Structural analysis is a process used by engineers and other specialists to identify the weaknesses in a structure or system so that they can be fixed. The purpose of structural analysis is to help ensure that buildings, bridges, aircraft, and any other large structures remain stable under various conditions. The structural analysis begins with the identification of the elements that make up the structure or system—the components. Next, analysts evaluate how these components are connected together to the network and determine whether those connections are strong enough to withstand external loads.