Kyle Angelie C.

Tamarra M7
Activity 1
1. Describe briefly the historical background of structural engineering.
Since the dawn of history, structural engineering has been an essential part of human
endeavor. Earlier engineering structures were designed by trial and error and by using
rules of thumb based on past experience. Galileo Galilei is generally considered to be the
originator of the theory of structures. Because the computer could solve large systems of
simultaneous equations, analyses could now be performed in seconds.
2. What is structural analysis?
Structural analysis is an integral part of any structural engineering project, its function
being the prediction of the performance of the proposed structure. It is the process of
calculating and determining the effects of loads and internal forces on a structure, building
or object.
3. What is structural engineering?
Structural engineering is the science and art of planning, designing, and constructing safe
and economical structures that will serve their intended purposes. It is a specialty within
the field 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.
4. Enumerate and illustrate the flow chart of the role of structural analysis on structural
engineering projects.

6. Define each role.

A. Planning Phase
Usually involves the establishment of the functional requirements of the proposed
structure, the general layout and dimensions of the structure, and consideration of the
possible types of structures that may be feasible and the types of materials to be used.
B. Preliminary Structural Design
The sizes of the various members of the structural system selected in the planning phase
are estimated based on approximate analysis, past experience, and code requirements
C. Estimation of Loads
Involves determination of all the loads that can be expected to act on the structure.
D. Structural Analysis
The values of the loads are used to carry out an analysis of the structure in order to
determine the stresses or stress resultants in the members and the deflections at various
points of the structure.
E. Safety and Serviceability Checks
The results of the analysis are used to determine whether or not the structure satisfies
the safety and serviceability requirements of the design codes. If these requirements are
satisfied, then the design drawings and the construction specifications are prepared, and
the construction phase begins.
F. Revised Structural Design
If the code requirements are not satisfied, then the member sizes are revised, and phases
3 through 5 are repeated until all the safety and serviceability requirements are satisfied.
6. Enumerate the different classifications of structures. Define each classification.
A. Tension Structures
The members of tension structures are subjected to pure tension under the action of
external loads. The material of such a structure is utilized in the most efficient manner.
Tension structures composed of flexible steel cables are frequently employed to support
bridges and long-span roofs.
B. Compression Structures
Compression structures develop mainly compressive stresses under the action of
external loads. Two common examples of such structures are columns and arches.
C. Trusses
Trusses are composed of straight members connected at their ends by hinged
connections to form a stable configuration (Fig. 1.10). When the loads are applied to a
truss only at the joints, its members either elongate or shorten. Thus, the members of an
ideal truss are always either in uniform tension or in uniform compression.
D. Shear Structures
Shear structures, such as reinforced concrete shear walls are used in multistory buildings
to reduce lateral movements due to wind loads and earthquake excitations. Shear
structures develop mainly in-plane shear, with relatively small bending stresses under the
action of external loads.
E. Bending Structures
Bending structures develop mainly bending stresses under the action of external loads.
In some structures, the shear stresses associated with the changes in bending moments
may also be significant and should be considered in their designs.
7. Define the following terms:
a. Dead Loads
Dead loads are gravity loads of constant magnitudes and fixed positions that act
permanently on the structure. Such loads consist of the weights of the structural system
itself and of all other material and equipment permanently attached to the structural
system.
b. Live Loads
Live loads are loads of varying magnitudes and or positions caused by the use of the
structure. Sometimes, the term live loads is used to refer to all loads on the structure that
are not dead loads, including environmental loads, such as snow loads or wind loads.
c. Wind Loads
Wind loads are produced by the flow of wind around the structure. The magnitudes of
wind loads that may act on a structure depend on the geographical location of the
structure, obstructions in its surrounding terrain (such as nearby buildings), and the
geometry and the vibrational characteristics of the structure itself.
d. Earthquake Loads
Earthquake load takes place due to the inertia force produced in the building because of
seismic excitations.
e. Hydrostatic and Soil Pressures
Hydrostatic pressure is defined as the force exerted by the water on the foundation. When
the part or whole soil is below free water surface, estimation of pressure shall be based
upon the weight of soil, which will be reduced by the buoyancy. The soil having expansion
potential and is present at construction site will cause an increment in the lateral soil
pressure thus, both the hydrostatic and soil pressures act in lateral direction on the
foundation structure.
f. Thermal Effects
Thermal effects include response changes due to temperatures above the cure
temperature, freezing and freeze–thaw conditions, and temperature variations and
cycles.
g. Snow Loads
Snow load is the downward force on a building's roof by the weight of accumulated snow
and ice. The roof or the entire structure can fail if the snow load exceeds the weight the
building was designed to shoulder. Or if the building was poorly designed or constructed.