Basic Structures, 3rd Edition

Structural engineering is a key part of the design of the entire built environment. How a structure, for example a building or bridge, behaves when subjected to various forces - the weight of the materials that were used to build it, the weight of the occupants in it or the traffic it carries, the force of the wind etc - is fundamental to its success. Students of construction, architecture and civil engineering have to be confident in their understanding of structures, but many find the basic concepts difficult to understand and apply.

Basic Structures was written to:

• explain structural concepts using analogies and examples to illustrate the key points
• express the mathematical aspects of the subject as clearly as possible and in context with the concepts involved
• maintain reader interest by using real-life examples and case histories to underline the relevance of the material

As such it provides the student with a clear explanation of structural concepts using many analogies, diagrams, clear examples and exercises. These concepts are illustrated in a range of case studies and the book contains many full colour photographs and line illustrations. This new edition sees the addition of 7 new chapters which together serve as an easy introduction to some more advanced topics in structural engineering and design.

Like the preceding two editions, this third edition continues to give students of civil engineering, architecture and related disciplines such as quantity surveying, building surveying, construction management and architectural technology, a thorough grounding in the fundamentals and a 'feel' for the way buildings behave structurally.