This text explores the mechanics of solids and statics as well as the strength of materials and elasticity theory. In addition to introducing the fundamentals of structural analysis, it combines and applies important concepts in engineering mechanics. Its many design exercises encourage creative student initiative and systems thinking.
Static equilibrium, force resultants, support conditions, and analysis of determinate planar structures — including beams, trusses, and frames — are among the topics, along with stresses and strains in structural elements, and states of stress such as shear, bending, and torsion. Additional subjects include statically indeterminate systems, displacements and deformations, an introduction to matrix methods, elastic stability, and approximate methods. Suitable for undergraduate and graduate students of civil engineering and engineering mechanics, this text is also relevant to students of architecture. The author trains students to "see the world from the perspective of an engineer responsible for making certain that the structure doesn't fail, that the mechanism doesn't make too much noise, that the bridge doesn't sway in the wind, that the latch latches firmly, or that the landing gear do not collapse upon touchdown."