This course focuses on the analysis of statically determinate structures with beam, truss, frame and arch members, for which member forces can be determined just by use of equilibrium equations. Then energy principles including the theory of minimum potential energy and the principle of virtual work are explained and applied to the deformation analysis of statically determinate structures in a practical manner. Finally, the reciprocal theorem and influence lines are also explained.
In the course of Mechanics of Materials and Members (CVE.A201), it is shown that the deformation of structures is described in the form of differential equations. In the direct approach based on differential equations, however, the analysis is too complicated for real complex structures. Therefore, this course introduces another method based on energy principle, which provides the solutions for displacement of structures with relative ease. The contents of this course for statically determinate structures will be fundamental for the analysis of indeterminate structures, which will be taught in the following courses of Structural Mechanics II (CVE.A301) and Matrix Methods of Structural Analysis (CVE.A311).
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
1. Determine member forces of various statically determinate structures by use of equilibrium equations.
2. Explain energy principles including the theory of minimum potential energy and the principle of virtual work.
3. Determine member force and displacement of statically determinate structures by means of energy principles.
truss, frame structures, arch, statically determinate structure, energy, work, theorem of minimum potential energy, principle of virtual work, reciprocal theorem, influence line
✔ Specialist skills | Intercultural skills | Communication skills | Critical thinking skills | ✔ Practical and/or problem-solving skills |
This course will be mainly provided in a lecture style. However, students may not obtain enough knowledge and skills on relevant subjects only from lectures. Hence assignments will be given in each class, and answers will be explained for review in the next class.
Course schedule | Required learning | |
---|---|---|
Class 1 | fundamental equations for mechanics of structural members | Explain fundamental equations for structural members such as bars and beams. |
Class 2 | Member forces of statically determinate structures (beams and trusses) | Determine member forces of statically determinate beam and truss structures by use of equilibrium equations. |
Class 3 | Member forces of statically determinate structures (frames and arches) | Determine member forces of statically determinate frame and arch structures by use of equilibrium equations. |
Class 4 | Energy, work and theorem of minimum potential energy | Explain energy, work and theorem of minimum potential energy. |
Class 5 | Application of theorem of minimum potential energy | Determine displacements of various statically determinate structures by means of theorem of minimum potential energy. |
Class 6 | Principle of virtual work | Explain principle of virtual work. |
Class 7 | Application of principle of virtual work | Determine member forces and displacements of various statically determinate structures by means of principle of virtual work. |
Class 8 | Reciprocal theorem and influence lines | Draw influence lines using reciprocal theorem. Explain the role of influence lines. |
None required.
Lecture materials will be uploaded on OCW-i.
Fundamentals of Structural Analysis, 2nd Edition: Harry H. West and Louis F. Geshwindner, John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 2002, ISBN: 978-0471355564
Structural Mechanics II,Masaru Matomoto et. al.,Maruzen, JAN:9784621046401
Assignment 20%, Examination 80%
Students must have successfully completed Mechanics of Materials and Members (CVE.A201) or have equivalent knowledge.