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Classic and/or Good Textbooks?
3

Classic and/or Good Textbooks?

Classic and/or Good Textbooks?

(OP)
A post by AELLC caused me to look up Russell S. Fling. This caused me to find his textbook, "Practical Design of Reinforced Concrete" on sale on Amazon for a trifling sum ($4 or $5, maybe?). At first perusal it appears to be excellent! I wish it had been the textbook I studied under, in fact. Apparently Russell Fling was an accomplished practitioner who owned his own consulting firm for many years and was president of ACI between 1976 & 1977. With that background it doesn't surprise me that he was able to write such a good book.

The book I got used to be part of a university's library. I think libraries are divesting themselves of books, which can then be had for a song. So...what other books out there are worth snapping up? There's only so much room on my bookshelf but there's always room for a good one...

Some recommendations I have include the following:

"Soil Mechanics in Engineering Practice" by Terzaghi & Peck
"Structural Analysis" by Harold I. Laursen
"Theory of Plates & Shells" by Timoshenko & Woinowski-Krieger
"Data Book for Civil Engineers" by Elwyn E. Seelye

What others? Care to share your secrets? What say ye-all?bigsmile

RE: Classic and/or Good Textbooks?

Design of Wood Structures by Donald Breyer and others. One of the best summaries of loads, shear wall and collector, and general structural engineering. It's also 100% the go-to resource for wood design. Great examples, great info. http://www.amazon.com/Design-Wood-Structures-ASD-D...

This isn't really a secret but the AISC Steel Design Manual and Seismic Design Manual. These two books are how a code/manual should be written in my opinion. Tons of great info, the best tools for designing with steel. Combine these with the AISC design guides and the CD examples and you have an almost perfect reference with steel design.

Snow Loads: Guide to the Snow Load Provisions of ASCE 7-10 by Michael O'Rourke. The one stop book for all your snow design needs. Great examples and really helps fill in the grey areas of the ASCE 7 code. http://www.amazon.com/Snow-Loads-Guide-Load-Provis...

Maine EIT, Civil/Structural.

RE: Classic and/or Good Textbooks?

Archie,

The book we used at University for concrete was Phil M. Ferguson's "Reinforced Concrete Fundamentals", which is IMO a very good book. I haven't seen the Fling text that you cite in your OP.

Amazingly, I did find the Fling article I originally mentioned - a CRSI article titled "Using ACI318 - The Easy Way"

It was in one of my old concrete design notebooks, and the pages are bit yellow. It is 7 pages long, and I can scan it if anyone would like to see it.

The definition of a structural engineer: overdesign by a factor of 1.999, instead of the usual 2.

RE: Classic and/or Good Textbooks?

(OP)
AELLC,

Yes, I'd love to see it if it's not too much trouble. Thanks!

RE: Classic and/or Good Textbooks?

(OP)
TehMightyPirate,

Thanks for the references.

RE: Classic and/or Good Textbooks?

- Reinforced Concrete Structures by Park & Paulay
- Reinforced Concrete by Sigalov & Strongin
- Simplified Design of Steel Members by SESOC NZ
- Design of Welded Structures by Omar Blogett
- Structural Engineer's Handbook by Milo S. Ketchum
- Structural Engineering Formulas (yes, it should be Formulae, but whatever) by Ilya Mikhelson [NOT the new release; Garbage]
- Displacement Based Seismic Design of Structures by Priestley, Calvi & Kowalsky [I doubt you'll find such a new text on the cheap]
- Foundation Engineering by Das
- CPCI Metric Design Manual
- Precast Concrete Structures by the National Precast Concrete Society of Australian [Very hard to get outside of Auzzie & NZ - They will not ship]
- Architectural Graphics Standard [Anything pre 1980s is way more useful]
- Managing the Professional Services Firm by David R. Meister

RE: Classic and/or Good Textbooks?

Archie,

Is the "Structural Analysis" by Laursen a good hand-analysis textbook? I have been looking for one for a while to enhance my hand-analysis knowledge for the SE Exam.

RE: Classic and/or Good Textbooks?

AELLC: I think I have just found by RC Wooten, thanks to your attachment. That is a FANTASTIC article, and I am already updating (and unit correcting the material.

