1 Introduction to Statics and

Structural Analysis

KL2102, CLASS 01
SEMESTER I 2019/2020

Definitions

 Mechanics: the physical science which deals with

the effect of forces on objects.
 Statics: part of mechanics which concerns the
equilibrium of bodies under action of forces.
 Dynamics: part of mechanics which concerns the
motion of bodies under action of forces.
 Structure: a system of connected parts used to
support loads (in more general term: “body”).

1
 Structural Analysis

The process to determine how a structure responds to

specified loads, based on the application of physical
laws (engineering mechanics) and mathematics.

 Primary objective:
computation of reactions,
internal forces, stresses,
and deformations.
 Fundamental relations:
equilibrium, constitutive,
and compatibility.

Illustration: Gravity Load Path

2
 Illustration: Lateral Load Path

Scalars and Vectors

 Scalar quantities: only associated with magnitude.

 Vector quantities: possess direction as well as
magnitude.
 Free vector: not confined to a unique point or line in space.
 Sliding vector: has a line of action but not at a unique point of
application. The vector can be applied at any point along the
line of action.
 Example: When an external force acts on a body, the force can be
applied at any point along its line of action without changing the
external effect on the body. (see principle of transmissibility in
Chapter 2)
 Fixed vector: has a unique point of application
 Example: In calculations of internal forces due to an applied force,
the force must be treated as a fixed vector.
6

3
 Vector Addition

 Parallelogram rule

 Triangle rule

 Vector subtraction

Component of a Vector

 Two vectors (or three for vector in space) whose sum

equals a certain vector V are the components of that
vector.

Components of a vector are related to vector addition. Use parallelogram rule

to determine the components of a vector.
Components of a vector are not always equal to the projections of the vector
onto the same axes. They will be the same only if the axes are perpendicular to
each other (figures (b) and (c) above).

4
 Units

Unit SI US
mass kilogram (kg) slug
foot (ft., ’)
length meter (m)
inch (in., ” )
time second (s) second (s)
force Newton (N) pound (lb)

1 N = 1 kg-m/s2
1 slug = 1 lb-s2/ft
g = 9.81 m/s2 = 32.2 ft/s2 = 386.4 in/s2

Accuracy and Approximations

 Accuracy to three significant figures is considered

satisfactory in most engineering calculations.
 However, keep all the digits in the calculation to
avoid round-off errors.
 Small-angle approximations are commonly used in
structural analysis (fairly accurate up to 0.2 radian
or about 10o):
sin θ ≈ θ ; tan θ ≈ θ ; cos θ ≈ 1

10

5
 Problem Solving

 Formulate the problem

 State the given data.

 State the desired result(s).

 State your assumptions (if any).

 Develop the solution

 Draw any diagrams you need to understand the relationships.

 State the governing principles/equations.

 Make your calculations.

 Check the consistency of the units.

 Ensure that the answers are reasonable in terms of magnitude,

directions, common sense, etc.

11