From science to engineering and from theory to practice, this volume illustrates different technological breakthroughs, traced back to their origin and placed into perspective. First, the text presents the fundamental laws of mechanics, the theory of elasticity, and the development of the generalized stress-generalized strain concept. Next, it details the era of plasticity. The finite element method comes as an offspring of the generalized stress-generalized strain concept. Finally, the authors explore the era of computer simulation to offer a glimpse into the future.

In our world of seemingly unlimited computing, numerous analytical approaches to the estimation of stress, strain, and displacement—including analytical, numerical, physical, and analog techniques—have greatly advanced the practice of engineering. Combining theory and experimentation, computer simulation has emerged as a third path for engineering design and performance evaluation. As a result, structural engineers working in the practical world of engineering must apply and, ideally, thrive on these idealizations of science-based theories.

Analyzing the major achievements in the field, Understanding Structural Engineering demonstrates how to bring science to engineering design. This book illustrates:

• Key conceptual breakthroughs in structural engineering in the twentieth century



• The science of structural engineering from basic mechanics and computing to the ultimate process of engineering design



• How engineers implement theory to practice through idealizations and simplifications



• Current and future trends in structural engineering

Developments and advancements in structural engineering hinge on a few key breakthroughs in concepts, simplifications and idealizations. Simplification, inherent in the art of structural engineering, is a key theme throughout this book. But the authors go further. Their clear explanations of the role and impact of new, science-based developments shows you how to put them into practice.