Structural Analysis – Lecture 1: Introduction (Detailed Notes)
1. Course Overview
Offered as an online certification course by NPTEL & IIT Kharagpur. Lecturer: Amit Shaw,
Associate Faculty, Civil Engineering Department. Structure: 12 modules, each with ~5 lectures
(25–35 minutes each). Additional materials: syllabus, reference books, notes, resources.
2. Motivation for the Course
Understand what Structural Analysis is, why it matters, and its relationship to other engineering
courses. It links theory to real-world practice and comes before design, construction, and
engineering drawing in the curriculum.
3. What is a Structure?
General Definition: Arrangement and relations between parts or elements of something complex.
Engineering Definition: A building or object constructed from several parts. Examples range from
ancient structures, modern skyscrapers, natural structures (skeletons, fish scales), animal-built
structures, to everyday objects like chairs, tripods, bottles, and umbrellas.
4. Process of Creating a Structure (Diagram)
Concept & Architecture
Feasibility Analysis
Structural Analysis Design Engineering Drawing
Construction
Idea & purpose
Check environment
Predict
& loads
structural
Specify
behavior
materials
Communicate
& dimensions
design to Execute
builders on site
5. Forward vs Inverse Analysis
Forward Analysis: Input = Threat, Output = Response. Used to predict performance before
construction. Inverse Analysis: Input = Observed Response, Output = Properties or threats. Used
for existing structures with missing data. Course Focus: Forward Analysis.
Analysis Type Input Output Purpose
Forward Threats (Loads, Environment)
Response (Stress, Deflection, etc.)
Predict performance
Inverse Observed Response Threats/Structural Properties
Assess existing structures
6. Closing Notes
Structures are everywhere. Engineers must match design strength to potential threats. Structural
Analysis bridges concept and design. Next lecture will cover the idealization of structures, threats,
and responses.
