Handbook of Structural Engineering

by W.F. Chen, E.M. Lui

Publisher: CRC Press
ISBN: 0849315697

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Book Description

Continuing the tradition of the best-selling Handbook of Structural Engineering, this second edition is a comprehensive reference to the broad spectrum of structural engineering, encapsulating the theoretical, practical, and computational aspects of the field. The authors address a myriad of topics, covering both traditional and innovative approaches to analysis, design, and rehabilitation.

The second edition has been expanded and reorganized to be more informative and cohesive. It also follows the developments that have emerged in the field since the previous edition, such as advanced analysis for structural design, performance-based design of earthquake-resistant structures, lifecycle evaluation and condition assessment of existing structures, the use of high-performance materials for construction, and design for safety.

Additionally, the book includes numerous tables, charts, and equations, as well as extensive references, reading lists, and websites for further study or more in-depth information. Emphasizing practical applications and easy implementation, this text reflects the increasingly global nature of engineering, compiling the efforts of an international panel of experts from industry and academia. This is a necessity for anyone studying or practicing in the field of structural engineering.

New to this edition

• Fundamental theories of structural dynamics
• Advanced analysis
• Wind and earthquake-resistant design
• Design of prestressed concrete, masonry, timber, and glass structures
• Properties, behavior, and use of high-performance steel, concrete, and fiber-reinforced polymers
• Semirigid frame structures
• Structural bracing
• Structural design for fire safety

About the Author

Dr. Wai-Fah Chen -- A well-respected leader in the field of plasticity, structural stability, and structural steel design over the past half-century, he has made major contributions to introduce the mathematical theory of plasticity to civil engineering practice, especially in the application of limit analysis methods to the geotechnical engineering field. Having headed the engineering departments at the University of Hawaii and Purdue University, Chen is a widely cited author and the recipient of several national engineering awards, including the 1990 Shortridge Hardesty Award from the American Society of Civil Engineers and the 2003 Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Institute of Steel Construction.

W. F. Chen, Ph.D. Brown University, Member of U.S. National Academy of Engineering and Member of Taiwan National Academy of Science ( Academia Sinica), formerly Distinguished Professor of Civil Engineering at Purdue University and Dean of Engineering at University of Hawaii. He is currently a Research Professor of Civil Engineering at UH.

Customer Reviews

This single volume includes chapters on topics as diverse as timber engineering, tunnel construction, fire engineering, bridges of all types, glass structures, fiber-reinforced polymer composites, and much more.

One exceptionally-helpful chapter in this book, in my opinion, is Chapter 23, on semirigid frame structures. Author Xu explains the concept of semirigid joints, summarizes the state-of-the-art knowledge in the field, and provides worked examples of problems involving semirigid-fixed beams and braced frames. The worked examples are especially helpful in that they each show the solution in a very step-by-step manner.

The Handbook of Structural Engineering is a comprehensive reference source on the fundamentals of, and special topics in, structural engineering. The book is intended for practicing engineers, and the introduction notes that the ideal reader will be an "M.S.-level engineer." Consequently, treatment of subjects is highly technical and emphasizes mathematical explanations to an extent that it might be of limited use to novices.

The first section provides a detailed overview of the fundamentals of structural engineering. Following this introductory section are eight chapters covering special types of structures, and thirteen chapters on special topics in structural engineering. All chapters contain a brief glossary of key concepts discussed within the chapter, an extensive bibliography, suggested readings, and a list of relevant codes and standards where applicable.