ABSTRACT
This chapter presents the concepts of structural behaviour that gives a simple approach to calculations that check the fundamental points of any proposed structural system. To calculate the loading on a structure not only must the physical size of the structure be known, but also the size of loads – that is, the size of forces, and units for measuring them are needed. In terms of calculations, loads are somewhat problematic because at the initial stages of a project there may be many unknowns that will affect the loading. The shear forces and bending moments calculated again provide a statically admissible solution and the deflected shape does not violate the support geometry. When the forces can be calculated from statics, the structure is said to be statically determinate; otherwise it is statically indeterminate. Structures made from beams and columns are probably the structural form used most commonly in buildings but, especially for roof structures, trusses are often used.
