Posts Tagged structural analysis
Methods for Measuring Bending Stresses in Structural Engineering
Posted by Adam Wilson in General Engineering, Latest News on September 1st, 2008
Measuring bending stresses is an important part of structural engineering. Measuring bending stresses determines how much load a structure can support before it fails. Building structurally sound projects is the ultimate goal of successful structural engineering.
Measuring Bending Stresses
Measuring bending stresses requires determining the average amount of force exerted on an area that results in distortion or failure of the material. Understanding these values is crucial in determining the limits of construction materials.
Methods for Measuring Bending Stresses in Commercially Available Construction Materials
With the advent of new composite materials, measuring bending stresses has become a crucial ongoing investment of research dollars for scientists and engineers. One of the newest methods of measuring bending stresses is the use of piezoelectric PVDF (polyvinylidene-fluoride) film sensors.
Researchers have reported that a 25 µm thick PVDF strip used as an embedded interfacial stress sensor on aluminum and composite beams adequately measures bending stresses of the building materials. Engineers have also used these PVDF strips to measure other forces such as interfacial stresses and the adhesion strength of laboratory recreated layers of ice that might occur on the outside of a structure once constructed.
Another method of measuring bending stresses is to clamp gauges at key points of an existing structure to measure the bending moment of different types of materials used in the structure. By studying this data, scientists can learn vast amounts of information about the bending behavior of different construction materials once they are used in the field. This method also allows engineers to measure bending stresses over an extended period of time, allowing researchers to factor in other variables such as weather, corrosion, and alternating live loads.
Alternatively, engineers can measure bending stresses by attaching a hollow bar with strain gauges on its inner surface in a manner that allows part of the bar to move longitudinally along its axis with respect to the structure itself.
In Japan, researchers have experimented with measuring bending stresses in micro-cantilever structures by using a macro model using a micro-fizeau interferometer and the spatial fringe analysis method. Comparison of these test results with other measurements obtained from traditional gauge measurements shows that this method is effective in measuring bending stresses.
Other methods of measuring bending stresses indirectly are under consideration by the U.S. Patent Department and may revolutionize the way structural engineers study the measurement of bending stresses in the near future.
Steel Beam Design Specifications: Getting the Answers You Need
Posted by Adam Wilson in Engineering Resources, Latest News on August 25th, 2008
When you are looking for steel beam design specifications, where do you go? If you have a degree in structural engineering or architecture, you may be able to perform the calculations required for a steel beam design specifications yourself. However, most of the population requires some form of assistance in order to compile steel beam design specifications for building projects.
Steel Beam Design Specifications: Resources Available to Some
Some individuals have access to a team of professionals capable of calculating steel beam specifications and any other construction related calculation needed. Students may have access to an engineering library complete with tables, equations, and values necessary to calculate steel beam design specifications.
For a price, some structural analysts and architects provide consultation services for steel beam design specifications and other construction problems. (These fees may vary greatly and are not regulated.)
Steel Beam Design Specifications: Resources Available to Everyone
A structural engineer in the field, a civil engineer in an office, or a homeowner planning a remodeling project all may need to calculate steel beam design specifications. One option is to obtain this information through a professional. Some architects and structural engineers offer their consultations services to the public for a fee.
Another option is to post your question on a structural engineering or construction related discussion forum and hope you receive a reliable answer in a timely manner. This option has obvious drawbacks and may be a good choice for obtaining a general answer, but is not reliable enough for construction and application purposes.
The most reliable option for obtaining steel beam design specifications is a structural analysis software program. Many companies offer a trial version of this type of software if you only plan to use the software to solve a single steel beam design problem.
For others who require repeated steel beam design specifications, investing in a structural analysis software program is a wise choice. Structural analysis software programs range in price and features, with a program to fit nearly any structural analysis need. Take the time to research which structural analysis software program is right for you.
Steel beam design specifications can come from a variety of different sources and the perfect source for you may well be a structural analysis software program. A fee trial of a structural analysis program can provide the solution to your steel beam design specifications.
Structural Engineering of Historic Buildings
Posted by Adam Wilson in General Engineering, Latest News on August 11th, 2008
The structural engineering of historic buildings is often focused on retrofitting these structures with life-saving alterations such as fire safety equipment and earthquake proof systems. Historic buildings are often built soundly, but due to the age of the building materials, the structure may be unstable or unsafe in the event of a fire or earthquake.
Most historic buildings are exempt from the newer federal building codes, but if the building owner wishes to change the use of the historic building, such as opening it up to public access or running a business from inside the historic building, certain building code requirements must be fulfilled. This most often results in calling in a structural engineer or architect to assist with the retrofitting or alteration of the historic building.
Structural Engineering of Historic Buildings: Energy Conservation
Some historic buildings require structural engineering expertise to aid in the conservation of energy. With today’s rising energy costs, energy conservation is a necessity for many building owners. This often involves placing insulating thermal paned glass over the historic glass of the buildings to help reduce heating and cooling costs.
