CE3155 Structural Analysis

Introduction to Structural Analysis

A/Prof. Pang Sze Dai

Dept of Civil & Environmental Engineering
1 Introduction to Structural Analysis

1 Purpose of Structural Analysis

Prediction of the performance of a given structure under
prescribed loads and/or other external effects, such as
support displacements and temperature changes.

Performance characteristics
- stresses or stress resultants (e.g., axial forces,
shear forces & bending moments).
- deformations (e.g., deflections, axial
shortening).
- support reactions.

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1 Introduction to Structural Analysis

1 Purpose of Structural Analysis

Prediction of the performance of a given structure under
prescribed loads and/or other external effects, such as
support displacements and temperature changes.

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1 Introduction to Structural Analysis

2 Classification of Structures
Structural Systems
• combination of structural elements (e.g. ties, struts, beams,
columns, beam-columns) and the materials from which they are
composed of.
• some of the basic types of structural systems are:
Trusses
Frames
Cables
Arches

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1 Introduction to Structural Analysis

Trusses
•consist of pin-jointed slender elements,
usually arranged in triangular fashion
•elements are usually assumed to be subjected to tension (ties) or
compression (struts) only
•advantages: long span; controlled deflection; lightweight
•disadvantage: high fabrication costs

truss dome
roof truss

truss bridge jack-up legs

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Frames
•consist of beams and columns that are either pin- or fix-
connected
•members subject to axial, shear & moment loadings

steel frame concrete frame

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Cables
•usually flexible & carry their loads in tension
•commonly used to support bridges and
building roofs

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Arches
•achieve its strength in compression
•results in secondary loadings involving shear & moment
•used in bridge structures, dome roofs, etc.

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1 Introduction to Structural Analysis

Classification of Structures (Con't)

Structural Elements
Ties
• subjected to tensile force ONLY
• rather slender
• usually made of steel Why?
• sections normally used are rods, bars, angles or channels

rod bar angle channel

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Struts and Columns

•struts resist compressive loads ONLY while
columns resist compressive loads and moments.

•steel columns usually in the form of circular

hollow, rectangular hollow and wide-flange I
cross-section

•concrete columns are of circular and

rectangular cross-section with
reinforcing bars
Why not hollow sections for concrete columns?

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Beams
• usually straight horizontal members
used to carry gravity loads

• primarily design to resist bending

moment & shear

• steel beams usually have deep-web I-

cross sections
Why do we use I-cross section for steel beam?

• concrete beams have rectangular or

T-cross sections with reinforcing bars
Why not I-cross section for concrete beam?

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1 Introduction to Structural Analysis

3 Structural Idealization
To develop the ability to model or idealize a structure so that
the structural engineer can perform a practical force analysis of
the members

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1 Introduction to Structural Analysis

Support Connections

The following three types of joints are most commonly used:

• Pin connection (allows some freedom for slight rotation)
• Roller support (allows some freedom for slight rotation)
• Fixed joint (allows no relative rotation)
typical “fixed-supported”
connection (metal)

typical “pin-supported”
connection (metal)

typical “roller-supported”
connection (concrete) typical “fixed-supported”
connection (concrete)

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




Idealized models often used 

in structural analysis 






Actual connection exhibit some

stiffness toward joint rotation

If k = 0, the joint is pin, and if k -> , the joint is fixed

When selecting the model for each support, the engineer must be aware of how the
assumptions will affect the actual performance.
The analysis of the loadings should give results that closely approximate the actual loadings.

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Support Connections
Type of Connection Idealized Symbol Reaction Number of Unknowns

One unknown.
The reaction is a force
that acts in the direction
of the cable or link.

One unknown.
The reaction is a force
that acts perpendicular
to the surface at the
point of contact.

One unknown.
The reaction is a force
that acts perpendicular
to the surface at the
point of contact.

The support will develop a force on the member if it prevents translation of the member,
and it will develop a moment if it prevents rotation of the member.
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Type of Connection Idealized Symbol Reaction Number of Unknowns

One unknown.
The reaction is a force
that acts perpendicular
to the surface at the
point of contact.

Two unknowns.
The reactions are two
force components.

Two unknowns.
The reactions are a
force and a moment.

Three unknowns.
The reactions are the
moment and the two
(c) Tan K H, NUS force components.

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Idealized Structure

actual structure

actual beam

idealized beam idealized structure

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Tributary Loadings
There are 2 ways in which the load on surfaces
is transmitted to various structural elements
• 1-way system
• 2-way system

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Tributary Loadings
Floor loadings first go to beams AB, CD and EF.
(Note: Beams AB, CD and EF are sitting on top of beams AE and BF)
Loading from beams AB, CD and EF then go to beams AE and BF.

4.8 kN/m2 0.75 m

0.75 m
0.75 m

3m 1.5 m 0.75 m

1.5 m

7.2 kN/m

5.4 kN 10.8 kN 5.4 kN

3m
1.5 m 1.5 m 10.8 kN 10.8 kN

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One-way vs two-way spanning in reinforced concrete structures

For some floor systems, all the beams are connected to the columns at the same elevation, there is a
possibility of the load being transmitted to the supporting members from either one or two directions.

l1 l1

l2 l2
If l2 / l1 > 2, the slab behaves like a one-way slab.

Detailing of reinforced concrete slabs for one-way vs two-way

spanning will be taught in CE3165 Reinforced Concrete Design

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1 Introduction to Structural Analysis

Example of two-way spanning in reinforced concrete structures

If l1 = l2 = 3.0m
l1 m
3.0 3.0 m
4.8 kN/m2

??? kN/m
1.5 m

3.0 m
l2 1.5 m 1.5 m

??? kN/m
If l1 = 3.0m, l2 = 4.5m
4.5 m

1.5 m 1.5 m 1.5 m 1.5 m

3.0 m
??? kN/m

1.5 m 1.5 m 1.5 m

1.5 m 1.5 m

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1 Introduction to Structural Analysis

4 Load Path
Every structural element and structure must be supported in
order to transfer the applied loading to the foundations where
it is dissipated through the ground.

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4 Load Path
The loads are transferred between structural members at the
joints using either simple or rigid connections.
In the case of simple connections, axial and/or shear forces
are transmitted whilst in the case of rigid connections in
addition to axial and shear effects, moments are also
transferred.
The type of connections used will influence the degree of
indeterminacy and the method of analysis required.
Connection design, reflecting the assumptions made in the
analysis, is an essential element in achieving an effective load
path.
http://expeditionworkshed.org/workshed/push-me-pull-me/

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5 Structural Modelling
What are the bracings for? Do you need bracings at both ends of the building?

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What type of connection is used?

What if the left support is a roller support?

What if the right support is a pinned support?
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1 Introduction to Structural Analysis

Why is the other diagonal

bracing non-active in analysis?

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Is bracing needed here?

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Assumption-Making and Idealization are VERY IMPORTANT Skills

for an engineer
-Computers and technology can easily replace you for solving
equations and matrices.
-How can you be sure that your results from the software are
correct?
-Running an detailed and accurate analysis takes tremendous time.

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1 Introduction to Structural Analysis

joints
Weak axis
Strong
axis joints

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Architect’s dream is civil engineer’s nightmare…

but also remember… civil engineers realize architect’s dream

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