Structures: Theory and Analysis

Book excerpt: A comprehensive textbook that encompasses the full range of material covered in undergraduate courses in Structures in departments of Civil and Mechanical Engineering. The approach taken aims to integrate a qualitative approach - looking at the physical reality of phenomena - with a quantitative approach - one that models the physical reality mathematically. An innovative introductory chapter looks at different types of structures - from the commonplace, such as chairs and aeroplanes, and the historically significant, such as the Pont du Gard in southern France, through to modern and novel structures such as the Bank of China building in Hong Kong - with a view to enthusing the reader into further study.