Elementary Structures for Architects and Builders

This beginning volume provides an introduction to building structures and materials that can be used by either architecture or construction professionals. The book treats the essential topics in statics and mechanics of materials and provides an introduction to structural analysis that emphasizes a qualitative approach to structural behavior. Topics of discussion include structural properties of areas, stress and strain, properties of structural materials, shear and moment, flexural and shearing stresses, deflection and indeterminate beams, beam design and framing, elastic buckling of columns and trusses. For architectural and construction professionals and enthusiasts.

Schaeffer provides background material on the use of structural analysis in building design as well as the basic relationships between structures and architectural form. Principles, concepts, and procedures from statics and mechanics of materials are presented at a level that can be easily understood by beginners.