Unit Outline

The unit aims to give students the skills to analyse structures as a foundation skill to the design, construction and supervision of structural projects. Topics include analysis of internal forces, stresses and deflections in statically determinate and indeterminate frames using the force and slope-deflection methods, an introduction to column buckling, and an introduction to structural analysis software. The unit will cover the underpinning theory and problem solving skills in structural analysis through lectures, tutorials and laboratory, and will emphasise deep understanding of the key concepts through simple exemplars so that they can be extrapolated to more general and complex situations. The unit augments the fundamentals of the elastic behaviour of beam and frame structures acquired in the first year of the course and lays the foundations of modern methods of analysis of structures and machine elements, and will provide tools for such analyses. It emphasizes understanding of principles involved and their application to practical situations. The unit also prepares students for 3rd and 4th year units in advanced structural mechanics and design of steel, timber and concrete structures.

Intended Learning Outcomes

As per the Assessment and Results Policy 1.3, your results will reflect your achievement against specified learning outcomes.

On completion of this unit, you will be able to:


1	Calculate internal forces, stresses and displacements in statically determinate 2D beam, frame and truss type structures comprising members of symmetric and asymmetric structural cross-sections.
2	Determine reactions and internal forces in statically indeterminate 2D frame structures using the Stiffness and Slope-Deflection methods appropriately.
3	Solve problems involving simple one- or two-member buckling with a variety of boundary conditions by formulating the differential equations from first principles.
4	Analyse internal forces and buckling in frame structures with a variety of loading, boundary conditions and connection types through the use of computer models using industry standard structural engineering software.
5	Communicate technical information relating to structural analysis to a discipline peers through a technical report that follows professional expectations, conventions and standards of presentation.

Alterations as a result of student feedback

Additional worked examples of exam-like problems provided

Teaching arrangements


ATTENDANCE MODE	TEACHING TYPE	LEARNING ACTIVITY	CONTACT HOURS	FREQUENCY
On Campus	Lectorial	Weekly lectorial to introduce theory and/or worked example(s) on each topic. Each week will cover a new topic or sub-topic.	2	StudyPeriod 13 times
	Tutorial	A tutorial following each weekly lecture to solve problems on the week's topic	2	StudyPeriod 13 times
	Tutorial	Optional additional weekly Q&A session starting week 2 for students requiring additional assistance, or to discuss the major assignment.	1	StudyPeriod 12 times
	Practical	Labs 1 and 2 run concurrently in weeks 4-7. Each lab is 3 hours, and assessment is completed during the lab.	3	Study Period 2 times
	Practical	Lab 3 runs in weeks 8-11. It is 3 hours, and assessment is completed during the lab.	3	Study Period 1 time

Attendance/Engagement Expectations

If your unit is offered On campus, it is expected that you will attend all on-campus and onsite learning activities. This is to support your own learning and the development of a learning community within the unit. If you are unable to attend regularly, please discuss the situation with your course coordinator and/or our UConnect support team.

If your unit is offered Online, it is expected you will engage in all those activities as indicated in the Unit Outline, including any self-directed learning.

If you miss a learning activity for a legitimate reason (e.g., illness, carer responsibilities) teaching staff will attempt to provide alternative activities (e.g., make up readings) where it is possible.

How will I be Assessed?

For more detailed assessment information please see MyLO.

Assessment schedule


ASSESSMENT TASK #	ASSESSMENT TASK NAME	DATE DUE	WEIGHT	LINKS TO INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES
ASSESSMENT TASK 1:	Computer Analysis Assignment	Week 13	30 %	LO4, LO5
ASSESSMENT TASK 2:	Final Exam	Exam Period	40 %	LO1, LO2, LO3
ASSESSMENT TASK 3:	In-laboratory assessment	Refer to Assessment Description	15 %	LO1, LO2
ASSESSMENT TASK 4:	Assessed Tutorial Problems	Refer to Assessment Description	15 %	LO1, LO2, LO3

Assessment details

Assessment Task 1: Computer Analysis Assignment

TASK DESCRIPTION:

Using industry standard structural engineering software such as SpaceGass, students will be required to analyse a small statically indeterminate structure that would be unfeasible to analyse by hand calculations, and optimise the structural member selection. The analysis would include buckling and vibration analyses.
The analysis will be conducted in groups of 2-3 but individual reports must be submitted. Results and figures may be shared but placed in an appendix, to support a individual executive summary, introduction, methods and discussion. Individual and group contributions must be clearly separated and identified within the report.

