Structural analysis is the corner stone of civil engineering and all students must obtain a thorough understanding of the techniques available to analyse and predict stress in any structure. This text provides the student with a comprehensive introduction to all types of structural and stress analysis. Starting from an explanation of the basic principles of statics, normal and shear force and bending moments and torsion. It goes on to examine the different structures in which consideration of these is paramount, from simple pin joints to suspension cables. The properties of materials are outlined and all aspects of beam theory are examined in full. Finally the author discusses the key area of instability in structures. Virtually no prior knowledge of structures is assumed and students requiring an accessible and comprehensive insight into stress analysis will find no better book available.