Understanding and Using Structural Concepts (PDF)

Tianjian Ji, MSc, PhD, CEng, FIStructE, is a senior lecturer at the University of Manchester. He worked on the design of structures and on structural investigation with consultants, China Academy of Building Research and Building Research Establishment Ltd., UK, for over 10 years before joining Manchester University in 1996. He has taught courses in structural analysis and structural design at all levels and has carried out research into structural dynamics and structural concepts. Together with Adrian Bell, he received the award for Excellence in Structural Engineering Education from the Institution of Structural Engineers, UK, in 2014.



Adrian Bell, BEng, MSc, PhD, is a senior lecturer at the University of Manchester. He has worked with consultants on the design of a wide range of structures including long-span roofs and tower structures. He has taught courses in structural analysis and structural design at all levels for over 30 years and has carried out research into cable, steel and masonry structures. Together with Tianjian Ji, he received the award for Excellence in Structural Engineering Education from the Institution of Structural Engineers, UK, in 2014.


Brian Ellis, BSc, PhD, DSc, CEng, MIStructE, was a technical director at the Building Research Establishment Ltd., UK. He worked at the Building Research Establishment for most of his career, where he undertook a wide range of work primarily related to structural dynamics. A significant part of the work involved testing and monitoring various structures in situ. He was also involved in work on national and international standards. Following his retirement, he has undertaken a limited amount of consultancy work.