Understanding and Using Structural Concepts

This book focuses on the understanding and use of structural concepts. It provides numerous demonstrations using physical models and practical examples. A significant amount of material, not found in current textbooks, is included to enhance the understanding of structural concepts and stimulate interest in learning, creative thinking and design.

This is achieved through:

• Connecting abstract theory with visual and practical examples;
• Providing simple illustrative demonstration models, which can be used in conventional class teaching, to capture the essence of the concepts
• Including associated engineering examples, which demonstrate the application of the concepts and help to bridge the gap between theory and practice
• Incorporating the development of teaching material and innovative examples relating to structural concepts based on current research work

In addition to new models and examples, the second edition of the book provides a third part, Synthesis. This considers the relationships between static and dynamic problems, experimental and theoretical studies, and theory and practice. All of these relationships are linked to structural concepts. This book will be of interest to all engineers, from students to consultants. It will be useful to civil and structural engineering students, including postgraduates, in all years of their courses as well as the more technically-minded architecture students and practising engineers.

Tianjian Ji, MSc, PhD, CEng, FIStructE, is a senior lecturer at the University of Manchester. He worked on the design of structures and on structural investigation with consultants, China Academy of Building Research and Building Research Establishment Ltd., UK, for over 10 years before joining Manchester University in 1996. He has taught courses in structural analysis and structural design at all levels and has carried out research into structural dynamics and structural concepts. Together with Adrian Bell, he received the award for Excellence in Structural Engineering Education from the Institution of Structural Engineers, UK, in 2014.

Adrian Bell, BEng, MSc, PhD, is a senior lecturer at the University of Manchester. He has worked with consultants on the design of a wide range of structures including long-span roofs and tower structures. He has taught courses in structural analysis and structural design at all levels for over 30 years and has carried out research into cable, steel and masonry structures. Together with Tianjian Ji, he received the award for Excellence in Structural Engineering Education from the Institution of Structural Engineers, UK, in 2014.

Brian Ellis, BSc, PhD, DSc, CEng, MIStructE, was a technical director at the Building Research Establishment Ltd., UK. He worked at the Building Research Establishment for most of his career, where he undertook a wide range of work primarily related to structural dynamics. A significant part of the work involved testing and monitoring various structures in situ. He was also involved in work on national and international standards. Following his retirement, he has undertaken a limited amount of consultancy work.