Course specification for CIV3505

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CIV3505 Structural Analysis

Semester 1, 2020 On-campus Springfield
Short Description: Structural Analysis
Units : 1
Faculty or Section : Faculty of Health, Engineering and Sciences
School or Department : School of Civil Engineering and Surveying
Student contribution band : Band 2
ASCED code : 030903 - Structural Engineering
Grading basis : Graded

Staffing

Examiner:

Requisites

Pre-requisite: MEC2402 and (MAT1502 or ENM1600 or MAT1102) or Students must be enrolled in one of the following Programs: GCEN or METC or MEPR or GCNS or GDNS or MENS

Synopsis

This subject is intended to provide students with a clear and thorough understanding of how to idealize and analyse simple structures such as trusses, beams and frames. These days the analyses of most structures are carried out with the aid of computer programs based on the stiffness method or so-called matrix method of structural analysis. Stiffness method is a subset of the more general analysis method called the finite element method. Engineers cannot simply rely on the generated output from a computer program when designing a structure as there could be many sources of errors such as input data errors (due to misunderstanding of input parameters) and modelling errors. Classical methods of analysis provide means of checking computer generated outputs. Practice in applying classical methods of structural analysis will develop in students a deeper understanding of how basic principles of statics and mechanics of materials are used in the analysis. The course materials in this subject are presented starting with classical methods and then gradually leading up to the stiffness method and the more general finite element method. Modules 1 and 2 review the topics learnt in statics and stress analysis subjects. Module 3 deals with determination of deflections of statically determinate beams, trusses and frames using different classical methods. Module 4 introduces students to analysis of statically indeterminate structures by the force method. Slope deflection equations and moment distribution method, which fall under the general category of displacement method of analysis, are introduced in module 5. Modules 6 to 8 cover the stiffness method of analysis applicable to both statically determinate and indeterminate structures. Students will be introduced to structural analysis computer programs in these modules. Finally, module 9 will introduce students to finite element modelling of structures. Finite element modelling of plane stress, plane strain, plate bending and axisymmetric problems using Strand7 finite element software package will be covered in this module.

Objectives

The course objectives define the student learning outcomes for a course. On completion of this course, students should be able to:

  1. identify, formulate and solve structural engineering problems;
  2. analyse forces in statically determinate trusses, beams, frames, cables and arches;
  3. calculate deflections using classical methods;
  4. analyse forces in statically indeterminate structures by the force method;
  5. determine displacements and forces in statically determinate or indeterminate beams and frames using the displacement methods of analysis;
  6. solve a variety of truss, beam and frame problems using the stiffness method;
  7. use structural analysis software packages to solve truss, beam and frame problems;
  8. understand the fundamentals of the finite element method;
  9. model and analyse a given structure and check results.

Topics

Description Weighting(%)
1. Review of statics 5.00
2. Analysis of statically determinate trusses, beams, frames, cables and arches 10.00
3. Deflections using double integration, moment-area, conjugate beam and virtual work methods 15.00
4. Analysis of statically indeterminate beams, frames and trusses by the force method 10.00
5. Displacement method of analysis: Slope deflection equations and moment distribution method 10.00
6. Truss analysis using the stiffness method - computer applications 10.00
7. Beam analysis using the stiffness method - computer applications 10.00
8. Frame analysis the stiffness method - computer applications 10.00
9. Introduction to the finite element method 20.00

Text and materials required to be purchased or accessed

ALL textbooks and materials available to be purchased can be sourced from (unless otherwise stated). (https://omnia.usq.edu.au/textbooks/?year=2020&sem=01&subject1=CIV3505)

Please for alternative purchase options from USQ Bookshop. (https://omnia.usq.edu.au/info/contact/)

Hibbeler, RC 2016, Structural analysis in SI units, 9th edn, Pearson-Prentice Hall, Singapore.
A programmable calculator capable of performing advanced matrix calculations.

Reference materials

Reference materials are materials that, if accessed by students, may improve their knowledge and understanding of the material in the course and enrich their learning experience.
Ghali, A, Neville, AM & Brown, TG 2017, Structural analysis: a unified classical and matrix approach, 7th edn, Spon, London.
Hutton, DV 2004, Fundamentals of finite element analysis, McGraw Hill, Boston.
Kassimali, A 2019, Structural analysis, 7th edn, Cengage Learning, Stamford, CT.
Logan, DL 2016, A first course in the finite element method, 6th edn, Cengage Learning, Stamford, CT.
West, HH & Geschwindner, LF 2002, Fundamentals of structural analysis, 2nd edn, Wiley, New York.

Student workload expectations

Activity Hours
Assessments 35.00
Examinations 2.00
Lectures 26.00
Private ¾«¶«´«Ã½app 66.00
Tutorials 26.00

Assessment details

Description Marks out of Wtg (%) Due Date Objectives Assessed Notes
ASSIGNMENT 1 200 20 13 Apr 2020 1,2,3,4
ASSIGNMENT 2 200 20 20 May 2020 1,5,6,7,8,9
Online Exam 600 60 End S1 1,2,3,4,5,6,8 (see note 1)

Notes
  1. This will be an open examination. Students will be provided further instruction regarding the exam by their course examiner via ¾«¶«´«Ã½appDesk. The examination date will be available via UConnect when the official examination timetable has been released.

Important assessment information

  1. Attendance requirements:
    It is the students' responsibility to attend and participate appropriately in all activities (such as lectures, tutorials, laboratories and practical work) scheduled for them, and to study all material provided to them or required to be accessed by them to maximise their chance of meeting the objectives of the course and to be informed of course-related activities and administration.

