Structural Mechanics

This text aims to provide a sound understanding of fundamental principles of structural mechanics. The emphasis is on student centred learning, and the information will be of use to first year undergraduate and HNC/HND students in Engineering and Building. The first chapter includes the basic principles of statics, which provide the foundation material for the rest of the book. Subsequent chapters deal with concepts of structural form and types of loading. Techniques for analyzing statically determinate pin jointed frame structures and simply supported and cantilevered beams are introduced. The drawing of shear force and bending moment diagrams for beams subjected to different types of loading is also covered. There are chapters on stress analysis, combined bending and axial loading. The book appreciates the need for an understanding of the principle theories, even those routine calculations which are frequently carried out by computers, in order to progress to the more advanced concepts of structural behaviour.