ABSTRACT

In this chapter the behaviour of the structure that is part of a load path is examined in detail. The understanding that is obtained from this examination makes it clear how parts of structures resist the internal forces. It also gives guidance on the best shape or structural form for any particular part of the load path. The choice of overall structural form for any particular structure is one of the basic tasks of the structural designer but before the behaviour of whole structural forms can be understood, the behaviour of very simple structures must be clear. To do this it is helpful to think of structures being assemblies of elements.