The field of structural optimization is still a relatively new field undergoing rapid changes in methods and focus. Until recently there was a severe imbalance between the enormous amount of literature on the subject, and the paucity of applications to practical design problems. This imbalance is being gradually redressed now. There is still no shortage of new publications, but there are also exciting applications of the methods of structural optimizations in the automotive, aerospace, civil engineering, machine design and other engineering fields. As a result of the growing pace of applications, research into structural optimization methods is increasingly driven by real-life problems. Most engineers who design structures employ complex general-purpose software packages for structural analysis. Often they do not have any access to the source the details of program, and even more frequently they have only scant knowledge of the structural analysis algorithms used in this software packages. Therefore the major challenge faced by researchers in structural optimization is to develop methods that are suitable for use with such software packages. Another major challenge is the high computational cost associated with the analysis of many complex real-life problems. In many cases the engineer who has the task of designing a structure cannot afford to analyze it more than a handful of times.

Elements of Structures and Defects of Crystalline Materials has been written to cover not only the fundamental principles behind structures and defects, but also to provide deep insights into understanding the relationships of properties, defect chemistry and processing of the concerned materials. Part One deals with structures, while Part Two covers defects. Since the knowledge of the electron configuration of elements is necessary for understanding the nature of chemical bonding, it is discussed in the opening chapter. Chapter Two then describes the bonding formation within the crystal structures of varied materials, with Chapter Three delving into how a material's structure is formed. In view of the importance of the effects of the structure distortion on the material properties due to the fields, the related topics have been included in section 3.4. Moreover, several materials still under intensive investigation have been illustrated to provide deep insights into understanding the effects of the relationships of processing, structures and defects on the material properties. The defects of materials are explored in Part II. Chapter 4 deals with the point defects of metal and ceramics. Chapter 5 covers the fundamentals of the characteristics of dislocations, wherein physics and the atomic mechanics of several issues have been described in detail. In view of the significant influence of the morphologies including size, shape and distribution of grains, phases on the microstructure evolution, and, in turn, the properties of materials, the final chapter focuses on the fundamentals of interface energies, including single phase (grain) boundary and interphase boundary. - Discusses the relationship between properties, defect chemistry and the processing of materials - Presents coverage of the fundamental principles behind structures and defects - Includes information on two-dimensional and three-dimensional imperfections in solids

This book analyses problems in elasticity theory, highlighting elements of structural analysis in a simple and straightforward way.

The book introduces the basic concepts of the finite element method in the static and dynamic analysis of beam, plate, shell and solid structures, discussing how the method works, the characteristics of a finite element approximation and how to avoid the pitfalls of finite element modeling. Presenting the finite element theory as simply as possible, the book allows readers to gain the knowledge required when applying powerful FEA software tools. Further, it describes modeling procedures, especially for reinforced concrete structures, as well as structural dynamics methods, with a particular focus on the seismic analysis of buildings, and explores the modeling of dynamic systems. Featuring numerous illustrative examples, the book allows readers to easily grasp the fundamentals of the finite element theory and to apply the finite element method proficiently.

A new edition of Francis D.K. Ching's illustrated guide to structural design Structures are an essential element of the building process, yet one of the most difficult concepts for architects to grasp. While structural engineers do the detailed consulting work for a project, architects should have enough knowledge of structural theory and analysis to design a building. Building Structures Illustrated takes a new approach to structural design, showing how structural systems of a building—such as an integrated assembly of elements with pattern, proportions, and scale—are related to the fundamental aspects of architectural design. The book features a one-stop guide to structural design in practice, a thorough treatment of structural design as part of the entire building process, and an overview of the historical development of architectural materails and structure. Illustrated throughout with Ching's signature line drawings, this new Second Edition is an ideal guide to structures for designers, builders, and students. Updated to include new information on building code compliance, additional learning resources, and a new glossary of terms Offers thorough coverage of formal and spatial composition, program fit, coordination with other building systems, code compliance, and much more Beautifully illustrated by the renowned Francis D.K. Ching Building Structures Illustrated, Second Edition is the ideal resource for students and professionals who want to make informed decisions on architectural design.

- Bridge type, behaviour and appearance David Bennett, David Bennett Associates · History of bridge development · Bridge form · Behaviour - Loads and load distribution Mike Ryall, University of Surrey · Brief history of loading specifications · Current code specification · Load distribution concepts · Influence lines - Analysis Professor R Narayanan, Consulting Engineer · Simple beam analysis · Distribution co-efficients · Grillage method · Finite elements · Box girder analysis: steel and concrete · Dynamics - Design of reinforced concrete bridges Dr Paul Jackson, Gifford and Partners · Right slab · Skew slab · Beam and slab · Box - Design of prestressed concrete bridges Nigel Hewson, Hyder Consulting · Pretensioned beams · Beam and slab · Pseduo slab · Post tensioned concrete beams · Box girders - Design of steel bridges Gerry Parke and John Harding, University of Surrey · Plate girders · Box girders · Orthotropic plates · Trusses - Design of composite bridges David Collings, Robert Benaim and Associates · Steel beam and concrete · Steel box and concrete · Timber and concrete - Design of arch bridges Professor Clive Melbourne, University of Salford · Analysis · Masonry · Concrete · Steel · Timber - Seismic analysis of design Professor Elnashai, Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine · Modes of failure in previous earthquakes · Conceptual design issues · Brief review of seismic design codes - Cable stayed bridges - Daniel Farquhar, Mott Macdonald · Analysis · Design · Construction - Suspension bridges Vardaman Jones and John Howells, High Point Rendel · Analysis · Design · Construction - Moving bridges Charles Birnstiel, Consulting engineer · History · Types · Special problems - Substructures Peter Lindsell, Peter Lindsell and Associates · Abutments · Piers - Other structural elements Robert Broome et al, WS Atkins · Parapets · Bearings · Expansion joints - Protection Mike Mulheren, University of Surrey · Drainage · Waterproofing · Protective coating/systems for concrete · Painting system for steel · Weathering steel · Scour protection · Impact protection - Management systems and strategies Perrie Vassie, Transport Research Laboratory · Inspection · Assessment · Testing · Rate of deterioration · Optimal maintenance programme · Prioritisation · Whole life costing · Risk analysis - Inspection, monitoring, and assessment Charles Abdunur, Laboratoire Central Des Ponts et Chaussées · Main causes of deterioration · Investigation methods · Structural evaluation tests · Stages of structural assessment · Preparing for recalculation - Repair and Strengthening John Darby, Consulting Engineer · Repair of concrete structures · Metal structures · Masonry structures · Replacement of structures