Structural Basics Guides for Architecture & Engineering

What the Structural Basics Series Covers — and Why It Matters

Structural engineering is a discipline built on a relatively compact set of foundational concepts, but those concepts interact in ways that are anything but simple. A load that enters a roof diaphragm must travel through beams, columns, shear walls, and foundations before it reaches the ground — and every element along that path must be sized, connected, and detailed correctly. A material choice made early in schematic design has downstream consequences for connection geometry, fire resistance, code compliance, and cost. A misunderstanding about which load combination governs a particular condition can lead to an undersized member or an unnecessarily expensive overdesign. The Structural Basics series addresses these interdependencies directly. Rather than treating each topic as an isolated subject, the guides are written with cross-references and contextual explanations that show how load types relate to load path design, how material properties influence connection details, and how code requirements translate into specific structural decisions. This approach is particularly valuable for architects who need to communicate fluently with structural engineers, for junior engineers building their professional knowledge base, and for experienced practitioners who want a well-organized reference they can return to when a less familiar structural system or material comes up on a project. All content is written with US practice in mind, referencing the International Building Code (IBC), ASCE 7, ACI 318, AISC 360, NDS, and other standards that govern structural design in the American market.