Sturctural Mechanics

Structural Mechanics, first published in 1958, has become established as a classic text on the theory of structures and the design methods of structural members. The book clearly and logically presents the subject's basic principles, keeping the mathematical content to its essential minimum. The fifth edition has been revised to take into account changes in standards. This thorough revision clarifies the content with updated design examples, a new setting of the text and re-drawn line diagrams throughout. Morgan and Williams' original simplicity of the mathematical treatment has been maintained, but Durka has now placed more emphasis on the relevance of structural mechanics to the process of structural design. The initial chapters of the book deal with the concept of forces and their effect on structural materials and elements in terms of stress and strain. The significance of the shape of the cross section of structural elements is then considered. Finally, the book finishes with the design of simple structural elements such as beams, columns and gravity retaining walls. Structural Mechanics is a core text for the BTEC structural mechanics unit for NC/D building studies and construction, HNC/D building and civil engineering studies, as well as first year degree courses in building, civil engineering, surveying and architecture.