Chapter 2

Use of Spreadsheets for Analyses in Structural Engineering

Nelson Lam

Abstract

Structural engineering is a branch of engineering that is concerned with the analysis and design of elements such as beams, frames, trusses, and other me-chanical structures whose principal function is to providethe necessary supporting feature to withstand the mechanical loads, or related operating conditions, normally associated with structures such as buildings, bridges, cranes, airplanes, and so on. </P> <P> This chapter concentrates on the analysis of beams, wall frames, and buildings. More specifically, the analyses of these structures are illustrated via Microsoft Ex-cel spreadsheets. Spreadsheets may be used to develop quitesophisticated applica-tions that can automate the intensive calculations commonly encountered in struc-tural analysis.

Total Pages: 18-40 (23)

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