Steel Structures: What you need to know for Feasibility Design

To calculate the feasibility of a steel structure design, you need to have a solid understanding of several key areas. Here are the fundamental knowledge areas you should learn the following:

Structural Analysis

First, you'll need familiarity with structural analysis, which is the study of how structures respond to external stresses by determining internal forces and deformations. Basic structural analysis techniques (such as truss analysis and beam analysis) and the principles of equilibrium and statics are included in this category.

Structural Mechanics

Learn the fundamentals of structural mechanics, such as stress, strain, and the relationship between the two (Hooke's law). Dead loads, live loads, wind loads, and seismic loads are only a few of the many types of loads that can be applied to a building.

Steel Design Codes and Standards

Study the relevant design codes and standards for steel structures in your region or country. These codes provide guidelines for the design, construction, and safety of steel structures. Some commonly used codes include the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC) Steel Construction Manual, Eurocode 3, and British Standards (BS).

Structural Design Principles

Learn the structural design principles particular to steel structures, including choosing the right components (beams, columns, connections), ensure stability, strength, and serviceability in your designs, and account for different types of loads and how they interact.

Structural Materials and Properties

Learn about the strength, elasticity, and ductility of structural steel. Study the various characteristics of steel sections and how they respond to varied loads. An understanding of complementary materials, such as concrete for composite buildings, may be useful when working with steel.

Structural Connections

Study the design and behavior of steel connections. Connections play a crucial role in ensuring the integrity and safety of the overall structure. Learn about various connection types, such as bolted, welded, and moment connections, and their design considerations.

Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and Structural Analysis Software

Familiarize yourself with CAD software (such as Staad Pro, Etabs, etc.) for creating and visualizing steel structure designs. Additionally, learn how to use structural analysis software to perform calculations and simulations, which can aid in verifying the feasibility of your design.