ABSTRACT

Sixty years ago, D.C. Coyle, a prominent engineer, ridiculed the use of the slope deflection equations in building design as, 'the application of exact methods to data that have nothing to do with the case'. I But he also acknowledged that, 'if anybody knew how much the worst probable wind pressure amounted to, and if anybody had an idea of the relative effects of the steel frame and the masonry in resisting wind then if one could only work the slope deflection method in less than a year, one would be at the threshold of a real scientific knowledge of the matter'. Clearly, a lot has happened in 60 years. Analytical methods that go far beyond the threshold will be surveyed in this chapter. But it is hoped that, by keeping them within the context of design and demonstrating that there is still a long way to go before the issues raised by Coyle can be put to rest, a proper perspective can be retained.