Glossary of structural engineering

Glossary of Structural Engineering

Structural engineering is a field of engineering dealing with the analysis and design of structures that support or resist loads. This glossary provides definitions and explanations of terms commonly used in structural engineering.

A

Allowable Stress

The maximum stress that a material or structural component is allowed to carry under specific conditions. It is determined by dividing the material's yield strength by a factor of safety.

Axial Load

A force applied along the longitudinal axis of a structural member, causing compression or tension.

B

Beam

A structural element that primarily resists loads applied laterally to the beam's axis. Its mode of deflection is primarily by bending.

Buckling

A failure mode characterized by a sudden lateral deflection of a structural member subjected to high compressive stress.

C

Column

A vertical structural element that primarily carries axial compressive loads.

Composite Material

A material made from two or more constituent materials with significantly different physical or chemical properties.

D

Dead Load

The permanent static load that is relatively constant over time, such as the weight of the structure itself.

Deflection

The degree to which a structural element is displaced under a load.

E

Elasticity

The ability of a material to return to its original shape after the removal of a load.

Euler's Buckling Load

The critical load at which a slender column will buckle.

F

Factor of Safety

A design criterion that provides a safety margin over the calculated maximum load.

Fatigue

The weakening of a material caused by repeatedly applied loads.

G

Girder

A large beam that supports smaller beams or joists.

Gravitational Load

The load on a structure due to the force of gravity.

H

Hooke's Law

A principle stating that the stress applied to a material is proportional to the strain, within the elastic limit of that material.

I

I-Beam

A beam with a cross-section that resembles the letter "I". It is used in construction and civil engineering.

Inertia

The resistance of a physical object to any change in its state of motion.

J

Joint

A connection between two or more members of a structure.

L

Load

Any force or combination of forces applied to a structure.

Lateral Load

A load applied horizontally to a structure, such as wind or seismic forces.

M

Moment

A measure of the tendency of a force to rotate an object about an axis.

Modulus of Elasticity

A measure of a material's ability to deform elastically when a force is applied.

N

Neutral Axis

The line in a beam or other member under bending where the fibers are neither compressed nor stretched.

P

Prestressed Concrete

Concrete in which internal stresses are introduced to counteract potential tensile stresses in the material.

Purlin

A horizontal structural member in a roof.

R

Reinforced Concrete

Concrete in which reinforcement, such as steel bars, is embedded to improve its tensile strength.

Rigid Frame

A structural system with members connected by rigid joints.

S

Shear Force

A force that acts on a material in a direction parallel to its surface.

Span

The distance between two intermediate supports for a structure.

T

Tension

A force that stretches a material.

Torsion

A twisting force applied to an object.

W

Wind Load

The force exerted by wind on a structure.

Wrought Iron

A form of iron with a very low carbon content, used in construction.

See Also

• Structural analysis
• Civil engineering
• Load-bearing wall

References

• "Structural Engineering Handbook" by Edwin H. Gaylord, Charles N. Gaylord, and James E. Stallmeyer.
• "Principles of Structural Design" by Ram S. Gupta.