LRFD Steel Design Using Advanced Analysis

Book excerpt: LRFD Steel Design Using Advanced Analysis uses practical advanced analysis to produce almost identical member sizes to those of the Load and Resistance Factor Design (LRFD) method. The main advantage of the advanced analysis method is that tedious and sometimes confusing separate member capacity checks encompassed by the AISC-LRFD specification equations are not necessary. Advanced analysis can sufficiently capture the limit state strength and stability of a structural system and its individual member directly. While the use of elastic analysis is still the norm in engineering practice, a new generation of codes is expected to adopt the advanced analysis methodology in the near future, leading to significant savings in design effort. In recent years, the continued rapid development in computer hardware and software, coupled with an increased understanding of structural behavior, has made it feasible to adopt the advanced analysis techniques for design office use. Drs. Chen and Kim, both experienced and respected engineers, contribute their expertise to this text, which is intended for both the graduate student and the practicing engineer. Previous knowledge of the subject is not necessary, but familiarity with methods of elastic analysis and conventional LRFD design is expected. The advanced analysis in the book is presented in a practical and simple manner, with attention directed to both analysis and design, emphasizing the direct use of the methods in engineering practice. This is a great introduction to an exciting new trend in structural engineering!