In our world of seemingly unlimited computing, numerous analytical approaches to the estimation of stress, strain, and displacement-including analytical, numerical, physical, and analog techniques-have 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 illustrates:

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• Key conceptual breakthroughs in structural engineering in the twentieth century
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• The science of structural engineering from basic mechanics and computing to the ultimate process of engineering design
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• How engineers implement theory to practice through idealizations and simplifications
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• Current and future trends in structural engineering
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Developments 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.

About the Author

W. F. Chen and Salah EI-Din E. EI-Metwally are with the University of Hawaii.

Reviews
"This book presents the major advances in structural engineering concepts and design that have taken place over the last seven decades to reach the present state that is familiar to structural engineers. It also draws the attention of structural engineers to the drastic idealisation and simplifications for the equations of equilibrium, material behaviour and kinematics as well as structural systems. ...All chapters are well written, complemented with a good number of examples and applications and well-presented figures. In addition, each of the main five theory chapters is concluded with a historical sketch, acknowledging the contribution of various scholars to the theory development and advancement presented in that chapter. Overall, the book provides a big-picture guide to the key advances in structural engineering design..." -ICE Structures and Buildings



Book Information
ISBN 9781439827109
Author Wai-Fah Chen
Format Hardback
Page Count 272
Imprint CRC Press Inc
Publisher Taylor & Francis Inc
Weight(grams) 660g