An Introduction

to
Structural Analysis

Alexander Vincent B. Policarpio

Civil / Structural Engineer, UST BSCE 2000
PRC Registration No. 88536
PICE RFID Member No. 00-92-52021
avbpolicarpio@gmail.com
 What is Structural Analysis?

Analysis of the characteristics of stress,

strain, and deflection of a structure.
(Source: Elementary Structural Analysis)
Some Famous Structures (Ancient)

Pyramid (Egypt), Palenque (Mexico),

Coliseum (Rome), Doric Temple (Greece)
Some Famous Structures (Modern)

Petronas Tower (Kuala Lumpur), Burj Al-Arab (Dubai),

Burj Khalifa (Dubai), Shanghai Tower (China)
 Structural Analysis Softwares
1. Structural Analysis And Design or STAAD.Pro (Bentley
Systems)
2. Extended 3D Analysis of Building Systems or ETABS
(Computers and Systems, Inc.)
3. Structural Analysis Program or SAP2000 (CSI)
4. Rapid Interactive Structural Analysis Three
Dimensional or RISA3D (RISA Technologies)
5. Robot Structural Analysis Professional (Autodesk, Inc.)
6. Midas Gen (MIDAS Engineering Software)
7. And many more
Structural Analysis Using Software

On-going project, Meycauayan, Bulacan (STAAD 3d Model)

Structural Design and Analysis Using Software

On-going project, Meycauayan, Bulacan (Actual Structure)

Modeling of Structure
BEAM Horizontal structural element designed to resist shear,
moment, and sometimes torsion

COLUMN Vertical structural element designed to resist axial (usually

compressive) loads, shear, and moment
 Continuous Beam

Reduces maximum deflection at the middle span

(CALABARZON Expressway)
Cantilever Beam

Bank of Commerce, Makati

 Trusses

Slender elements used to resist compressive and tensile axial loads

(Quezon Bridge, Manila)
 Arch

Supports gravity loads and live loads in compression

(Old Bridge during Spanish Period, Tayabas, Quezon)
 Cable

Resists tensile axial loads

(Bridge Way, Greenhills, San Juan)
FRAME Structure composed of members connected by (generally
rigid) joints. Members are subjected to shear, axial, moment, and
sometime torsion.
Structural Materials
Structural Materials
 Concrete

PROS
Cheaper, moldable into different shapes, fireproof
CONS
Laborious in assembly using formworks. Waiting period is 14 28 days
(average) before strength is attained.
 Concrete

Collect cylinder sample molds from concrete mixer during pouring.

Allow concrete cylinder samples to cure at 7 days, 14 days, and 28 days.
Bring the molds to testing laboratory for evaluation.
Laboratory provides written evaluation report.
 Steel

PROS
Lesser in labor, easy to assemble, stronger in strength
CONS
Higher in Cost, Prone to weathering, All joint connections
should be designed and detailed.
Basic Supports and Basic Loads
Structural Support Conditions
Support Conditions (Pin-Connected)

Pin-Connected Column and Beam

Support Conditions (Fixed)

Fixed Column and Beam

Dead Load (D) weight of all materials and fixed
equipment incorporated into the structure
Live Load (L) load produced by the use and occupancy of
the structure, excluding Dead Load, Wind Load,
Earthquake Load, and Construction Load
Roof Live Load (Lr)
Wind Load (W) Loads due to Wind Pressure

Table for Wind Velocity (V) and Directionality Factor (Kd)

Wind Load (W) Loads due to Wind Pressure

Tables for Importance Factor (V) and Velocity Pressure Exposure (Kz),
and Topographic Factor (Kzt, sometimes = 1.0)
Wind Load (W) Loads due to Wind Pressure

Basic equation for wind pressure acting on buildings (qz)

Earthquake or Seismic Load (E)

PHIVOLCS West Valley Faultline Map

Earthquake or Seismic Load (E)

Table for Seismic Importance Factor (I)

Earthquake or Seismic Load (E)

Tables for Near Source Factors (Na, Nv), Seismic Source

Type, Seismic Coefficent (Ca, Cv), and Zone Factor (Z)
Earthquake or Seismic Load (E)

Numerical Coefficient Tables for Concrete and Steel (R)

Earthquake or Seismic Load (E)

Earthquake Load is a percentage of the Total Dead Load (W)

Service Load Combinations (ASD)
Factored Load Combinations
(ACI 318-14)
Factored Load Combinations
(AISC 14th Edition)
Results (Shear Frame Analysis)

Analysis of a 3D RC Frame, XY-View

Results (Moment Frame Analysis)

Analysis of a 3D RC Frame, XY-View

Structural Design Flowchart
 Conclusion
Structural Engineering knowledge is gained
through experience and continuous learning. As
much as possible, attend seminars conducted by
PICE, ASEP, and PCAB.
It is advisable to try all Structural Analysis
softwares for comparison.
Knowledge in school is about 10%, but
knowledge outside school is 90%.