STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS

Structural analysis is the process by which the structural engineer determines the response of a structure to specified loads or actions. This response is usually measured by establishing the forces and deformations throughout the structure. The purpose is to investigate a structure, either existing or proposed, with a view to predict possible unreliability caused by overstressing, or excessive deformation, or instability, or other reasons.

On their way through the structure, these loads give stress at all points in the material. The material becomes strained in consequence and the elements of the structure become slightly distorted. Consequently, the geometry of the whole structure will be slightly different in the loaded condition from what it is unloaded.

A structure could be technically acceptable if it can meet all safety and performance requirements. Safety would require the design loads to be safely supported for the projected life duration. Design loads may be prescribed by codes and specifications or dictated by actual anticipated service loadings.

In order to make these predictions, the analyst need to determine the path of the forces from their points of application to support points, and to estimate the magnitude of the stresses throughout the material, and to determine the structure change with the geometry. In the case of bridge, the vehicles or pedestrians constitute the loads, and these weight must be transmitted through the structure to bridge abutments or intermediate piers.

A concrete bridge floor was collapsed last month. All parties involved were shirking responsibility after the accident, first of all, the overloading truck was not to be escaped. But, if designed as a double column piers to support bridge slab, what like this accident was still to happen?

Ten years ago, I managed with a German colleague together project construction of an industrial plant, while we tried do our best to ensure construction site safety that even a blind person could safely enter and leave the construction site. Our management philosophy was: Whatever do any work do not trust individual behave.