Structural analysis is the use of material strength equations to find the internal forces, deformations and tensions acting on a resistant structure, such as buildings or resistant skeletons of machinery. Likewise, dynamic analysis would study the dynamic behavior of said structures and the appearance of possible vibrations harmful to the structure.

Determination of efforts

The type of method used differs depending on the complexity and very simple structures, among which the Euler-Bernoulli beam theory is the simplest method, it is applicable only to slender bars subjected to bending and axial forces. Naturally, not all structures can be analyzed by this method. When there are two-dimensional structural elements, methods based on solving differential equations should generally be used.

Determination of strength and stiffness

From the efforts the displacements and tensions can be calculated directly. In the case of the finite element method, the displacement is usually determined directly without the need to calculate the internal forces. A correctly designed structure, in addition to being functional and economical, must necessarily meet two reasonable safety criteria:

Material models

Within the structural analysis it is important to model the behavior of the materials used through an appropriate constitutive equation. The most common types of materials are:

Node method

The method of the nodes or method of the nodes, consists of the approach of mechanical balance of each of the nodes or knots of a simple reinforcement. A node is each of the points where two or more bars meet. The global balance of the structure implies the local balance of each of the nodes. For the node method to be applicable to a specific structure, some geometric conditions must be met, including: