Structural Engineering Art and Approximation

As an engineer who has been involved in several award-winning structural designs, I'm pleased to endorse this book. In my opinion, the author is quite correct in his assertion that qualitative and visual understanding of structural behavior, and ability to quickly perform approximate calculations by hand, are essential skills for a competent structural engineer. And I can attest that over the past 25 years, I've seen a general weakening of these skills among my colleagues, especially when comparing entry-level engineers over the years. I don't know the reason, but I suspect that over-reliance on software, and using it as a 'black box', are major factors. This book provides a means to help engineers develop or regain these skills, though of course getting the engineers who *need* to read the book to do so is another matter. The format consists of short chapters, there are abundant illustrations (many in color), and each chapter ends with a nice summary of key points. Better editing could have improved the writing in some places, but the author is clear enough, so this isn't a big deal. Overall, the author evidently put a LOT of work into preparing this book. The book also emphasizes buildings rather than other structures, which will of course suit some engineers more than others, but this wasn't a major deterrent for me, despite my doing little work related to buildings. I recommend this book to all structural engineers in early or intermediate phases of their careers, and graying engineers like me are likely to enjoy the return to fundamentals it provides. The author is my kind of engineer. :-)

interesting reading , i ll use it as a support for lectures to architecture students in the coming year .

Bought via a lifelong interest in "all things civil engineering", had this remarkable book been written 30 years ago, my studies would have quickly been brought to life and made very much easier to grasp. A4 size with well-set out and very clear diagrams plus comprehensible calculations, even for beginners. The interesting side-notes are obviously born of considerable experience. Floppy-backed; not so heavy. Obviously, books still maintain a very important function in learning. A Real Winner. 10!

What every junior structural Engineer needs (can't speak for seniors as I'm at graduate level). I have bought a number of structural engineering books - this book, by far, was the most frequently used in my day-to-day tasks. The book contains practical knowledge , that once acquired, will assist in the daily tasks carried out in the office. Great book!

I bought this book and the exercises book to see if they could be useful for the IStructE exam. I must admit i am dissapointed. The one book has 8 brief solutions to 8 simple problems i.e. to calculate the reactions, moment,deflection of a simply supported beam and some other unsolved problems. The main book has 13 chapters however for example the chapter with frames has only some calculations for a goal post frame and an explanation of sub frames. The chapter for trusses has a calculation for a warren truss and talks about other trusses etc. There is useful information but not intended for a technical exam.

GIFT FOR HUSBAND. VERY IMPRESSED.