TASK LENGTH:

Maximum 20 pages including appendices

DUE DATE:

Week 13

WEIGHT:

30 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOME


1	Set up a model of a structure in a structural analysis program, particularly with regard to member connections and end restraints, and material and section properties (EA 2.2(b))	LO4
2	Optimise a structure with respect to internal forces and buckling and vibration modes using structural analysis software (EA 2.2(d))	LO4
3	Follow professional expectations, conventions and standards of presentation in your written report (EA 3.2(b))	LO5
4	Interpret and comment critically on your results (EA 2.2(d)(f)(g), 3.2(a))	LO5

Assessment Task 2: Final Exam

TASK DESCRIPTION:

A three hour exam run during the final examination period. The exam will assess students on
knowledge and skills developed throughout the unit. In particular, this task will provide students with another opportunity to demonstrate their overall level of achievement across ILOs 1 to 4

TASK LENGTH:

3 Hours

DUE DATE:

Exam Period

WEIGHT:

40 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOME


1	Correctly apply the principles of statics in a structural analysis context (EA: 1.3(a))	LO1, LO2, LO3

Assessment Task 3: In-laboratory assessment

TASK DESCRIPTION:

Laboratory work will reinforce the key concepts of structural mechanics learnt in the unit.
Subject to numbers and lab availability, the first two labs run approx. weeks 5-7 and illustrate strain distributions in a cross-section due to bending. Lab 3 runs approx. weeks 8-10 and illustrates bending moment distribution in a statically indeterminate beam.
The labs will not require a formal report but will be assessed during the lab and/or based on follow-up calculations submitted the next day.

TASK LENGTH:

three 3-hour labs

DUE DATE:

Refer to Assessment Description

WEIGHT:

15 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOME


1	Perform experiments in structural mechanics and describe the concepts and principles that it demonstrates (EA 1.3(a))	LO1
2	Process experimental results to obtain key required results (EA 1.3(a))	LO1
3	Perform hand calculations to correctly predict key results of the experiment you have completed (EA 2.1(b)(e))	LO2

Assessment Task 4: Assessed Tutorial Problems

TASK DESCRIPTION:

There will be weekly tutorials focusing on problem solving that reinforce the lecture content
and apply the principles to practical problems similar to those that can be expected in the final exam. One problem from each of the weekly tutorial set needs to be submitted for assessment. These assignments are aimed at preparing students for the final exam. Submissions are due 5 calendar days (3 working days) after each weekly tutorial)

TASK LENGTH:

Each week's problem would be similar in length to a typical exam question

DUE DATE:

Refer to Assessment Description

WEIGHT:

15 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOME


1	Correctly apply the principles of statics in a structural analysis context (EA 1.3(a))	LO1
2	Select the method of structural analysis most appropriate for given contexts (EA 2.1(b))	LO2
3	Set out structural analysis calculations neatly, concisely and in a systematic manner appropriate to the method of analysis being employed (EA 2.1(e))	LO2
4	Correctly apply standard methods of analysis of statically indeterminate structures (EA 2.1(b)(e))	LO2
5	Derive the differential equation and boundary conditions describing member buckling with specific end constraints (EA 2.1(b))	LO3
6	Correctly determine the buckling load in a specific structural member (EA 2.1(e))	LO3

How your final result is determined

To pass this unit, you need to demonstrate your attainment of each of the Intended Learning Outcomes, achieve a final unit grade of 50% or greater, and pass any hurdle tasks.

1. ILO1 may be achieved by either an average mark of 65% on assignments 1-7 or an average of 40% on thecorresponding exam questions
2. ILO2 may be achieved by either an average mark of 65% on assignments 8-11 or an average of 40% on thecorresponding exam questions
3. ILO3 may be achieved by either a mark of 75% on assignments 12 or a mark of 40% on the corresponding exam question
4. ILO4 is assessed only by the Design Project. A mark of 50% on the analysis and technical content assessment criterion is required to achieve this LO.

Submission of assignments

Where practicable, assignments should be submitted to an assignment submission folder in MYLO. You must submit assignments by the due date or receive a penalty (unless an extension of time has been approved by the Unit Coordinator). Students submitting any assignment in hard copy, or because of a practicum finalisation, must attach a student cover sheet and signed declaration for the submission to be accepted for marking.

Requests for extensions

If you are unable to submit an assessment task by the due date, you should apply for an extension.

A request for an extension should first be discussed with your Unit Coordinator or teaching support team where possible. A request for an extension must be submitted by the assessment due date, except where you can provide evidence it was not possible to do so. Typically, an application for an extension will be supported by documentary evidence: however, where it is not possible for you to provide evidence please contact your Unit Coordinator.

The Unit Coordinator must notify you of the outcome of an extension request within 3 working days of receiving the request.

Late Penalties

Assignments submitted after the deadline will receive a late penalty of 5% of the original available mark for each calendar day (or part day) that the assignment is late. Late submissions will not be accepted more than 10 calendar days after the due date, or after assignments have been returned to other students on a scheduled date, whichever occurs first. Further information on Late Penalties can be found on the Assessments and Results Procedure.

Review of results and appeals

You are entitled to ask for a review of the marking and grading of your assessment task if there is an irregularity in the marking standards or an error in the process for determining the outcome of an assessment. Details on how to request a review of a mark for an assignment are outlined in the Review and Appeal of Academic Decisions Procedure.

Required resources

Required Reading Materials

Texts in the reading list below are not compulsory but are strongly recommended. The material is covered tersely in the lecture notes on MyLO - this may be sufficient for capable students, but is not a substitute for a good text.