Before structural mechanics became the common language of structural engineers, buildings were built based on observed behavior, with every new solution incurring high levels of risk. Today, the pendulum has swung in the other direction. The web of structural mechanics is so finely woven that it hides the role of experience in design, again leading to high levels of risk.

Understanding Structures brings the art and science of structures into the environment of a computer game. The book imparts a basic understanding of how buildings and bridges resist gravity, wind, and earthquake loads. Its interactive presentation of topics spans elementary concepts of force in trusses to bending of beams and the response of multistory, multi-bay frames.

Formulate Graphical and Quantitative Solutions with GOYA

The companion software, GOYA, runs easily on any java-enabled system. This interactive learning environment allows engineers to obtain quick and instructive graphical and quantitative solutions to many problems in structures.

Simulation is critical to the design and construction of safe structures. Using GOYA and the tools within Understanding Structures, engineers can enhance their overall understanding of structure response as well as expedite the process of safe structure design.

Encouraging creative uses of reinforced concrete, Principles of Reinforced Concrete Design draws a clear distinction between fundamentals and professional consensus. This text presents a mixture of fundamentals along with practical methods. It provides the fundamental concepts required for designing reinforced concrete (RC) structures, emphasizing principles based on mechanics, experience, and experimentation, while encouraging practitioners to consult their local building codes. The book presents design choices that fall in line with the boundaries defined by professional consensus (building codes), and provides reference material outlining the design criteria contained in building codes. It includes applications for both building and bridge structural design, and it is applicable worldwide, as it is not dependent upon any particular codes. Contains concise coverage that can be taught in one semester Underscores the fundamental principles of behavior Provides students with an understanding of the principles upon which codes are based Assists in navigating the labyrinth of ever-changing codes Fosters an inherent understanding of design The text also provides a brief history of reinforced concrete. While the initial attraction for using reinforced concrete in building construction has been attributed to its fire resistance, its increase in popularity was also due to the creativity of engineers who kept extending its limits of application. Along with height achievement, reinforced concrete gained momentum by providing convenience, plasticity, and low-cost economic appeal. Principles of Reinforced Concrete Design provides undergraduate students with the fundamentals of mechanics and direct observation, as well as the concepts required to design reinforced concrete (RC) structures, and applies to both building and bridge structural design.