Module 1

CE 311 – THEORY OF STRUCTURES

1. Title of the Module

Chapter 1 – Introduction to Structural Analysis

2. Introduction

Before structural analysis takes its course, its preliminary aspects are necessary to be
realized. Such process, emanating from the theory of structures is discussed in order to
recognize the types of structures, their components, supports and loadings. Considering these
elements will pave way for an appropriate analysis and design.

3. Learning Outcomes

At the end of this module, the students must be able to:

 Identify and classify various types of structural system, supports and loadings
 Determine the stability and determinacy of structural system
 Recognize the different internal forces acting on structures
 Understand how structural system react to external forces

4. Learning Content

1.1 Analysis and Design Process of

Structural Engineering

Structural analysis is an integral part of

structural engineering projects. Structural
engineering is the science and art of planning,
designing, and constructing safe and economical
structures that will serve their intended purposes.
Structural engineering projects follow various steps
as shown in the flow chart.
 1. Planning Phase
This phase usually involves the establishment of the functional requirements of
the proposed structure, the general layout and dimensions of the structure,
considerations of the possible types of structures that may be feasible and the types of
materials to be used. Non-structural factors such as aesthetics, environmental impact
are also considered in this phase. The outcome of this phase is usually a structural
system that meets the functional requirements.

2. Preliminary Structural Design

This phase considers the sizes of the member of structural system based on
approximation, code requirements and past experience. The estimation of the member
sizes is the basis for the weight of the structure.

3. Estimation of Loads
This phase determines all the loads that are expected and anticipated to act on
the structure.

4. Structural Analysis
This phase carries out the values of the loads. Analysis of the loads determine
the stresses, shear forces, moments, and deflections at various points of the structure.

5. Safety and Serviceability Checks

The result of the analysis are used to determine whether or not the structure
satisfies the safety and serviceability requirements of the design codes. If the design
code requirements are satisfied, then the drawings and the construction specifications
are prepares, and the constructions phase begins.

6. Revised Structural Design

If the code requirements are not satisfied, then member sizes are revised, and
phase 3 through 5 are repeated until all the safety and serviceability requirements are
satisfied.

1.2 Classification of Structures

 Tension Structures
 Compression Structures

 Trusses

 Shear Structures

 Bending Structures
 1.3 Types of Support

1.4 Loads on Structures

 Dead Loads
Dead load consist of the weights of the various structural members and the weights of
any objects that are permanently attached to the structure. Hence, for a building, the dead
loads include the weights of the columns, beams, and girders, the floor slab, roofing, walls,
windows, plumbing, electrical fixtures, and other miscellaneous attachments.

Example 1.
  Live Loads
Live loads can vary both in their magnitude and location. They may be caused by the
weights of objects temporarily placed on a structure, moving vehicles, or natural forces.

 Wind Loads
When the speed of the wind is very high, it can cause massive damage to a structure.
The reason is that the pressure created by the wind is proportional to the square of the wind
speed.

 Earthquake Loads
Earthquakes produce lateral loadings on a structure through the structure’s interaction
with the ground. The magnitude of an earthquake load depends on the amount and type of
ground accelerations and the mass and stiffness of the structure.
  Impact Loads
When live loads are applied rapidly to a structure, they cause larger stresses than those that
would be produced if the same loads would have been applied gradually. The dynamic effect of
the load that causes this increase in stress in the structure is referred to as impact.
 Snow Loads
In many parts of the United States and the world, snow loads must be considered in
designing structures. The design snow load for a structure is based on the ground snow load for
its geographical location, which can be obtained from building codes or meteorological data for
that region.

 Hydrostatic and Soil Pressures

Structures used to retain water, such as dams and tanks, as well as coastal structures
partially or fully submerged in water must be designed to resist hydrostatic pressure.

5. Teaching and Learning Activities

Answer the following:

1. What are the loads subjected to structures according to National Structural Code of the
Philippines 2015. Define each load.
2. What are the load combinations according to National Structural Code of the Philippines
2015.

Exercise. The floor system of a gymnasium consists of a 130-mm-thick concrete slab resting on
four steel beams (A = 9,100 mm2) that, in turn, are supported by two steel girders (A = 25,600
mm2), as shown in the figure below. Determine the dead loads acting on beam BF and girder
AD.

6. Recommended Learning Materials and Resources for Supplementary Reading

National Structural Code of the Philippines 2015

Structural Analysis by Besavilla
Structural Analysis, Fifth Edition by Aslam Kassimali
 Elementary Structural Analysis, Third Edition by Norris, Wilbur, Utku

7. Flexible Teaching Learning Modality (FTLM) Adopted

Online (synchronous)
TelEducation moodle, Facebook messenger, Zoom, Google Classroom, etc..

Remote (asynchronous)
module, essay activities, etc…