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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.

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.