Structural engineering theory: Difference between revisions

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The criteria which govern the design of a structure are either serviceability (criteria which define whether the structure is able to adequately fulfill its function) or strength (criteria which define whether a structure is able to safely support and resist its design loads). A structural engineer designs a structure to have sufficient [[Strength of materials|strength]] and [[stiffness]] to meet these criteria.

Loads imposed on structures are supported byy means of forces transmitted through structural elements. These forces can manifest themselves as [[Tension (physics)|tension]] (axial force), [[compression (physical)|compression]] (axial force), [[Shear stress|shear]], and [[bending]], or [[flexure]] (a bending moment is a force multiplied by a distance, or lever arm, hence producing a turning effect or [[torque]]).

==Strength==