The addition of awnings and shading devices can also help with energy conservation without altering the historic structure. Insulation is often added, and masonry walls can be coated with a waterproofing substance to further aid in energy conservation.
Structural Engineering of Historic Buildings: Seismic Retrofitting
Seismic retrofitting concentrates on preserving the structural integrity of the structure and reduce the likelihood of personal injuries should an earthquake occur. Seismic retrofitting also seeks to limit the amount of damage the historic building incurs during an earthquake.
Seismic retrofitting of a historic building may include bracing or tying parapets, chimneys, or ornamentation on the structure. It also involves reinforcing the emergency egress routes inside the building to help preserve life during an earthquake. Floor to wall framing may be enhanced and masonry walls often require addition support to limit the amount of damage from an earthquake.
Structural Engineering of Historic Buildings: Fire Safety Retrofitting
Fire safety retrofitting in historic buildings is a common occurrence. Retrofitting fire safety devices poses a unique problem for structural engineers. The fire safety systems must provide maximum protection in the event. Emergency exits are also examining and altered when necessary to provide a route of escape in the event of a fire. For a detailed government report about retrofitting of historical buildings for fire safety, view theThe General Services Administration “Fire Safety in Historic Buildings” Report Here.
The structural engineering of historic buildings is a delicate procedure that requires the skill and expertise of an experienced structural engineer and a team of consultants. The preservation of historic buildings is a specialty area and one of great interest to many citizens. For more information about the preservation of historic buildings, you can visit The National Park Service website.
Why Builders Prefer Structural Analysis Software
Posted by Adam Wilson in General Engineering, Latest News on August 4th, 2008
Structural design and residential construction are common tasks for the building contractor. A contractor, architect, structural engineer, or the consumer may take part in the structural design process. Residential construction is a complicated process, and many consumers and professionals turn to a structural analysis software program to assist with the structural design process.
Structural analysis software programs assist the purchaser with a wide variety of building design applications. Beam design, footing design, and column design are all included in quality structural analysis software.
The structural design of a building is critical to the structure’s stability. One misplaced column or beam can result in property damage, personal injury, or collapse of the building. Structural design programs assist the designer in creating a stable, attractive residential design that fits the needs of the consumer.
The structural design of a residential building is much more than a floor plan and aesthetic design. It is also a blueprint for a sound structure that is designed to withstand the forces of nature, the effect of the residents, and the ravages of time.
Structural Design and Residential Construction: From the Contractor’s Point of View
A building contractor values his or her time. A contractor works on a tight schedule and places enormous importance on meeting the needs of the consumer. An unhappy homeowner is bad for business. The majority of consumers hire a contractor with a set budget.
They want to get the most values out of their new home as is possible. Errors in the structural design of a residential construction project can be costly for both the contractor and the homeowner. Structural analysis software helps eliminate design errors before a single brick is laid or the first nail is driven.
Residential construction can be very stressful for the homeowner. Many homeowners can become finicky, demanding, or downright hostile during this stressful period. Last minute changes to the structural design of a residence equate more stress for the building contractor as well. With the use of a structural analysis software program, these last minute changes are quickly and easily integrated into the existing residential construction plan.
Structural Design and Residential Construction: From the Home-owner’s Point of View
Every homeowner wants a quality home that does not drain his or her bank account. Having realistic expectations about the structural design of a residence in relation to budget set for the residential construction helps reduce the stress level for the homeowner.
A structural analysis software program helps the consumer plan out the details of the structural design and evaluates the cost effectiveness of such a plan. Having a detailed residential construction plan also aids the homeowner in setting a realistic budge for the project.
A structural analysis software program helps eliminate problems in the structural design of the home and thereby reduces the cost of construction by eliminating the need for alterations during the construction phase.
Structural design and residential construction are completed more quickly and smoothly when the homeowners or building contractors decide to use a structural analysis software program.
The Features and Benefits of Structural Engineering Software
Posted by Adam Wilson in General Engineering, Latest News on July 27th, 2008
Structural design software has many features and benefits for builders, contractors, architects, and even the industrious homeowner. Structural design software is a useful tool that saves time and money for anyone involved in building or remodeling structures. If you are considering purchasing structural design software for your business or personal use, this review of the features and benefits of structural design software will help you determine if an investment in structural design software is right for you.
Features of Structural Design Software
Not every structural design software program is the same. Some structural design software is very basic while other programs have extra features. Some structural design software is geared toward professional architects, contractors, and builders, and other programs are better suited for the homeowner remodeling his or her own house. A good structural design software program has features that are suited for a wide variety of uses and is easy to use, right out of the box.
A well-rounded structural design software program includes footing design, column design, and beam design. Structural design software should also include features for wood construction, steel construction, and manufactured building supplies.
