To understand the limit state method, it is essential to trace the evolution of structural design philosophies discussed in the literature:

It covers a vast range of topics, including connections (bolted and welded), tension members, compression members, beams, beam-columns, plate girders, and roof trusses.

Unlike the older Working Stress Method (WSM), which treats loads and material strengths with a single factor of safety, LSD applies partial safety factors to both loads and material strengths. This approach provides a more realistic and economical design.

or rupture of critical sections. Fracture caused by fatigue or brittle configurations. 2. Limit State of Serviceability

Duggal categorizes these limit states into two primary domains: 1. Limit State of Strength (Ultimate Limit State)

The text covers essential structural steel topics across 18 chapters and several appendices:

Each chapter adheres to a highly effective pedagogical pattern: Theory → Code clauses → Design steps → Solved examples → Practice problems . The solved examples are the book’s crown jewel. Duggal does not skip steps; he shows the intermediate calculations of slenderness ratios, non-dimensional parameters, and iterative adjustments. For instance, his treatment of the buckling class selection (a, b, c, d) from IS 800 is accompanied by multiple worked examples for varying effective lengths, allowing the student to internalize a process that code manuals often present as mere tables.

Whether you are calculating the pitch of a bolt or the buckling strength of a massive I-section, Duggal’s insights provide the clarity needed to build a safer, more sustainable world.