  2. Requirements for students to complete each assessment item satisfactorily:
    To satisfactorily complete an assessment item a student must achieve at least 50% of the marks or a grade of at least C-. Students do not have to satisfactorily complete each assessment item to be awarded a passing grade in this course. Refer to Statement 4 below for the requirements to receive a passing grade in this course.

  3. Penalties for late submission of required work:
    Students should refer to the Assessment Procedure (point 4.2.4)

  4. Requirements for student to be awarded a passing grade in the course:
    Due to COVID-19 the requirements for S1 2020 are: To be assured of receiving a passing grade a student must achieve at least 50% of the total weighted marks available for the course.

    Requirements after S1 2020:
    To be assured of receiving a passing grade a student must obtain at least 50% of the total weighted marks available for the course (i.e. the Primary Hurdle), and have satisfied the Secondary Hurdle (Supervised), i.e. the end of semester examination by achieving at least 40% of the marks available for that assessment item.

  5. Method used to combine assessment results to attain final grade:
    The final grades for students will be assigned on the basis of the weighted aggregate of the marks (or grades) obtained for each of the summative assessment items in the course.

  6. Examination information:
    Due to COVID-19 the requirements for S1 2020 are: An Open Examination is one in which candidates may have access to any printed or written material and a calculator during the examination.

    Requirements after S1 2020:
    Candidates are only allowed to access specific materials during a Restricted Examination. The only materials that candidates may use in the restricted examination for this course are:
    i. writing materials (non-electronic and free from material which could give the student an unfair advantage in the examination);
    ii. a hand-held, battery-operated, programmable calculator with matrix algebra capabilities (students must indicate on their examination paper the make and model of any calculator(s) they use during the examination).
    iii. A formula sheet will be supplied with the exam paper.

  7. Examination period when Deferred/Supplementary examinations will be held:
    Due to COVID-19 the requirements for S1 2020 are: The details regarding deferred/supplementary examinations will be communicated at a later date.

    Requirements after S1 2020:
    Any Deferred or Supplementary examinations for this course will be held during the next examination period.

  8. ¾«¶«´«Ã½app Student Policies:
    Students should read the USQ policies: Definitions, Assessment and Student Academic Misconduct to avoid actions which might contravene ¾«¶«´«Ã½app policies and practices. These policies can be found at .

Assessment notes

  1. The due date for an assignment is the date by which a student must despatch the assignment to the USQ. The onus is on the student to provide proof of the despatch date, if requested by the Examiner.

  2. Students must retain a copy of each item submitted for assessment. This must be despatched to USQ within 24 hours if required by the Examiner.

  3. In accordance with ¾«¶«´«Ã½app Policy, the Examiner may grant an extension of the due date of an assignment in extenuating circumstances.

  4. If electronic submission of assessments is specified for the course, students will be notified of this in the course Introductory Book and on the USQ ¾«¶«´«Ã½app Desk. All required electronic submission must be made through the Assignment Drop Box located on the USQ ¾«¶«´«Ã½app Desk for the course, unless directed otherwise by the examiner of the course. The due date for an electronically submitted assessment is the date by which a student must electronically submit the assignment. The assignment files must be submitted by 11.55pm on the due date using USQ time (as displayed on the clock on the course home page; that is, Australian Eastern Standard Time).

  5. If the method of assessment submission is by written, typed or printed paper-based media students should (i) submit to the Faculty Office for students enrolled in the course in the on-campus mode, or (ii) mail to the USQ for students enrolled in the course in the external mode. The due date for the assessment is the date by which a student must (i) submit the assessment for students enrolled in the on-campus mode, or (ii) mail the assessment for students enrolled in the external mode.

  6. The Faculty will NOT normally accept submission of assessments by facsimile or email.

  7. Students who do not have regular access to postal services for the submission of paper-based assessments, or regular access to Internet services for electronic submission, or are otherwise disadvantaged by these regulations may be given special consideration. They should contact the examiner of the course to negotiate such special arrangements prior to the submission date.

  8. Students who have undertaken all of the required assessments in a course but who have failed to meet some of the specified objectives of a course within the normally prescribed time may be awarded one of the temporary grades: IM (Incomplete - Make up), IS (Incomplete - Supplementary Examination) or ISM (Incomplete -Supplementary Examination and Make up). A temporary grade will only be awarded when, in the opinion of the examiner, a student will be able to achieve the remaining objectives of the course after a period of non directed personal study.

  9. Students who, for medical, family/personal, or employment-related reasons, are unable to complete an assignment or to sit for an examination at the scheduled time may apply to defer an assessment in a course. Such a request must be accompanied by appropriate supporting documentation. One of the following temporary grades may be awarded IDS (Incomplete - Deferred Examination; IDM (Incomplete Deferred Make-up); IDB (Incomplete - Both Deferred Examination and Deferred Make-up).

  10. Harvard (AGPS) is the referencing system required in this course. Students should use Harvard (AGPS) style in their assignments to format details of the information sources they have cited in their work. The Harvard (AGPS) style to be used is defined by the USQ Library's referencing guide.

Other requirements

  1. Students will require access to e-mail and internet access to UConnect for this course. A broadband internet connection with a speed of at least 256 kbps will be required to externally access Strand7 finite element software package used in modules 6 to 9 of this course.

Date printed 19 June 2020