436023

HOU - 4 1936

sv

PREFACE

This book is planned for use in three distinct fields: 1. An ele-

mentary course to serve as a basis for advanced work and also as a

definite unit for those who wish a brief course in structures. 2. One

or more advanced undergraduate courses with emphasis on bridges.

3. One or more advanced undergraduate courses with emphasis on build-

ings. Chapter XII has been added as an approach to some of the

problems of the structural engineer which are beyond the limits of

undergraduate requirements.

An attempt has been made to present the material from the stand-

point of the student who is going through his first experience in struc-

tural work and is forming a connecting link between class work in

mechanics and engineering work in the office and in the field. Problems

are used extensively not only to illustrate the principles which have

been developed in the text, but also to present many extensions and

applications which have not been discussed but which are so closely

related to the text as to be within the grasp of the student who likes

to explore beyond previous experiences.

Recognition is made of the fact that efficient structural design is

dependent upon the intelligent use of principles, factual data, and defi-

nite specifications. Basic principles are developed in the text. Essential

factual data are presented in various tables, diagrams and drawings so

that the text, supplemented by "Steel Construction" of the American

Institute of Steel Construction or the Carnegie-Illinois or the Bethlehem

hand book, forms a self contained unit for instruction. For specifications,

the design portions of one recognized specification in the railway bridge

field and of one in the highway bridge field are reproduced as appendices.

Although the title suggests a consideration of steel structures only,

the importance of timber for falsework and scaffolding and the use of

timber in beams, trestles, and trusses are recognized. Considerable

data are included which are pertinent to timber construction. The uses

of these data in connection with some of the problems peculiar to timber

design are discussed in a number of places.

The book is an outgrowth of various mimeograph notes which have

been used in the authors' classes for a number of years and an informal

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