Structural Theory Reviewer

### 1. Basic Concepts of Structural Analysis

**a. Types of Structures:**

- **Trusses:** Frameworks of elements joined at nodes, primarily subjected to axial forces.

- **Beams:** Members that resist loads applied transverse to their axis, causing bending.

- **Frames:** Structures consisting of beams and columns joined rigidly.

- **Plates and Shells:** Two-dimensional structures that resist loads in their plane and out-of-plane,
respectively.

**b. Types of Loads:**

- **Dead Loads:** Permanent or stationary loads (e.g., self-weight of structures).

- **Live Loads:** Temporary or moving loads (e.g., people, furniture).

- **Environmental Loads:** Loads due to natural forces (e.g., wind, earthquakes).

**c. Material Properties:**

- **Elasticity:** Ability to return to original shape after deformation.

- **Plasticity:** Ability to undergo permanent deformation.

- **Ductility:** Ability to deform significantly before failure.

- **Brittleness:** Tendency to fracture without significant deformation.

### 2. Fundamental Theories

**a. Equilibrium of Structures:**

- **Static Equilibrium:** Sum of all forces and moments equal zero.

- **Conditions:** ∑F_x = 0, ∑F_y = 0, ∑M = 0.

**b. Determinacy and Indeterminacy:**

- **Statically Determinate Structures:** Can be analyzed using only equilibrium equations.

- **Statically Indeterminate Structures:** Require additional compatibility conditions or deformation

analysis.

**c. Compatibility and Deformation:**

- Structures must deform in a way that the displacements are consistent and compatible.

### 3. Analysis Methods

**a. Analytical Methods:**

- **Force Method:** Used for indeterminate structures; involves calculating redundant forces.

- **Displacement Method (Stiffness Method):** Involves calculating displacements and using them to
find internal forces.

**b. Approximate Methods:**

- **Moment Distribution Method:** Iterative method to solve continuous beams and frames.

- **Slope-Deflection Method:** Relates moments to rotations and displacements.

**c. Numerical Methods:**

- **Finite Element Method (FEM):** Divides structure into smaller elements, solving simpler equations
that describe the behavior of each element.

### 4. Structural Behavior

**a. Bending:**

- **Stress Distribution:** Linear distribution in elastic range, with maximum stress at outermost fibers.

- **Moment-Curvature Relationship:** \( M = EI \frac{d^2y}{dx^2} \).

**b. Shear:**

- **Shear Stress Distribution:** Parabolic distribution across a rectangular section.

- **Shear Flow:** \( q = VQ/I \), where V is shear force, Q is the first moment of area, and I is the
moment of inertia.

**c. Axial Loading:**

- **Stress:** \( \sigma = \frac{P}{A} \), where P is the axial force and A is the cross-sectional area.

- **Strain:** \( \epsilon = \frac{\Delta L}{L} \).

### 5. Advanced Topics

**a. Stability of Structures:**

- **Buckling:** Sudden change in shape under critical load. Euler’s formula for long slender columns: \
( P_{cr} = \frac{\pi^2 EI}{(KL)^2} \).

**b. Dynamic Analysis:**

- **Natural Frequencies:** \( \omega_n = \sqrt{\frac{k}{m}} \), where k is stiffness and m is mass.

- **Damping:** Reduction in amplitude over time; critical for analyzing response to dynamic loads.

**c. Nonlinear Analysis:**

- **Geometric Nonlinearity:** Changes in geometry affect the response.

- **Material Nonlinearity:** Stress-strain relationship is nonlinear.

### 6. Structural Design Principles

**a. Design Codes and Standards:**

- Follow national and international standards (e.g., AISC, Eurocode) for design practices.

**b. Safety Factors:**

- Use appropriate safety factors to ensure reliability under various loading conditions.
**c. Optimization:**

- Designing structures to be efficient, minimizing material use while maintaining safety and functionality.

### 7. Case Studies and Applications

**a. Real-World Examples:**

- Review notable structural failures and successes to understand practical applications and pitfalls.

**b. Innovative Materials:**

- Study of materials like high-performance concrete, composites, and smart materials.

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This reviewer serves as a concise reference for students and professionals in structural engineering,
covering fundamental theories, analysis methods, and practical applications.