Course Description
Provides students with an in-depth understanding of matrix and computer-oriented analysis methods for civil engineering structures. Matrix methods are at the core of structural analysis software extensively used in the industry. Explores matrix formulation of flexibility and stiffness methods. Three- dimensional truss, beam, and frame members will be studied using a commercially available structural analysis program.
Additional Requirements for Graduate Students:
Advanced topics related to 3D frame analysis and design will be
assigned as a final design project for graduate students. Also,
additional homework problem sets/reading materials and
presentation will be assigned to graduate students.
Athena Title
Advanced Structural Analysis
Undergraduate Prerequisite
CVLE 3610
Graduate Prerequisite
Permission of department
Semester Course Offered
Offered every year.
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
This course introduces students to matrix and computer-oriented methods used in the analysis of complex two- and three- dimensional (2D and 3D) structures, including truss, beam and frame members. At the completion of this course, the student should be able to: 1. Build stiffness matrices for truss, beam, and frame elements in 2D and 3D structures. 2. Implement the matrix analysis methods in a modern computer program. 3. Incorporate energy principles, geometric irregularities, shear deformations, support settlements, and temperature effects in structural analysis. 4. Model and analyze 3D structures using commercially available structural analysis software and interpret the results. 5. Appreciate the differences between linear and nonlinear analysis and static and dynamic effects. 6. Understand professional and ethical responsibilities resulting from computing errors. 7. Communicate problems and solutions through technical writing and oral communication.
Topical Outline
Basic Concepts of Structural Analysis • Introduction to Advanced Structural Analysis • The Flexibility Method • The Stiffness Method • The Computer-Oriented Direct Stiffness Method (Truss) • The Computer-Oriented Direct Stiffness Method (Beam) • The Computer-Oriented Direct Stiffness Method (Frame) • Support Displacements • Shear Deformations • Energy Principles (Classical) • Energy Principles (Complementary) • Special Topics (e.g., Connections, Nonlinear Analysis) • Geometry building and analyzing 3D structures using commercially available analysis software
Syllabus