Overview
In this unit, you will learn the idealisation and loading of complex structural systems. You will also learn how to calculate deflections in truss, beam, and frame structures using various analytical methods such as the virtual load method. You will be able to analyse indeterminate structures using fundamental techniques/methods e.g., force method, and slope-deflection method. You will be introduced to the fundamentals of structural analysis using the direct stiffness method and you will use industry-relevant software such as SPACE GASS or equivalent to analyse complex structures.
Details
Pre-requisites or Co-requisites
Prerequisites: ENEG11006 Engineering Statics and ENEC12012 Stress Analysis
Important note: Students enrolled in a subsequent unit who failed their pre-requisite unit, should drop the subsequent unit before the census date or within 10 working days of Fail grade notification. Students who do not drop the unit in this timeframe cannot later drop the unit without academic and financial liability. See details in the Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).
Offerings For Term 2 - 2023
Attendance Requirements
All on-campus students are expected to attend scheduled classes – in some units, these classes are identified as a mandatory (pass/fail) component and attendance is compulsory. International students, on a student visa, must maintain a full time study load and meet both attendance and academic progress requirements in each study period (satisfactory attendance for International students is defined as maintaining at least an 80% attendance record).
Recommended Student Time Commitment
Each 6-credit Undergraduate unit at CQUniversity requires an overall time commitment of an average of 12.5 hours of study per week, making a total of 150 hours for the unit.
Class Timetable
Assessment Overview
Assessment Grading
This is a graded unit: your overall grade will be calculated from the marks or grades for each assessment task, based on the relative weightings shown in the table above. You must obtain an overall mark for the unit of at least 50%, or an overall grade of ‘pass’ in order to pass the unit. If any ‘pass/fail’ tasks are shown in the table above they must also be completed successfully (‘pass’ grade). You must also meet any minimum mark requirements specified for a particular assessment task, as detailed in the ‘assessment task’ section (note that in some instances, the minimum mark for a task may be greater than 50%). Consult the University’s Grades and Results Policy for more details of interim results and final grades.
All University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
You may wish to view these policies:
- Grades and Results Policy
- Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework)
- Review of Grade Procedure
- Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure – Domestic Students
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure – International Students
- Student Refund and Credit Balance Policy and Procedure
- Student Feedback – Compliments and Complaints Policy and Procedure
- Information and Communications Technology Acceptable Use Policy and Procedure
This list is not an exhaustive list of all University policies. The full list of University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
Feedback, Recommendations and Responses
Every unit is reviewed for enhancement each year. At the most recent review, the following staff and student feedback items were identified and recommendations were made.
Feedback from Student Survey
The lecturer was extremely supportive and made considerable effort in helping students who required help in completing their assessments.
Continue this good practice.
Feedback from Student Email
Students appreciate the in-depth and practical discussions during the tutorial sessions.
Continue this good practice.
Feedback from Unit Coordinator
The authentic assessments helped students in understanding practical aspects but some students felt that some tasks are heavy.
Expand supplementary resources like exemplars and templates to give greater clarity to students when completing the assessment tasks. Improve the link between assessment tasks and learning outcomes and expand on feedback given to students.
- Apply principles of structural idealisation, and loading (including moving loads) for practical structures
- Apply fundamental theories to determine deflection in structures
- Apply analytical methods to solve statically indeterminate structures
- Perform critical analyses of complex structures using industry-relevant software
- Demonstrate engineering values including professional communication and sustainable development.
