though it took most of the estimated ship time to arrive, the book was in fine condition

While I searched for the 4th ed., I could not find it on Amazon, so I am attaching this review to the 5th. This review is written specifically regarding the 4th. edition of this text, so I am hoping that some of these deficiencies have been corrected in the newer editions of the book. I do not expect any major differences between 5th and 4th, which is why I justify placing this review here.

I used this book when I was a student (about 8 years ago) and I've kept it as a reference text. I use it in my profession fairly often, where I must occassionally consider load on a structure in the process of solving a failure or a defect mechanism. Inevitably I must turn to finite element analysis, but I turn to this book for back of the envelope calculations.

Ironically, I have delved into this book most during the construction of my garage. As I was building it, I referred to this book to calculate maximum deflection of Hem-Fir 2x10's spanning the ceiling (and attic floor) of my garage. I wanted to ensure that I had accounted for strength and adequate handling of any load I may introduce when storing items in the attic. I was irritated to find that I had to search all over the book for the simplest of load calculations, such as a single point central load on a beam wtih a rectangular cross section fixed at both ends. Most examples have a supported end and a fixed end. I then wanted to find an example of a simple beam deflection calculation with a reinforced center section (such as when two joists are sistered against one another). I also could not find examples of beams coupled, such as when one adds perpendicular blocking sections between floor joists to distribute load and add reinforcement.

At other times I have been irritated by similar issues. Everyday objects tend to have simple, symmetric geometries, such as a beam fixed and both ends with a single point central load, or a hollow pipe with fixed ends with a distributed load over its center, or a tube capped at both ends with a static internal pressure. Looking to this book as a reference, I am hoping for loads on basic geometries outlined as an example, though I rarely find them and I turn to the web instead (which is usually equally disappointing).

The book also lacks information about composite materials where the modulus may vary as a function of thickness or length. A few examples of the simplest geometries would have been helpful. Perhaps this has been addressed in later additions, but materials are advancing and I hope that the textbooks are keeping up.

After writing this review, it is my intention to identify and purchase a better reference text for my purposes.