Introduction

Engineering structures are required to support loads and resist forces, and to transfer these loads and forces to the foundations of the structures. The loads and forces may arise from the masses of the structure, or from man’s use of the structures, or from the forces of nature. The uses of structures include the enclosure of space (buildings), the provision of access (bridges), the storage of materials (tanks and silos), transportation (vehicles), or the processing of materials (machines). Structures may be made from a number of different materials, including steel, concrete, wood, aluminium, stone and plastic, etc., or from combinations of these.