Introductory description

ES196-15 Engineering Structures

Module web page

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

Part A: Equilibrium and Reactions

1. Forces
2. Moments
3. Friction
4. Hydrostatic pressure
5. Equilibrium
6. Support conditions
7. Reactions
   Part B: Truss structures
8. Basic principles; Building with triangles
9. Method of joints
10. Method of sections
    Part C: Statically determinate beams and frames
11. Free body diagrams
12. Internal forces and moments in statically determinate beams
13. Internal forces in statically determinate frames
    Part D: Deformation of statically determinate beams
14. Bending of elastic beams (elastic curve; moment-curvature relation)
15. Bernoulli beam theory
    Part E: Stresses and Strains
16. Stress
17. Strain
18. Stress and strain transformations
19. Principal stresses and strains in a plane
20. Mohr’s circle
    Part F: Bending, Shear and Torsion of beams
21. Stresses and strains
22. Cross-section analysis (neutral axis; second moment of area; deflection line)
    Part G: Elastic buckling, Failure criteria (Tresca, von Mises, Mohr) and Design of structural components

The module includes 4 laboratory exercises.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of engineering principles, concepts and methodology necessary to solve problems related to structures under static loading. [C1-M1(D), C2-M2(D), C3-M3(D)]
• Become familiar with knowledge of mathematics and apply analytical techniques to model and solve engineering problems related to the behaviour of structures under static loading. [C1-M1(D), C2-M2(D), C3-M3(D)]
• Record, interpret and professionally communicate the results of investigated practical experiments, discussing limitations of the techniques employed. [C1-M1(D), C12-M12(D), C17-M17(D)]
• Demonstrate practical laboratory, workshop skills and critical awareness of associated health and safety issues. [C12-M12(D)]
• Demonstrate an ability to use engineering judgment to simplify and thus model real-life engineering problems. [C1-M1(D), C2-M2(D), C3-M3(D)]

Indicative reading list

Bedford, A. & Fowler, W., 2003, "Engineering Mechanics: Statics & Dynamics Principles", Prentice-Hall. ISBN 9780130082091.
Cain, J.A. & Hulse, R., 2000, "Structural Mechanics", 2nd Ed., Palgrave Macmillan.
ISBN 978-0333804575
Hibbeler, R.C., 2014, “Statics and Mechanics of Materials”, 4th Ed., Pearson Prentice Hall.
ISBN-13: 978-0133451603.
Hibbeler, R.C., 2017, “Statics and Mechanics of Materials”, 5th Ed., Pearson Prentice Hall.
ISBN-13: 978-1292177915.
Krenk, S. & HØgsberg, J., 2013, “Statics and Mechanics of Structures”. ISBN: 978-94-007-6112-4.

Subject specific skills

1. Solve fundamental engineering problems using numerical and qualitative methods
2. Apply fundamental concepts to carry experiments and record results
3. Knowledge and understanding of risk issues, including health & safety, and risk assessment

Transferable skills

1. Numeracy: apply mathematical and computational methods to communicate parameters, model and optimize solutions
2. Apply problem solving skills, information retrieval, and the effective use of general IT facilities
3. Communicate (written and oral; to technical and non-technical audiences) and work with others