Each of the following chapters deals with a certain type of structural member or a certain condition of stress. What may be called the common, or typical, case is usually discussed first; special cases, representing peculiarities of form, proportions, or circumstances of loading, are considered subsequently. In the discussion of each case the underlying assumptions are stated, the general behavior of the loaded member is described, and formulas for the stress and deformation are given. The more important of the general equations are numbered consecutively throughout each section to facilitate reference, but, wherever possible, formulas applying to specific cases are tabulated for convenience and economy of space.

In all formulas which contain numerical constants having dimensions, the units are specified.

Most formulas contain only dimensionless constants and can be evaluated in any consistent system of units.