Some General Concepts

Abstract

The teaching of structural analysis follows, in general, traditional lines, the recognised route being statics, simple bending theory, virtual work and, finally, the analysis of rigid jointed structures. The main barrier that has to be crossed is from statically determinate structures (which can be analysed by statics alone) to statically indeterminate structures (which must, effectively, be analysed by a combination of statics and compatibility of deformations). The mathematics involved in the analysis of indeterminate structures frequently presents severe problems for students.