concepts that help readers to better understand the behavior of a structure. It also extends the force method to beam and rigid frame analysis. Toward the end of the book, the displacement method reappears along with the moment distribution and slope-deflection methods in the context of beam and rigid frame analysis. Other topics covered include influence lines, non-prismatic members, composite structures, secondary stress analysis, and limits of linear and static structural analysis.

Integrating classical and modern methodologies, this book explains complicated analysis using simplified methods and numerous examples. It provides readers with an understanding of the underlying methodologies of finite element analysis and the practices used by professional structural engineers.

S.T. Mau, PhD, PE, is a professor in the Department of Civil Engineering and Applied Mechanics at California State University, Northridge. He was formerly Dean of Engineering at New Jersey Institute of Technology and California State University, Northridge, and department chair at National Taiwan University and University of Houston. He is also the co-author of a previous textbook, Elementary Theory of Structures, Fourth Edition (1995), and a recipient of the Moisseiff Award of the American Society of Civil Engineers.

Truss Analysis: Matrix Displacement MethodWhat Is a Truss?A Truss MemberMember Stiffness Equation in Global CoordinatesUnconstrained Global Stiffness EquationConstrained Global Stiffness Equation and Its SolutionProcedures of Truss AnalysisKinematic StabilitySummary
Truss Analysis: Force Method—Part IIntroductionStatically Determinate Plane Truss TypesMethod of Joints and Method of SectionsMatrix Method of Joints
Truss Analysis: Force Method—Part IITruss DeflectionIndeterminate Truss Problems: Method of Consistent DeformationsLaws of ReciprocityConcluding Remarks
Beam and Frame Analysis: Force Method—Part IWhat Are Beams and Frames?Statical Determinacy and Kinematic StabilityShear and Moment DiagramsStatically Determinate Beams and Frames
Beam and Frame Analysis: Force Method—Part IIDeflection of Beams and FramesIntegration MethodsEnergy MethodsFrame Deflection
Beam and Frame Analysis: Force Method—Part IIIStatically Indeterminate Beams and FramesIndeterminate Beam AnalysisIndeterminate Frame Analysis
Beam and Frame Analysis: Displacement Method—Part IIntroductionMoment Distribution Method
Beam and Frame Analysis: Displacement Method—Part IISlope-Deflection MethodMatrix Stiffness Analysis of Frames
Influence LinesWhat Is an Influence Line?Beam Influence LinesTruss Influence Lines
Other TopicsIntroductionNon-Prismatic Beam and Frame MembersEffects of Support Movement, Temperature, and Construction ErrorSecondary Stresses in TrussesComposite StructuresMaterials NonlinearityGeometric NonlinearityStructural StabilityDynamic EffectsFinite Element Method

Appendix A: Matrix Algebra Review

Appendix B: Supplementary Review Notes