This textbook integrates both design considerations of steel structures as well as the behavior on which the design specifications are based. Steel Structures: Behavior and LRFD is unique in that it has five introductory chapters: an Introduction to motivate student interest by showing and discussing actual steel projects;Chapter 2 presents a discussion of steels as a structural material; Chapter 3 provides a broad introduction to structures; Chapter 4 discusses loads acting on structures per ASCE Standards 7; and Chapter 5 explains calculations for simple examples.

The other unique feature is thorough coverage of connections. Connections are the most important and least understood components of steel structures. Chapters 6, 12, and 13 are devoted to this key topic.

Throughout the text, a web icon references readers to the book’s website (http://www.mhhe.com/ vinnakota), which contains extensive additional coverage of advanced topics. Instructor resources available on the website include: comprehensive Solutions Manual as well as tips on how to best use the text in your course. Student resources include: comprehensive list of equations, detailed list of symbols, and flowcharts.