Best Structural Engineering Books for Building Your Foundations

best structural engineering books

Structural Engineering is a branch of Civil Engineering that deals with the framework, strength, and ability of the structures like buildings, bridges, vehicles, etc. It has emerged as a critical part of the construction process. Structural Engineering provides safety and assesses the capacity and stability of a structure. It also determines the estimation of structures considering geometries and material requirements.

Here you will get some of the best Structural Engineering books which will help you to learn Structural Engineering well concisely and it will make you realize how much it is needed in this modern era.

Bridge Problems for the Structural Engineering (SE) Exam - 2nd Edition
Author: David Connor SE
Published at: 04/11/2016
ISBN: 1535055308

This is by far the best Structural Engineering books out there for bridge problems. There are hardly any resources out there for bridge focused problems. This book will let you go into the exam feeling confident about AASHTO problems as a building engineer. This book provides a comprehensive guideline containing 80 multiple choice bridge questions with detailed solutions for the Vertical and Lateral Component of the NCEES SE Exam.


This book features:

  • Bridge Problems for the SE Exam: Vertical Loads 40 Problems with Solutions.
  • Tips and Recommendations.
  • Summary of AASHTO changes.
  • Bridge Problems for the SE Exam: Lateral Loads 40 Problems with Solutions.
  • Answer Key and Notes.


Fundamentals of Structural Engineering
Author: Jerome J. Connor,Susan Faraji
Published at: 11/02/2016
ISBN: 3319243292

Fundamental of Structural Engineering is an elementary book with some good information. It offers a comprehensive overview of smart systems design, focusing on design challenges and cutting-edge solutions. This book also provides development of modeling and design techniques, methods, and tools that enable multi-domain simulation and optimization at various levels of abstraction and across different technological domains.


This book includes:

  • Introduction to Structural Engineering.
  • Statically Determinate Truss Structures.
  • Beams and Plane Frames.
  • Cable Structures.
  • Statically Determinate Curbed Members.
  • Shallow Foundations.
  • Vertical Retaining Wall Structures.
  • The Force Method.
  • The Displacement Method.
  • Approximate Methods for Estimating Forces in Statically Indeterminate Structures.
  • Finite Element Displacement Method for Framed Structures.
  • Multi-span Horizontal Structures.
  • Lateral Load Issues for Buildings.
  • Vertical Loads on Multistory Buildings.
  • Inelastic Response of Structures.


Residential Structural Design Guide, Second Edition: A State-of-the-Art Engineering Resource for Light-Frame Homes, Apartments, and Townhouses
Author: Coulbourne Consulting
Published at: 23/06/2018
ISBN: 1721639195

This book is a comprehensive tool for structural engineers. It provides a viewpoint on American housing, its construction characteristics, regulation, and performance experience. It also offers the latest technical knowledge and engineering approaches for the design of homes to complement current code-prescribed design methods. that's why this is the best structural engineering books out there.


This book offers:

  • Basics of Residential Constructions.
  • Structural Design Concepts.
  • Design Loads for Residential Buildings.
  • Design of Foundation.
  • Design of Wood Framing.
  • Lateral Resistance to Wind and Earthquakes.


SE Structural Engineering Reference Manual
Author: Alan Williams PhD SE FICE C Eng
Published at: 01/01/2018
ISBN: 1591265339

This SE Structural Engineering Reference Manual can guide you all the way in the SE Exam. It provides a comprehensive review of structural analysis and design methods compared to vertical and lateral forces. All topics are well covered and exam-adopted codes and standards. There are also practice problems after every chapter. The solution of each problem lets you check your own solving strength. 


This book contains:

  • Vertical Forces, Incidental Lateral Forces and Other Variable Forces. 
  • Reinforced Concrete Design.
  • Foundations and Retaining Structures.
  • Prestressed Concrete Design.
  • Structural Street Design.
  • Timber Design.
  • Reinforced Masonry Design.
  • Lateral Forces.
  • Bridge Design.
  • Support Material.


Structural Engineering Solved Problems for the SE Exam
Author: C. Dale Buckner PhD PE SECB
Published at: 27/11/2017
ISBN: 1591265541
This book contains 100 practice problems for the SE Exam. It enlightens a broad range of topics about the SE Exam. It offers an opportunity to apply your knowledge of structural engineering concepts. Not only the problems but also the solutions are attached which are standard for the SE Exam. Step-by-step solutions are used to solve the numerical problems, and well-detailed explanations also given for qualitative problems.


This book delivers:

  • Foundation of Structures.
  • Retaining Structures.
  • Masonry Design.
  • Seismic Design.
  • Timber Design.
  • Structural Analysis.
  • Structural Concrete Design.
  • Structural Steel Design.


The Science of Structural Engineering
Author: Jacques Heyman
Published at: 23/11/1999
ISBN: 1860941893

The Science of Structural Engineering is undoubtedly one of the most well-written and enjoyable books about Structural Engineering. It's in-depth and also understandable, approachable and comprehensive. A well-written book, pithy and to the point, well informed historically to show the gradual and natural development of ideas in structural integrity and engineering. Illustrations give flesh to the ideas without being a gaudy distraction.


This book includes:

  • History of the Civil Engineer.
  • Pre Scientific Theory.
  • Arch Bridges, Domes and Vaults.
  • Stresses and Strains.
  • Flexure and Buckling.
  • The Theory of Structures.
  • Plastic Theory.


Thanks for reading this post. If you have any opinion don't hesitate to comment here. Also please subscribe our newsletter to get more updates.