Basic Structures

Acknowledgements ix

Introduction x

1 What is structural engineering? 1

2 Learn the language: a simple explanation of terms used by structural engineers 8

3 How do structures (and parts of structures) behave? 11

4 Force, mass and weight 26

5 Loading – dead or alive 32

6 Equilibrium – a balanced approach 38

7 More about forces: resultants an...