A star for your trouble, and my thanks for another of your posts.

RE: Classic and/or Good Textbooks?

lol... "MY" Reinforce Concrete Wooten, not 'by'.

RE: Classic and/or Good Textbooks?

(OP)
Crackerjack47,

Yes, in my opinion "Structural Analysis" by Laursen is an excellent good hand-analysis textbook. It includes the Hardy Cross/Moment Distribution method, the Portal Frame Method, calculating deflections by geometric methods, as well as others, all as can be worked out by hand.

AELLC,

I'm only halfway through that article but it's already superb! Like CELinOttawa mentioned, your effort deserves a star. Here's another one.

RE: Classic and/or Good Textbooks?

1) NEVER sell your textbooks from University days - I made that mistake and sold 3, which I regret - very much.

2) "Structural Analysis" by Jack McCormac

The definition of a structural engineer: overdesign by a factor of 1.999, instead of the usual 2.

RE: Classic and/or Good Textbooks?

I just bought: 'Structural Analysis' by Harold I. Laursen

RE: Classic and/or Good Textbooks?

Great thread – I love picking up used reference books at incredibly low prices. After reading this thread I just ordered:
Principles of Foundation Engineering by Braja M. Das
Structural Analysis: A Classical and Matrix Approach by Jack McCormac, Rudolph E. Elling
Structural analysis by Harold I Laursen
Practical Design of Reinforced Concrete by Russell S. Fling
Managing The Professional Service Firm by David H. Maister, David Maister

All for only CAD$40

As a young engineer, this is an extremely easy way to fill out my library!

Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds - Albert Einstein

RE: Classic and/or Good Textbooks?

Agreed with Fish, I'm building up a great wishlist on Amazon that looks like it will not cost that much and will really flesh out my library. Keep them coming!

I'll actually add another one that I've actually never used much myself but have had recommended to me multiple times. The PCA Notes on Aci 318-08 Building Code Requirements. Quite expensive on Amazon actually so this doesn't look like it would be a cheap book to buy. http://www.amazon.com/318-08-Building-Requirements...

Maine EIT, Civil/Structural.

RE: Classic and/or Good Textbooks?

LOL, all my college textbooks have the original prices stamped on them, mostly all under $20 a pop.

The definition of a structural engineer: overdesign by a factor of 1.999, instead of the usual 2.

RE: Classic and/or Good Textbooks?

IF you can find a copy, the AISC Textbook of Structural Shop Crafting, three volume set, first edition.

RE: Classic and/or Good Textbooks?

GD auto correct! Yes, of course, DRAFTING. Lol/sigh....

RE: Classic and/or Good Textbooks?

If anyone wants to buy these books, the time may be now. You will regret if you don't because now these books will become popular and no longer *cheap*. smile

RE: Classic and/or Good Textbooks?

One that is a classic: "Pile foundations" by Robert D. Chellis. Mine is dated 1951

Professor Spangler of Iowa State wrote much along with Marston on conduits in the ground, including tunnel design. If you have not used Spanglers' "Imperfect Ditch" design, you have not lived.

RE: Classic and/or Good Textbooks?

Oldestguy: Do you have any other geotechnical books. As a structural I don't see much beyond basic foundations but would love to have some good references.

Maine EIT, Civil/Structural.

RE: Classic and/or Good Textbooks?

Pirate: I have found "Foundation Engineering" by Peck, Hanson, and Thornburn (second edition, copyright 1974) to be an excellent reference for the analysis and design of foundations. The book is comprehensive and practical.

RE: Classic and/or Good Textbooks?

"Pirate: I have found "Foundation Engineering" by Peck, Hanson, and Thornburn (second edition, copyright 1974) to be an excellent reference for the analysis and design of foundations. The book is comprehensive and practical."

I have the exact book, one owner (me) - $17.50, bought 1974.

But it is not for sale.

The definition of a structural engineer: overdesign by a factor of 1.999, instead of the usual 2.

RE: Classic and/or Good Textbooks?

Awesome, added to the list.

Maine EIT, Civil/Structural.

RE: Classic and/or Good Textbooks?

Is there any book that will clearly explain how to set up a matrix (stiffness) analysis for a simple portal frame or continuous beam with option of cantilever span at one or both ends?

