Understanding Structural Engineering: From Theory to Practice

by Wai-Fah Chen, Salah El-Din E El-Metwally

In our world of seemingly unlimited computing, numerous analytical approaches to the estimation of stress, strain, and displacementOCoincluding analytical, numerical, physical, and analog techniquesOCohave greatly advanced the practice of engineering. Combining theory and experimentation, computer simulation has emerged as a third path for engineering design and performance evaluation. As a result, structural engineers working in the practical world of engineering must apply and, ideally, thrive on these idealizations of science-based theories.Analyzing the major achievements in the field, Understanding Structural Engineering demonstrates how to bring science to engineering design. This book conceptual breakthroughs in structural engineering in theatwentieth centuryThe science of structural engineering from basic mechanics and computing to the ultimate process of engineering designHow engineers implement theory to practice through idealizations and simplificationsCurrent and future trends in structural engineeringDevelopments and advancements in structural engineering hinge on a few key breakthroughs in concepts, simplifications and idealizations. Simplification, inherent in the art of structural engineering, is a key theme throughout this book. But the authors go further. Their clear explanations of the role and impact of new, science-based developments shows you how to put them into practice.

266 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 24, 2011