• The previous load analysis represents a first and necessary step in the analysis of the given structure but it does not tell us whether the given load can be safely supported (i.e. is it strong enough?)

• Forces give rise to stresses in the members of a structure.  The next step is to determine these stresses

• The average force per unit area, or intensity of the forces distributed over a given section, is called the stresson that section and is denoted by the Greek letter σ (sigma)