Last Updated | S012021 |
MCS501
Unit Name | Structural Analysis |
Unit Code | MCS501 |
Unit Duration | 1 Term (online) or 1 Semester (on-campus) |
Award |
Graduate Diploma of Engineering (Civil: Structural) Duration: 1 year
Master of Engineering (Civil: Structural) Duration: 2 years |
Year Level | 1st |
Unit Creator / Reviewer | Dr Medhat Boutros / Dr Muhammad Rahman |
Core/Elective: | Core |
Pre/Co-requisites | None |
Credit Points |
3 Grad Dip total course credit points = 24 (3 credits x 8 (units))
Masters total course credit points = 48 (3 credits x 12 (units) + 12 credits (Thesis)) |
Mode of Delivery | Online or on-campus. |
Unit Workload |
10 hours per week: Lecture – 1 hour Tutorial – 1 hour Practical / Lab – 1 hour (where applicable) Personal Study recommended – 7 hours (guided and unguided) |
Unit Description and General Aims
This unit introduces stiffness (displacement) analysis procedures of statically indeterminate structures.
First, the basic principles for structural analysis and the basic operations of the matrix algebra are reviewed.
Then, longhand solutions are practised using matrix analysis and successive corrections (moment distribution) in the analysis of plane skeletal structures. Commercial structural analysis software SPACE GASS is then used for the analyse structures.
Finally, the Finite Element method is introduced with particular focus on the formulation of stiffness matrix equations using constitutive relations and shape functions for spring, bar and beam elements. Finite Element software is then used to analyse practical structures with emphasis on modelling techniques and accuracy.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this Unit, students are expected to be able to:
- Evaluate beams and frames using the matrix stiffness method.
Bloom’s Level 5
- Evaluate beams and frames using the moment-distribution method.
Bloom’s Level 5
- Determine and derive stiffness and load matrices using Finite Element procedures.
Bloom’s Level 5
- Synthesis 3D structures using Finite Element software.
Bloom’s Level 6
Student assessment
Assessment Type (e.g. Assignment - 2000 word essay (specify topic) Examination (specify length and format)) |
When assessed (eg Week 5) |
Weighting (% of total unit marks) | Learning Outcomes Assessed |
Assessment 1 Type: Multi-choice test (Proctored) / Group work / Short answer questions / Role Play / Self-Assessment / Presentation Example Topic: Analysis of beams and frames using the stiffness matrix method. |
After Topic 5 | 15% | 1 |
Assessment 2 Type: Proctored test / Report / Research / Paper / Case Study / Site Visit / Problem analysis / Project / Professional recommendation Example Topic: Analysis of beams and frames using the moment-distribution method. |
After Topic 7 | 25% | 2 |
Assessment 3 Type: Project Report / Remote Lab Practical or Software Simulation or Case studies. Word length: 3000 Example Topic: Analysis of trusses and beam using the finite element method and/or the finite element software. |
After Topic 10 |
25% | 3 - 4 |
Assessment 4 Type: Project Report Word length: 4000 Example Topic: Analyse frames/beams using Finite Element software - in each case describe and discuss:
|
After Topic 12 | 30% | 3 - 4 |
Attendance |
Continuous | 5% | 1 - 4 |
Prescribed and Recommended readings
Required textbook
R. C. Hibbeler, Structural Analysis, 10th Edition. Pearson, 2019 - ISBN: 9781292247236
Recommended textbook(s)
Ghali, A.; Neville, A.M. and Brown, T.G.; “Structural Analysis: a unified classical and matrix approach” 7th edition; Taylor and Francis, 2017
Kassimali A., “Structural Analysis”, 5th edition, Cengage Learning, 2015
Cook, R. D., Malkus, D. S., Plesha, M. E., and Witt, R. J., “Concepts and Applications of Finite Element Analysis”, 4th edition, John Wiley & Sons, 2002.
Kenneth Derucher, Chandrasekhar Putcha, Uksun Kim; “Indeterminate structural analysis”, Chapter 3.
Reference Materials
A number of peer-reviewed journals and websites as advised below (and during lectures);
- National and international technical journals: Finite Elements in Analysis and Design(https://www.journals.elsevier.com/finite-elements-in-analysis-and-design)
- Specific material to be advised during the lectures.
Unit Content
One topic is delivered per contact week, with the exception of part-time 24-week units, where one topic is delivered every two weeks.
Topic 1
Introduction:
- Basic principles of structural analysis
- Basic operations of matrix algebra
Topic 2
Stiffness Matrix Method (Part 1):
- Fundamentals of the stiffness matrix method
- Derivation of the stiffness matrices for beam elements
- Analysis of beams using the stiffness matrix method
Topic 3
Stiffness Matrix Method (Part 2):
- Analysis of frames using the stiffness matrix method.
- BMD & SFD of Frame
Topic 4
Stiffness Matrix Method (Part 3):
- Analysis of frames using SPACE GASS (Part 1)
- Analysis of frames using SPACE GASS (Part 2)
Topic 5
Moment-Distribution Method (Part 1):
- Introduction and definition of terms
- Basic concept of the Moment-Distribution Method
Topic 6
Moment-Distribution Method (Part 2):
- Analysis of frames: without sidesway
- BMD & SFD of without sidesway frame
Topic 7
Moment-Distribution Method (Part 3):
- Analysis of frames: with sidesway
- BMD & SFD of with sidesway frame
Topic 8
Introduction to Finite Element Analysis (Part 1):
- Fundamentals of the finite element analysis
- Formulation of the stiffness matrix for the spring element
- Examples: spring element
Topic 9
Application of the finite element method using commercial software:
- Pre-processor
- Analysis
- Assessment of the results and their accuracy.
Topic 10
Introduction to Finite Element Analysis (Part 2):
- Formulation of the stiffness matrix for the bar element
- Examples: bar element
Topic 11
Introduction to Finite Element Analysis (Part 3):
- Formulation of the stiffness matrix for the beam element
- Examples: beam element
Topic 12
Project and Unit Review
In the final week students will have an opportunity to review the contents covered so far. Opportunity will be provided for a review of student work, to clarify any outstanding issues, and to work on finalising the major assessment report.
Software/Hardware Used
Software
-
Software: SPACE GASS and ABAQUS
-
Version: Student version
-
Instructions: N/A
-
Additional resources or files:
http://www.spacegass.com/training/
Hardware
- N/A