Structural element

In structural engineering, structural elements are used in structural analysis to split a complex structure into simple elements (each bearing a structural load). Within a structure, an element cannot be broken down (decomposed) into parts of different kinds (e.g., beam or column).[1]

See also: Structural engineering § Structural elements

Structural elements can be lines, surfaces or volumes.[2]

Line elements:

Surface elements:

Volumes:

  • Axial, shear and bending loads for all three dimensions
  1. ^ Waddelln Alexander Low Waddell (1916). Bridge Engineering - Volume 2. New York: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. pp. 1958. Retrieved 2008-08-19.
  2. ^ Ryal, M.J.; Parke, G.A.R.; Harding, J.E. (2000). The Manual of Bridge Engineering (Google books (preview)). London: Thomas Telford. p. 98. ISBN 978-0-7277-2774-9. Retrieved 2009-04-12.