Essential Structural Technology for Construction and Architecture

A compact, easy-to-read and mathematically accessible reference for practicing construction professionals wishing to gain, or regain, a working knowledge of structures--one that will enable them to envision how structures resist loads and that will prepare them to collaborate effectively with other construction professionals while analyzing, designing, and constructing structures. Using extensive descriptions and a minimum of mathematics, the handbook focuses on the key concepts of structures--and their applications in unique, real-life problems--taken from traditional engineering topics in statics, mechanics of materials, structural analysis, timber design, steel design, reinforced concrete design, soil mechanics, and foundation design. For engineers, architects, construction contractors, construction project managers, inspectors, and others involved in the construction of buildings, bridges, and other structures.

This book was written for students and practicing professionals who need to develop a basic understanding of structural analysis and design. It provides a concise presentation of structural technology, from the determination of structural loads through the sizing of foundations and the design of timber, steel, and concrete structures.

Some key features of this book include:

• A minimum of mathematical rigor in order to make the material more accessible to constructors, architects, and technicians.
• Simple principles are developed in order to explain fairly sophisticated relationships between structural loads and their many effects on the design of the building.
• Exercise problems follow application examples to reinforce each principle for readers. The applications provide an ever-broadening overview of the entire field, continually building on previous ones until the reader has a picture of how to apply all of the concepts to any building design situation.