This book presents the design of steel structures using finite element methods (FEM) according to the current state of the art in Germany and the rest of Europe. After a short introduction on the basics of the design, this book illustrates the FEM with a focus on internal forces, displacements, critical loads and modal shapes. Next to finite element procedures for linear calculations considering the stress states of normal force, biaxial bending and warping torsion, non-linear calculations and the stability cases of flexural buckling, lateral torsional buckling and plate buckling are concentrated on significantly. In this context, design procedures for stability according to the standard Eurocode 3 is introduced and discussed. In addition, important fundamental issues are covered, such as the determination of cross-section properties as well as the elastic and plastic cross-section resistance. Complementary, finite element procedures for cross sections are dealt with, which will have an increasing importance in future.
This book has evolved within the teaching activities of the authors in the lecture Computer-oriented Design of Steel Structures on the Master?s Program Computational Engineering at the University of Bochum. It covers the total variety of demands needed to be discussed for the safe, economic and modern design of steel structures.

University Professor Dr.-Ing. Rolf Kindmann studied civil engineering at the University of Bochum. Between 1974 and 1989 he worked at the university for six years as a researcher and then for ten years at Thyssen Engineering in different positions, lastly as division manager of all engineering departments. From 1990 to 2013 he was a full professor and the head if the Institute of Steel and Composite Structures at the University of Bochum. In 1991 he founded Schurmann - Kindmann and partners, Consulting Engineers (SKP) in Dortmund. Professor Dr. Kindmann is a licensed checking engineer for steel and concrete structures and of design in railway engieneering.
Dr.-Ing. Matthias Kraus studied civil engineering at the Technical University of Darmstadt. In 2001 he changed to the University of Bochum as researcher, where he received his doctoral degree in 2005 and then worked as chief engineer at the Institute of Steel and Composite Structures. Since 2010 Dr. Kraus has worked at Schurmann - Kindmann and Partners, Dortmund, as chief engineer. He also has adjunct lecturships at the University of Bochum.

Introduction and General Overview
Cross Section Properties
Principles of the FEM
FEM for Linear Calculations of Lattice Structures
FEM for Nonlinear Calculations of Lattice Structures
Solution of Equation Systems and Eigenvalue Problems
Stresses According to the Theory of Elasticity
Plastic Cross Section Bearing Capacity
Verification of Beams: Second Order Theory and Stability
FEM for Plane Load-Bearing Structures
FEM for Beam Cross Sections