Structural Modeling and Computer Analysis

What are the two primary outcomes that a structural analysis is performed to determine, according to the text?

How should tie rods, also known as bracing struts, be modeled in a structural analysis?

When modeling a beam, why is choosing pin supports often a more conservative approach to design compared to fixed supports?

How can a haunched or tapered beam be modeled for computer analysis, according to the text?

When modeling a column with end supports that could be either pinned or fixed, which model leads to a more conservative design against buckling?

What is the primary function of a local or member coordinate system in a structural analysis computer program?

When inputting data for a structural analysis program, what is the convention for the origin and direction of a member's local x' axis?

For a truss shown in Fig. 17-10 with a downward vertical load of 200 N at node 2, how would this load be specified in the 'Load Data' input for a computer program?

If a support node on a frame is a fixed support that settles downward by 0.003 m, what value should be entered for the y-direction in the 'Support Data' input?

For a gabled frame, what coordinate system is typically selected for entering a distributed wind loading, and what system is used for a gravity load like snow?

What is the key difference in modeling wind load on a cross-braced metal building versus the actual behavior, as described in the text's conservative approach?

Which material property is identified as being particularly critical for the stiffness of a structure in an elastic analysis?

Under what condition is it acceptable to set member properties like E, A, and I to one in a structural analysis?

What is the final and most important step an engineer must take after obtaining results from a structural analysis computer program?

What tragic event is mentioned as a reason for new building criteria requiring structures to remain stable after primary supporting members are removed?

When specifying an internal pin in a frame member for a computer analysis, such as at node 4 for member 3 in Fig. 17-12, what is being specified?

According to Fig. 17-3, for a uniformly loaded beam, which support condition results in the smallest maximum positive bending moment?

What is the primary method of analysis that popular structural analysis programs like STAAD, RISA, and SAP are based on?

In the structural model of a metal building with cross bracing shown in Fig. 17-9, which components are assumed to resist the lateral wind load?

How is a distributed load that is not uniform, triangular, or trapezoidal handled in a computer analysis if the software doesn't directly support its shape?

What is the purpose of establishing a single global coordinate system for a structural model?

In a computer analysis, where are nodes typically located on a beam or frame?

What type of loads are specified in codes and are considered in design, as mentioned in Section 17.2?

If you perform an analysis with member properties E, A, and I set to one, what results will be correct and what will be incorrect?

What is meant by the term 'beam column' as described in the text?

When establishing a global coordinate system, what is the convenient practice for locating the origin?

What is the consequence of preparing an incorrect structural model for a computer analysis, even if the computer calculates the numerical answer accurately?

What method can be used to construct a structural model graphically on a computer monitor, as described in the 'Automatic Assembly' section?

For the frame in Fig. 17-12, a distributed load of -400 N/m is specified on member 2. How is its position defined for data input?

Why must care be taken in selecting the modulus of elasticity (E) for concrete and wood, as opposed to steel?

What is the conservative approach for selecting the thickness of prismatic segments when modeling a tapered beam?

When modeling a roof load that is applied directly to the top cord of a truss, how can the distributed load be simplified for analysis?

What is the general convention for dimensioning a structural model for analysis?

What does the text suggest is the final check on computed results to ensure they align with engineering intuition?

When identifying members and nodes for a computer analysis, what is the convention described for numbering them?

If you are using a drafting program like AutoCAD to build a structure, what can be done with the resulting graphic?

What is the purpose of a load combination feature in many structural analysis programs?

Which of the following is NOT listed as a relevant material property for an elastic analysis?

What is a right-handed coordinate system, as described in the context of local and global coordinates?

For the simply-supported beam in Fig. 17-3 under a uniform load w, what is the maximum bending moment?

What type of analysis is required for a building structure that must remain stable after some of its primary supporting members are removed?

In the preliminary steps of a computer analysis, how is the 'direction' of a member identified?

For a simple bolted beam connection, as shown in Fig. 17-2b, how should it be modeled and why?

What are the three main categories of information that must be specified in the 'General Structure Information' input for a program?

What is the key advantage of entering load data onto a graphical interface?

For the fixed-supported beam in Fig. 17-3 under a uniform load w, where is the location of the maximum negative bending moment?

Besides external reactions and internal loadings, what other key information does a computer analysis provide as part of its results?

What is the reason given for why a simple bolted beam connection is modeled as a pin?

In what situation might a structural modeling process need to be improved or calculations justified based on professional judgment?

What is the primary factor that limits the use of truss and girder bridges versus suspension or cable-stayed bridges?