I have "Matrix Computer Analysis of Structures" (1966) by Moshe F. Rubenstein, but I don't understand it.

The definition of a structural engineer: overdesign by a factor of 1.999, instead of the usual 2.

RE: Classic and/or Good Textbooks?

Theory of Matrix Structural Analysis by JS Przemieniecki is very in depth as well as detailed... Structural Analysis by Jeffrey P. Laible is more plug and shug with worked examples and Fortran subroutines written for you...

Remember that there are numerous "flavours" of matrix analysis... I'm willing to bet you mean the "Direct Stiffness Method", and Chapter 9 of Laible would be perfect to teach you that.

RE: Classic and/or Good Textbooks?

I just want the "Matrix for Dummies" version.

I know I understood it - sort of - back at University, but I haven't used it in Real World since.

I tried to "reverse engineer" the Beamanal Excel spreadsheet, but it eludes me, and Beamanal doesn't have the cantilever span option. I have to "trick" it to get a decent result.

The ultimate goal is to have this working on Excel but as much smaller file size (in MB) than Beamanal.

The definition of a structural engineer: overdesign by a factor of 1.999, instead of the usual 2.

RE: Classic and/or Good Textbooks?

I have one I adapted from the free Microstran excel spreadsheet, but it is both in OpenOffice format and MINE... Lol.

For the record, Laible is pretty easy to follow, but won't do the thinking for you. I'll keep your search in mind, you never know what'll turn up searching the net. Heck maybe there is a "For Dummies" version now; they have just about everything else!

Didn't you have work to do today? *evil smiles*

RE: Classic and/or Good Textbooks?

Yes I am working, a "medium-difficulty" 2-story custom house.

I take frequent 10 minute breaks, will you allow me that , huh? (j/k)

It's not like I am 22 yrs old, grrrrr.

The definition of a structural engineer: overdesign by a factor of 1.999, instead of the usual 2.

RE: Classic and/or Good Textbooks?

But it's Saturday! You should be at home studying for the SE exam like I am. :P

Maine EIT, Civil/Structural.

RE: Classic and/or Good Textbooks?

I can't find any free Microstran - can you please upload it to here? My Excel 2010 should be able to convert it from OpenOffice.

I want to see if it works better than Beamanal

The definition of a structural engineer: overdesign by a factor of 1.999, instead of the usual 2.

RE: Classic and/or Good Textbooks?

Pirate, you are studying too much, it is Sunday. I work at home, so it's not so bad.

Last time I took that kind of test, it was 1983, I don't want to do it again.

The definition of a structural engineer: overdesign by a factor of 1.999, instead of the usual 2.

RE: Classic and/or Good Textbooks?

It's Sunday?...oh...yeah...

Can this exam be over yet please?

[/end thread derail]

Maine EIT, Civil/Structural.

RE: Classic and/or Good Textbooks?

AELLC - have you looked at the series of blog posts starting here:
http://newtonexcelbach.wordpress.com/2009/01/31/fr...

"This is the first of a series of posts in which I will develop a structural frame analysis program operating within Excel. The first few stages will be mostly spreadsheet based, with later stages using VBA routines to analyse data generated in the spreadsheet, and ultimately linking to external dll programs to do the heavy number crunching involved in the solution of complex frames."

There are also a number of posts looking at continuous beam analysis using Macaulay's method. Look in Download by category, or search for Macaulay.

CelinOttowa - Thanks for the Microstran link.

Doug Jenkins
Interactive Design Services
http://newtonexcelbach.wordpress.com/

RE: Classic and/or Good Textbooks?

And for paper books, I like:

Theory of Elastic Stability by Timoshenko and Gere.

Is (or at least was) available new in paperback at a very reasonable price.

Doug Jenkins
Interactive Design Services
http://newtonexcelbach.wordpress.com/

RE: Classic and/or Good Textbooks?

IDS -

I studied that but go nowhere because I don't understand VBA.
My old Structural Analysis book makes no mention of Macualay's method, so I haven't a clue there.

The Beamanal seemed more suited for my purposes, and I have a "temporary system" I devised in my Excel design workbook that seems to be practical (for now) - in fact, it is now being used in this custom house I am doing today that has 2 and 3-span floor trusses and various 2 and 3-span girder trusses.

