Course overview
In this course, students will consolidate understanding of the analysis of structures. The course will introduce students to the finite element method and its applications in structural engineering. Content includes: Frame analysis; deflections of beams, trusses and frames; indeterminate structures; plastic collapse analysis of beams and frames, energy method; finite element theory and techniques; commercial FEM software packages applications.
Course learning outcomes
- Analyse internal actions and deflections of beam, truss and frame structures using elastic theory and energy methods. (PO 1), (EA 1.1, 1.2)
- Demonstrate understanding of the basic theory of the finite element method. (PO 1), (EA 1.1, 1.2, 1.3)
- Discriminate between various structural analysis techniques to determine the most appropriate for a range of structural engineering problems (PO 4,5), (EA 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 3.3)
- Create a finite element model of a real structure using an industry standard finite element software package and critically review the computer program output; (PO 1,4,5), (EA 1.2, 1.3, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 3.3)
- Evaluate and present data and outcomes of analyses in appropriate formats consistent with professional practice (PO, 4,5,7), (EA 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 3.2, 3.3)
- Collaborate with other students in small teams to produce design solutions and reports (PO 5,8), (EA 2.3, 3.5, 3.6)