An exceptional structural engineering software program also includes added features like flitch beam design, hip and valley beam design, international building codes, laterally loaded column design, local building codes, multi- span analysis, rectangular and continuous footing design, sheer and moment diagrams, steel angles, and wide flange steel columns.
Benefits of Structural Design Software
You may be wondering who uses structural engineering software. Architects, engineers, designers, and builders all benefit from using structural engineering design software. Structural engineering students and homeowners remodeling their home can benefit from structural engineering software.
Structural design software saves users time by streamlining the structural design process. A good quality structural engineering software program includes building codes that apply to your specific geographical location. This feature saves time by eliminating the extensive research and double-checking that would otherwise be required without the use of structural design software.
Structural design software also saves money. Not only does it cut costs by streamlining the design phase of construction, it eliminates costly mistakes and last minute alterations in the design of a structure. Using structural design software also ensures that structures meet all building regulations , thereby eliminating fines and costly alterations to bring a structure up to code.
Structural design software saves builders, architects, engineers, and designers time and money. Be sure to check out the features of a structural design software program before purchasing it, to ensure it meets your design needs.
Structural Engineering and Geometry
Posted by Adam Wilson in General Engineering on July 14th, 2008
Structural engineering and geometry are intertwining subjects. Since the very first Egyptian structural engineers began building pyramids, geometry has been used to help solve structural stability problems. Geometry has been woven into the development of structural engineering for centuries.
What is Structural Engineering?
A structural engineer’s goal is to design structures that can both support and resist loads. A structural engineer designs structures and analyzes them for structural soundness. Structural engineering is closely related to architecture.
What is Geometry?
Geometry is a branch of mathematics that deals with the size, shape, and relative position of physical elements. Geometry also deals with the properties of space. Geometry looks at the length, width, height, and space of an object. Basic geometry is taught to high school students all across America.
Structural Engineering and Geometry in History
Examples of structural engineering intersecting geometry studies can be found throughout history. Some examples are even well known.
The Virtual Work Theory Structural Engineering and Geometry at Work
Structural engineering and geometry have evolved together over the years. Daniel Bernoulli, along with Johann (Jean) Bernoulli (1667-1748), is credited with formulating the theory of virtual work. The virtual work theory provides builders and structural engineers with a tool that uses the equilibrium of forces and compatibility of geometry to solve structural problems.
Archimedes: Structural Engineering and Geometry in History
The Greek engineer, Archimedes studied geometry extensively in his quest for building better structures and machines. Geometry played a large part in Archimedes’ experiments.
Euclidean Geometry, Preparing the Way for Structural Engineering
Euclidean geometry is also credited with contributing to modern day structural engineering. The ancient Greek mathematician Euclid wrote about Euclidean Geometry. Euclid’s book, Elements, was the first known written explanation of geometrically principals.
Geometry has strongly influenced the development of structural engineering. The principals researched in studying geometry have shaped structural engineering into the precise science we have today. Ancient Greek principal taught centuries ago are used today to create structurally sound high rise buildings, innovative shopping centers, and single family dwellings.
Structural engineering and geometry influence the way buildings are designed and built today. Geometry is an important part of the structural engineer’s industry.
Normal Stress, Bending Stress, & Shear Stress
Posted by Adam Wilson in Engineering Resources on December 4th, 2007
Stresses in Beams
In a separate article entitled “Structural Analysis of a Beam” there was a brief discussion of stresses and their function in structural analysis. In this article there will be a more in dept discussion of normal, bending, and shear stress.
Normal Stress
A normal stress is a stress that occurs when a member is loaded by an axial force. The value of the normal force for any prismatic section is simply the force divided by the cross sectional area.
A normal stress will occur when a member is placed in tension or compression. Examples of members experiencing pure normal forces would include columns, collar ties, etc.
Bending Stress
When a member is being loaded similar to that in figure one bending stress (or flexure stress) will result. Bending stress is a more specific type of normal stress. When a beam experiences load like that shown in figure one the top fibers of the beam undergo a normal compressive stress. The stress at the horizontal plane of the neutral is zero. The bottom fibers of the beam undergo a normal tensile stress. It can be concluded therefore that the value of the bending stress will vary linearly with distance from the neutral axis.
Calculating the maximum bending stress is crucial for determining the adequacy of beams, rafters, joists, etc.
Shear Stress
Normal stress is a result of load applied perpendicular to a member. Shear stress however results when a load is applied parallel to an area. Looking again at figure one, it can be seen that both bending and shear stresses will develop. Like in bending stress, shear stress will vary across the cross sectional area.
Calculating the maximum shear stress is also crucial for determining the adequacy of beams, rafters, joists, etc.
Final Considerations
When doing any kind of beam design using structural design software will greatly ease the entire process of calculating stresses. There are several different engineering design software packages available for beams, columns, or foundation design. StruCalc, Enercalc, Risa, and BeamChek will all take in to account normal and shear stresses when doing any kind of beam design.
Josh Parker, E.I.T.
Cascade Design Group
