Master the fundamentals of strength of materials with clear, practical explanations for engineering design.
This volume aims to present a complete, simple discussion of the core principles that underlie safe and effective structural design. It covers the strength of materials alongside the broader goal of understanding how materials behave under load, with an eye toward real-world applications in wooden, metal, and masonry construction as well as machine design.
The book is written to be useful for students and practitioners alike. It notes where instructors may tailor the content for a shorter course, and it points readers to further study and reference materials. While designed as a foundation, it also seeks to offer original viewpoints and a method of presentation that emphasizes practical understanding over dense detail.
- Foundational concepts in stress, strain, and deformation for a wide range of materials
- Accessible explanations of principles used in design of beams, joints, columns, and structures
- Guidance on study plans, course tailoring, and how this volume fits with companion texts
- Illustrative examples and methods that emphasize clear reasoning over rote memorization
Ideal for readers beginning a study of structural engineering, or those looking for a solid reference that emphasizes fundamentals alongside practical design insights.