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Any idea where I can learn some simple structural engineering? For example, I want to build a small building. I want to be able to calculate things like the sn

Any idea where I can learn some simple structural engineering? For example, I want to build a small building. I want to be able to calculate things like the snow load of the roof, make a suitable truss, take into consideration things like the safety factor, and build with the materials to meet those requirements. I can buy plans for similar constructions, but i don't see how they decide what size wood to use where, etc - and I want to gain an understanding of that.

joshjdr 5y ago
You may want to try reading your local building code. This may not get into engineering principles at the level you’re seeking, but it may effectively provide the functional understanding of how (if not why) a certain material/size has been specified in its application- esp. if you’re working from (or modifying) similar plans.
bick_nyers 5y ago
As the other guy mentioned local building code is great, usually county or state level. I would take designs and just play with some alternatives. What if you use 2x4 vs 2x6 vs cinder block (or ICF) construction. Different roof pitches, larger rooms, etc. Pick up a statics book, that will give you some load calculations as well. Disclaimer: I'm a software engineer, not civil