ABSTRACT
In today’s world, structural design is performed by computers using sophisticated software capable of analyzing hundreds of design variables in a short time. Given this capability, the student may reasonably ask why he/she should have to study the theory, concepts, and manual detail underlying the computer programs. Perhaps the best of many reasons is to equip the professional to be fluent in the language of structures—to competently evaluate concepts and assess solutions, whether performed by hand or by computer.
