Course overview
This course introduces students to advanced techniques of structural mechanics, which are essential for analysing complex statically indeterminate structures ranging from beams, trusses and frames. In addition to the force-based method such as unit load method, the course introduces the displacement-based method such as slope deflection method that will be the initial foundation of a computer-based analysis technique. The course also covers special topics such as analysis of arches and cables, influence line diagram of bridge girders due to moving wheel loads, and plastic methods of analysis for estimating collapse loads of beams and frames.
- Module I: Introduction and integration method for deflection of beams (Weeks 1-2; 2 assignments)
- Module II: Force method (Weeks 3-6; 4 assignments & Project)
- Module III: Deflection method (Weeks 7-8; 2 assignments & Project)
- Module IV: Influence line method (Weeks 9-10; 1 assignment & Project)
Course learning outcomes
- Apply force-based methods utilising energy principles to analyse statically determinate and indeterminate beams, trusses and frames.
- Apply the concepts of a displacement-based method to evaluate deflections of beams and frames
- Produce influence line diagrams for bridge girders due to moving loads
- Apply theories of the integration method to calculate the deflection of statically determinate beams
- Undertake a computer-based project to analyse statically determinate and indeterminate beams, trusses and frames using a commercially available computer software used in Australian industry.