Glossary of Terms Pertaining to Structural Steel Engineering and Design

At a recent meeting of the Administrative Committee on Metals of the Structural Division, a need was expressed for the compilation of a glossary of terms pertaining to structural engineering and design with particular emphasis on steel as a construction material. Confusoin exists due to duplication of terms associated with the design of concrete and steel structures. An ad hoc committee was appointed to investigate the matter and render a report. The attached glossary is part of that report. This glossary is not complete by any means. It is a limited selection. The definitions are tentative and are being submitted for discussion. An attempt was made to have the definitions be consistent with the glossary of the second Edition of ASCE Manual No. 41, Plastic Design in Steel-A Guide and Commentary. The present report is intended as a beginning. A more complete sequel is envisioned. In the meanwhile, it may form a basis of more frequently used terms, especially in connection with design of steel structures on a maximum load basis.