Fundamentals of Structural Engineering

1 Structure A system of interconnected elements that is constructed to support and safely transfer

loads to the ground. 2 Load A force or weight exerted on a structure, including dead loads,

live loads and environmental loads . 3 Stress The internal resistance of a material to an applied

load, measured in units of force per unit area. 4 Strain The deformation

or change in shape of a material under stress. 5 Strength The ability of a material to

resist stress without failure. 6 Stiffness The resistance of a material to deformation,

measured by its modulus of elasticity. 7 Ductility The ability of a material to deform plastically

under stress without fracturing. 8 Brittleness The tendency of a material to fracture suddenly