This text, ‘Understanding Structural Analysis’ has a unique approach to the

development of structural analysis. The emphasis is on the behaviour of the

structure, rather than the development of the mathematical model. The first four
chapters are devoted to the development of an understanding of structural
behaviour because this is now the priority for the young engineer who will work in a
design office where virtually all calculations will be carried out by the computer.

The structural engineering design office has undergone a complete revolution in the
last 20 years and with advanced software for analysis and design on every desk, there
is little requirement for the graduate to carry out detailed hand calculations.

Employers are now recognising that the emphasis must be on the development of the
skills of structural modelling; that development of the structural models from the real
structure to the computer model.

That process requires a sound understanding of structural behaviour. So this text will
act as a bridge between the classical approach and the demands of the computer-
dominated design office.

Only experience will show us which of the classical methods we need to teach to
support these modelling skills; but, for example, the Flexibility Method is of value
because it shows how complex structures are reduced to simpler forms.

The method of Moment Distribution is important because it gives the engineer the
basis of arriving at the approximate distribution of forces and moments that will be
used for member sizing and a broad check on the computer results.

So the text provides an understanding of behaviour approach to the classical

methods, a detailed study of which can be taken further.

A fully functional copy of QSE Plane and QSE Space, limited to 40 nodes, is available
free with the book. This allows the lecturer to set problems in general terms so that
the student can carry out the appropriate hand calculation and check them against the
computer analysis.

An abstract from Chapter 4, ‘The Qualitative Analysis of Frames’ is shown here. The
layout of text to match a particular diagrammatic explanation is consistent throughout
the book.

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‘Understanding Structural Analysis’, 3rd Edition with QSE Software will be
available from September 2005. It may be purchased through
www.amazon.co.uk, from the University bookshop if the Department has
recommended it, or directly from www.newparadigms.co.uk
For further information please contact:
Dr David Brohn
New Paradigm Solutions Ltd
The 401 Centre
302 Regent Street
London W1B 3HH
T: 0845 458 9468
dmb@newparadigms.co.uk www.newparadigms.co.uk

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