What is the purpose of a structural analysis in code calculations?

The purpose of structural analysis in code calculations is to ensure that proposed designs can safely support intended loads and resist potential failures. This involves evaluating how different forces, such as weights, winds, and seismic activity, will influence the structural integrity of a building or other construction. By conducting thorough structural analysis, engineers can identify if a design can withstand these stresses without collapsing or experiencing significant deformation, ultimately safeguarding the health and safety of the occupants.

This is a fundamental aspect of engineering that directly relates to public safety and building codes, which are enacted to protect individuals and properties from disasters or structural failures that could cause harm. Other aspects like surveying land, aesthetic considerations, or calculating material costs may be part of the broader design and planning process, but they serve different purposes and do not directly address the crucial performance and safety evaluations that structural analysis provides.