For sophomore/junior-level courses in Statics, Strength of Materials, and Structural Principles in Architecture.A valuable reference source, this richly illustrated, user-friendly text provides an informative introduction to structures, and appeals to architectural and building construction students' strong need for visual reinforcement. No calculus is required.

A primary aim of this book has been to develop and present basic structural concepts in an easily understood manner using "building" examples and illustrations to supplement the text. Much of this material has been field tested, revised, and modified over a course of 25 years of teaching. Introducing structural theory, without relying on a predominantly mathematical treatment, has been challenging to say the least--and a non-calculus engineering alternative to the topic seemed essential if the target audience (students of architecture, building construction, and some engineering technology programs) were to remain interested. Early on it was decided that a heavily illustrated, visual approach was essential in connecting and linking structural theory to real buildings and components. Using examples and problems that are commonly found in buildings and structures around us seemed to be a logical way of introducing mathematically based material in a nonthreatening way. This text is organized along the lines of traditional textbooks on statics and strength of materials because it seems to be the most logical approach. A sound understanding of statics and strength of materials establishes a theoretical and scientific basis for understanding structural theory Numerical 5alculations are included as a way of explaining and testing one's understanding of the principles involved. Many fully worked example problems are included, with additional problems for student practice. An interesting, descriptive narrative of structural concepts may stimulate the student's interest in the subject matter, but it does not engage the student enough to ensure understanding. This text is intended as the next step following a basic introductory course on structural principles (for example, Salvadori and Heller'sStructure in Architecture-The Building of Buildings). Organizationally, the book consists of two parts: Statics in Chapters 2 through 4, and Strength of Materials covered in Chapters 5 through 10. Load Tracing in Chapter 4 is not customarily covered in statics, but was intentionally included to illustrate the power of the basic principle of mechanics and the use of free-body diagrams. Gravity and lateral load tracing are often covered in subsequent structures courses, but the fundamentals can be introduced at this stage without much anxiety on the student's part. Chapter 11 is included as a synthesis of the prior topics and summarizes some of the overall architectural, structural, and constructional issues outlined in the introduction to Chapter 1. A heavy emphasis is placed on the use of free-body diagrams in understanding the forces acting on a structural member. All problems begin with a pictorial representation of a structural component or assembly and are accompanied by a free-body diagram. Illustrations are used extensively to ensure that the student sees the connection between the real object and its abstraction. Chapter 3 uses the principles discussed in the previous chapter to solve an array of determinate structural frameworks. Load tracing in Chapter 4 attempts to examine the overall structural condition with regard to gravity and lateral loads. This chapter illustrates the interaction of one member with other members and introduces the concept of load paths that develop within a building. Chapter 5 introduces the concepts of stress and strain and material properties as they relate to materials commonly used in the building industry. The text would be greatly complemented by a course on the methods and materials of construction taken concurrently or before the strength of materials portion. Cross-sectional properties are covered in Chapter 6, again with an emphasis on commonly used beam and column shapes. Chapters 7, 8, and 9 develop the basis for beam and column analysis and design. Chapter 10 on steel connections has been added to this second edition to emphasize the importance