Structural Analysis - An Introduction

Structural analysis is a branch of solid mechanics that deals with the analysis and calculation of systems composed of complex rod elements and surface girders, particularly in statically indeterminate cases. It serves as a bridge between technical mechanics, material strength, and further structural subjects.

Nowadays, the issues of structural analysis transition very smoothly into topics discussed through numerical methods, which is a natural consequence of the increasing role of computers in the daily work of engineers. For this reason, we will strive to include at least elements of these topics in the course either as an introduction to programs like Robot Structural Analysis and Mathcad or in the form of links to relevant sections in our course on numerical methods.

The division into sections can be found below and is partially based on subject literature, partially on our experiences during our studies, and partially on our tutoring experiences with students from various universities in Poland.

Depending on the university and the field of study, the methodology and sometimes the terminology used will slightly differ. However, as much as possible, we try to consider all versions known to us in such situations. Incidentally, the very name of the subject can be problematic, as most universities offer it under the name Structural Analysis, but at some places, it might be known as Structural Mechanics (building structures implicitly).