Statically Indeterminate

[From Wikipedia]

In statics, a structure is statically indeterminate when the static equilibrium equations are not sufficient for determining the internal forces and reactions on that structure.

The Euler-Bernoulli beam equation

[Taken from the Wikipedia]

The Euler-Bernoulli beam equation defines the behaviour of a beam element (see below). It is based on five assumptions:

Newton’s laws of motion

[From Wikipedia]

The most important natural laws for structural engineering are Newton’s Laws of Motion

Newton’s first law states that every body perseveres in its state of being at rest or of moving uniformly straight forward, except insofar as it is compelled to change its state by force impressed.

Statical determinacy

[Taken from the Wikipedia.org]

A structural engineer must understand the internal and external forces of a structural system consisting of structural elements and nodes at their intersections.

A statically determinate structure can be fully analysed using only consideration of equilibrium, from Newton’s Laws of Motion.

Load cases

[Taken from the Wikipedia.org]

A load case is a combination of different types of loads with safety factors applied to them. A structure is checked for strength and serviceability against all the load cases it is likely to experience during its lifetime.

Typical load cases for design for strength (ultimate load cases; ULS) are:

1.4 x Dead Load + 1.6 x Live Load
1.2 x Dead Load + 1.2 x Live Load + 1.2 x Wind Load

Loads

[Taken from the Wikipedia.org]

Some Structural loads on structures can be classified as live (imposed) loads, dead loads, earthquake (seismic) loads, wind loads, soil pressure loads, fluid pressure loads, impact loads, and vibratory loads.

Structural engineering theory

[Taken from the Wikipedia.org]

Structural engineering depends upon a detailed knowledge of loads, physics and materials to understand and predict how structures support and resist self-weight and imposed loads. To apply the knowledge successfully a structural engineer will need a detailed knowledge of mathematics and of relevant empirical and theoretical design codes.

History of structural engineering

[Taken from the Wikipedia.org]

Structural engineering dates back to at least 270 BC when the step pyramid for Pharoah Djoser was built by Imhotep, the first engineer in history known by name. Pyramids were the most common major structures built by ancient civilisations because the structural form of a pyramid is inherently stable and can be almost infinitely scaled (as opposed to most other structural forms, which cannot be linearly increased in size in proportion to increased loads).

Structural engineer: A definition

[Taken from the Wikipedia.org]

Structural engineers are responsible for engineering design and analysis. Entry-level structural engineers may design the individual structural elements of a structure, for example the beams, column, and floor of a building. More experienced engineers would be responsible for the structural design and integrity of an entire system, such as a building.

Structural engineering: A thumbnail definition

[Taken from the Wikipedia.org]

Structural engineering is a field of engineering dealing with the design of structures that support or resist loads. Structural engineering is usually considered a speciality within civil engineering, but it can also be studied in its own right.