Structural Analysis

Structural analysis is the branch of structural engineering used to determine how a structure behaves when forces and loads act on it.

In simple terms:

Structural analysis = converting a physical structure into a math→ematical model and calculating its forces, reactions, stresses, and deformations.

Methodology

For a structure at rest, you often start with static structural analysis:

1. Identify the structure — beam, truss, frame, etc.
2. Identify Structural Loads — weight, applied forces, wind, etc.
3. Identify supports — pin, roller, fixed support, etc.
4. Draw a Free Body Diagram (FBD).
5. Replace supports with their reaction forces/moments.
6. Apply equilibrium equations:
7. Calculate the unknown reactions and internal forces.
8. If required, determine stresses and deformations.