Stuctures are everywhere around us.

Structures are everywhere: buildings, skyscrapers, bridges, parking garages, and radio towers. For example, even furniture — such as your desk and chair — has structural elements.

While most structures support loads, every structure has a specific purpose that requires a specific design. A bridge must support the load of two-ton vehicles moving over it. Your desk, on the other hand, is required to support only a few hundred pounds. The bridge is stationary, while your desk can be moved about freely. Their different purposes require very different designs.

Structures are subjected to forces. A structure’s design should enable it to remain intact and continue supporting the load despite the forces acting upon it.