The definition of a structural engineer: overdesign by a factor of 1.999, instead of the usual 2.

RE: Classic and/or Good Textbooks?

There are a few threads on Geotechnical books in the forums - search. However, I suggest the following:
1. M.J. Tomlinson - Foundation Design and Construction
2. M.J. Tomlinson - Pile Design and Construction
3. Tchebotarioff's foundation book
4. Agree with Terzaghi and Peck - much more practical and easier to read than the later edition with Mesri
5. White's book on Underpinning
6. Cedergren's book Seepage, Drainage and Flow Nets

RE: Classic and/or Good Textbooks?

(OP)
AELLC,

In my opinion your "Matrix for Dummies" course and software can be found here:

http://www.cedengineering.com/courseoutline.asp?ci...

It is an online professional development course entitled "Finite Element Structural Analysis on an Excel Spreadsheet", written by Richard Campbell, PE, SE. In my opinion it is excellent. Note that on that site you can download both the explanation and the spreadsheet for free. And if you need professional development units for your licensure go ahead and take the course for the reasonable fee listed.

BE AWARE: I think there might be an error in the uniform load portion of it but it's been a while since I've played with it so maybe I'm wrong.

The key, though, is that it is a usable FE program that removes the black box effect...it lets the user be engaged with the calculations in a way that is better than I've seen in any other case. I customized my version of it and now have two versions: one that can use 16 nodes / 37 members and one that is 80 nodes / 240 members. The later uses the limit of Excel's matrix multiplication capabilities and takes 20 seconds to run. But, I rarely use that one. As the author noted, many frames can be modeled with just a few members and engineers sometimes get carried away over-modeling things.

Also be aware, if you're going to play around with it it may take some time so from a pure business perspective you'd be better simply buying any number of commercial FE software packages. But for understanding FE, this is a good one to play with. Good luck.

RE: Classic and/or Good Textbooks?

Not sure if it was mentioned yet but I have found the steel book "Limit States Design in Structural Steel" by Kulak and Grondin to be useful for some of the more typical steel design that adheres to the Canadian codes. I don't have the updated version to account for the changes to tension and shear block failure but useful none the less.

RE: Classic and/or Good Textbooks?

Lots of good books listed here. I would recommend adding "Design of Welded Structures" by Omer Blodgett. It's a classic.

RE: Classic and/or Good Textbooks?

CELinOttawa got that covered for you but it definitely isn't hurt by another mention. Great book that, I need to get one for myself even though we already have an office copy here.

Another good one is the Historical Record Dimensions and Properties, Rolled Shapes, Steel and Wrought Iron, Beams & Columns Compiled by Herbert W. Ferris and published by AISC. Lists almost all the rolled shapes from 1873 to 1952. The 13th AISC manual has the shapes on a CD (and now an app for smartphones) but this book also gives the history of ASTM and AISC structural steel specifications, minimum yield stresses, tensile strengths, and the dates they were used. AMAZINGLY useful when dealing with old steel structures.

Maine EIT, Civil/Structural.

RE: Classic and/or Good Textbooks?

Pirate: Thanks for the credit on Blogget, an amazing text.

FYI: AISC's Design Guide 15 is meant to be the new and improved "Historical Record Dimensions and Properties, Rolled Shapes, Steel and Wrought Iron, Beams & Columns"; I've never seen the original, so I have no idea if there is anything different or missing in the "update".

RE: Classic and/or Good Textbooks?

Yep, you're right. I really should use DG 15 more often. It does appear to be very, very similar to the historical shapes book but they definitely added some good info.

I've got libraries and libraries of PDFs me and other engineers have downloaded, really should go through them someday and see what we actually have.

Maine EIT, Civil/Structural.

RE: Classic and/or Good Textbooks?

Along with other useful publications, Historical Record Dimensions and Properties, Rolled Shapes, Steel and Wrought Iron, Beams & Columns can be found on Sliderule Era's website in the "Contributions by Others" section. http://www.slideruleera.net/

RE: Classic and/or Good Textbooks?

Dont forget Timoshenko.

Strength of materials Particularly vol 1 and 2
Theory of structures old but still good IMHO

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