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Engineering reference

Structural Analysis: theory, method, and sources

This civil & structural engineering workspace publishes 8 governing equations, 2 stated assumptions, 1 documented boundary, and 2 sources so the numbers it returns can be checked rather than taken on trust.

Calculations run locallyCalculation & source methodology

How this tool works

Ten unit-aware modules connect equilibrium, internal force, stiffness, and stress.

Every plot labels physical axes and units.

Calculators and topics covered

  • structures
  • beams
  • trusses
  • stress
  • deflection
  • buckling
  • support reactions
  • shear force
  • bending moment
  • Euler buckling
  • section modulus
  • combined stress

Core equations

point load reactions:RA=P(La)L,  RB=PaL\text{point load reactions:}\quad R_{A} = \frac{P \left(L - a\right)}{L},\; R_{B} = \frac{\mathrm{Pa}}{L}uniform load reactions:RA=RB=wL2\text{uniform load reactions:}\quad R_{A} = R_{B} = \frac{wL}{2}cantilever tip deflection:δ=PL33EI\text{cantilever tip deflection:}\quad \delta = \frac{PL^{3}}{3 EI}simply supported centre deflection:δ=PL348EI\text{simply supported centre deflection:}\quad \delta = \frac{PL^{3}}{48 EI}axial stress and strain:σ=PA,  ε=δL,  E=σε\text{axial stress and strain:}\quad \sigma = \frac{P}{A},\; \varepsilon = \frac{\delta }{L},\; E = \frac{\sigma }{\varepsilon }rectangular section:I=bh312,  S=Ic,  c=h2\text{rectangular section:}\quad I = \frac{bh^{3}}{12},\; S = \frac{I}{c},\; c = \frac{h}{2}Euler buckling:Pcr=π2EI(kL)2\text{Euler buckling:}\quad P_{cr} = \frac{\pi ^{2} EI}{\left(kL\right)^{2}}combined axial and bending stress:σ=PA±McI\text{combined axial and bending stress:}\quad \sigma = \frac{P}{A} \frac{\pm Mc}{I}

Method and assumptions

Assumptions

  • Linear elastic material behavior unless otherwise stated.
  • Ideal supports and small deformations.

Limitations and design boundaries

  • Educational preliminary analysis only; not a substitute for governing building codes, load standards, detailed finite-element analysis, or review by a licensed structural engineer.

Sources and references

Primary sources are preferred for ratings, standards, manufacturer data, and externally defined constants.

Source policy
  • Hibbeler, Structural AnalysisClassical determinate structures, influence of support conditions, and elastic deflection.
  • Beer, Johnston et al., Mechanics of MaterialsStress, strain, beam flexure, and column stability relationships.