Unit(s) of Assessment	Weighting Towards Module Mark( %)
2 hour unseen examination (assessment of learning outcomes: a-c, e and f)	80%
Portfolio of worked solutions to tutorial questions (assessment of learning outcomes: a and b)	5%
Frame analysis (principally assessment of learning outcome: d)	15%
Qualifying Condition(s)      A weighted aggregate mark of 40% is required to pass the module.

Module Overview

An introduction to: the principles and methods of structural analysis and mechanics of simple statically indeterminate structural forms – beams and frames.

Pre-requisite/Co-requisites

Completion of the progress requirements of Level HE1

Module Aims

The module aims to introduce the students to the deformability of structures and the principles of the elastic analysis (by hand calculation and use of computer software) of statically determinate and simple indeterminate plane skeletal structural forms.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the module, students should be able to:         Determine and interpret the internal forces in simple plane statically determinate and indeterminate skeletal structures (beams, trusses and unbraced frames);   Calculate linear elastic displacements for statically determinate plane pin-jointed trusses, simple beams and unbraced frames;   Analyse simple statically indeterminate continuous beams and unbraced frames using the Stiffness Approach – by hand calculation;   Use computer software to conduct linear elastic analyses of simple structural forms – to be able to validate and verify computer models and interpret data generated;   Calculate elastic and plastic section properties for typical plane beam sections;   Predict the elastic buckling loads and modes of failure for linearly elastic slender struts.

Module Content

Basic statics     Modelling of structural form and behaviour - revision of basic statics, bar forces in plane trusses, shear forces (Shear Force Diagrams) and bending moments (Bending Moment Diagrams) in beams and simple unbraced frames.  Concepts of slender strut (Euler) buckling     Displacements   Calculation for defections in simple beams and frames using the differential equation of flexure.  Introduction of energy methods and the use of Principle of Virtual Work.     Analysis of statically indeterminate forms   Introduction to indeterminacy, use of force equilibrium and displacement compatibility, stiffness and flexibility approaches. Application of stiffness method for the analysis of continuous beams and no-sway frames using the slope deflection and/or moment distribution methods.      Analysis Software     Introduction to the use of computer software for the analysis of skeletal structures.  Use of validation and verification of models and the interpretation of the output data generated     Plastic collapse analysis      Definition of plastic collapse analysis principles and methods applied to continuous beams.

Methods of Teaching/Learning

20 hours lectures, 20 hours tutorial sessions, and 60 hours of independent learning.

Selected Texts/Journals

Required reading None Recommended background reading     Statics and useful review:     Cain J and Hulse R, Structural Mechanics, Palgrave Macmillan, 2000.  (ISBN 0-333-80457-0)     Gere JM and Goodno BJ, Mechanics of Materials, 7th SI ed, Cengage Learning, 2009.  (ISBN 10-0-495-43807-3) – any SI addition     Hibbler RC, Statics, 12th SI ed, Pearson, (ISBN 10-981-06-8134-8) – or any SI edition         Structural Analysis: Bhatt P, Structures, 4th ed, Longman, 1999 (ISBN 05823 12221)     Megson THG, Structural and Stress Analysis, 2nd ed, Elsevier, 2005, (ISBN 0-7506-6221-2) – either edition.     Hibbler RC, Structural Analysis, SI ed, Pearson, 2006, (ISBN 0-13-197641-9)