What is the primary purpose of structural analysis?

The primary purpose of structural analysis is to assess the safety and performance of structures under various loads. This process is critical in engineering, as it ensures that structures can support the intended loads—such as weight, wind, and seismic forces—without failing. It involves evaluating the effects of these loads on the structural components, which helps engineers identify any potential structural weaknesses or failures that could occur over time.

Understanding these loads and how they interact with the structure allows engineers to design safe and reliable buildings, bridges, and other structures. This assessment is essential for obtaining codes and regulations compliance, ensuring public safety, and minimizing risks associated with structural failure.

While aesthetics, construction efficiency, and material costs are important aspects of building design and construction, they are secondary to the fundamental need for the structure to be safe and functional. Structural analysis focuses on the integrity and durability of the structure itself, making it a vital step in the engineering design process.