ABSTRACT
In this chapter the concepts of structural behaviour are used to give a simple approach to calculations that check the fundamental points of any proposed structural system. No more than the usual arithmetic operations and simple algebra are used. The ability to make basic calculations gives ‘the designer’ the self-sufficiency not only to conceive structural schemes but also to arrive rapidly at sizes for the principal elements. Clearly these simple calculations will be re-done in detail for the final scheme but what is intended here is to show how, what are sometimes called ‘back of an envelope’ calculations, are made. Of course envelopes should not really be used, as all calculations are extremely important project information and should be numbered and filed in a proper manner. To gain full benefit from this chapter all the exercises should be done.
