Structural Analysis

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge and Understanding

Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

• Apply matrix method, slope-deflection method, moment distribution method and force method of analysis of structures.
• Analyse statically indeterminate truss, beam and frame structures.
• The distributions of strain and stress in a beam due to bending and/or shear
• Apply the Tresca and von Mises yield criteria.
• Solve stability (i.e. buckling) problems of columns.
• The concept of safety factor
• Find lower bound estimate of the failure load of beams.
• How to solve three-pin arches
• The distributions of stress in thin-walled, non-circular shafts under torsion
• Understand the concept of superposition, and how it is used to combine stresses in a member under more than one load effect, e.g. beam with axial load
• Find upper bound estimate of the failure load of beams and frames.

Transferable and Generic Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Read flexibly and with purpose.
• Apply analytical skills to practical problems.
• Problem analysis and problem solving.
• Self-management (e.g. time management).

Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Understand and appreciate the subject as an essential structural design tool.
• Estimate safe design loads for a range of key structural elements.
• Recognise common types of structural member and structural engineering problems
• Identify appropriate analytical technique to determine failure load of structures.

Subject Specific Practical Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Determine stiffness matrix of a simple model structure.

Part 1: Statics and strength of materials

Revision on shear force and bending moment diagrams, deflection of beams, normal stresses due to bending and elastic design of beams; Beams with axial load; Biaxial bending; Unsymmetrical beams; Shear stresses in thin-walled sections; Composite beams; Torsion; Three-pin arches; The parabolic three pin arch with uniformly distributed load

Part 2: Solving statically indeterminate structures

Qualitative structural analysis; The principle of virtual work and applications; Compatibility of deformation; Matrix methods; Slope-deflection method; Moment distribution method; Force method; Influence Lines; Yield criterion; Upper and lower bound theorems of plasticity; Plastic analysis of statically indeterminate beams and frames

Part 3: Computational modelling using SAP2000 software

Modelling structural geometry; Defining materials and structural members; Defining boundary conditions; Defining load cases and load combination; Assigning loads to joints; members and areas; Running analysis and visualising results; Additional modelling cases (running buckling analysis)

Teaching and learning methods

Teaching methods include

• Lectures
• Tutorials
• Computer workshops

Learning activities include

• Worked examples
• Tutorial questions
• Coursework
• Problem assignments
• Private study

PowerPoint slides, tutorial sheets and solutions, worked examples and pre-recorded videos available from module Blackboard

Assessment strategy

Repeat Method - External repeat as per referral method.

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.

Referral

This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.

Repeat

An internal repeat is where you take all of your modules again, including any you passed. An external repeat is where you only re-take the modules you failed.

Repeat Information

Repeat type: Internal & External