The Learning Outcomes for this unit are linked with the Engineers Australia Stage 1 Competency Standards for Professional Engineers in the areas of 1. Knowledge and Skill Base, 2. Engineering Application Ability and 3. Professional and Personal Attributes at the following levels:
Introductory
Intermediate
Advanced
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes
| Assessment Tasks | Learning Outcomes | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | |
| 1 - Online Quiz(zes) - 20% | |||||
| 2 - Project (applied) - 30% | |||||
| 3 - Project (applied) - 30% | |||||
| 4 - Project (applied) - 20% | |||||
Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes
| Graduate Attributes | Learning Outcomes | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | |
| 1 - Communication | |||||
| 2 - Problem Solving | |||||
| 3 - Critical Thinking | |||||
| 4 - Information Literacy | |||||
| 5 - Team Work | |||||
| 6 - Information Technology Competence | |||||
| 7 - Cross Cultural Competence | |||||
| 8 - Ethical practice | |||||
| 9 - Social Innovation | |||||
| 10 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures | |||||
Textbooks
Structural Analysis in SI Units
Edition: 10th edn (2019)
Authors: Hibbeler, R
Pearson
Harlow Harlow , Essex , UK
ISBN: 9781292247137
Binding: Paperback
IT Resources
- CQUniversity Student Email
- Internet
- Unit Website (Moodle)
- Structural analysis software SpaceGass
All submissions for this unit must use the referencing style: Harvard (author-date)
For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.
h.baji@cqu.edu.au
Module/Topic
Introduction, Review on Analysis of Determinate Trusses and Beams
Determinacy and Stability
Chapter
Chapter 2: Analysis of Statically Determinate Structures
Chapter 3: Analysis of Statically Determinate Trusses
Chapter 4: Internal Loadings Developed in Structural Members
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Influence Lines for Beams
Qualitative Influence Lines
Influence Lines for Floor Girders
Influence Lines for Trusses
Maximum Influence at a Point due to a Series of Concentrated Loads
Chapter
Chapter 6: Influence Lines for Statically Determinate Structures
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
The Double Integration Method
Moment Area Theorems
Conjugate-Beam Method
Chapter
Chapter 7: Deflections
Events and Submissions/Topic
Progressive Test #1: The test opens at 9:00 AM Monday of this week and closes at 9:00 PM Monday of next week.
Module/Topic
Method of Virtual Work and Castigliano's Theorem: Trusses
Chapter
Chapter 8: Deflections Using Energy Methods
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Project 1 Discussion
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Progressive Test #2: The test opens at 9:00 AM Monday of this week and closes at 9:00 PM Monday of next week.
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Maxwell's Theorem of Reciprocal
Force Method of Analysis: Beams
Force Method of Analysis: Trusses
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Slope-Deflection Equations
Analysis of Beams
Analysis of Frames: No Sideway
Analysis of Frames: Sideway
Chapter
Chapter 10: Displacement Method of Analysis: Slope-Deflection Equations
Events and Submissions/Topic
Progressive Test #3: The test opens at 9:00 AM Monday of this week and closes at 9:00 PM Monday of next week.
Module/Topic
Moment Distribution for Beams
Stiffness-Factor Modifications
Moment Distribution for Frames: No Sideway
Moment Distribution for Frames: Sideway
Chapter
Chapter 11: Displacement Method of Analysis: Moment Distribution Method
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Project 2 Discussion
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Member Stiffness Matrix
Displacement and Force Transformation Matrices
Member Global Stiffness matrix
Truss Stiffness Matrix
Application of the Stiffness Method for Truss Analysis
Beam-Member Stiffness Method
Beam-Member Global Stiffness matrix
Beam-Structure Stiffness Matrix
Application of the Stiffness Method for Beam Analysis
Chapter
Chapter 14: Truss Analysis Using the Stiffness Method
Chapter 15: Beam Analysis Using the Stiffness Method
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
SpaceGass Training and Project 3 Discussion
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
SpaceGass Training and Project 3 Discussion
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
End of term online test will be on Friday 21 October, 9:00 am.
Project 3 Due: Exam Week Monday (16 Oct 2023) 11:59 pm AEST
1 Online Quiz(zes)
This assessment task consists of three "Progressive Tests". First, second and third carries 7%, 7%, and 6% marks, respectively. Each test consists of a number of numerical questions.
Important Notes:
- Each Test is set for 60 minutes. You have 60 minutes from when you start your attempt to submit your answers.
- If you start but leave a test and come back to it later, your 60 min time may have lapsed and you will be scored zero for that attempt.
- You can attempt each test up to three (3) times within the given time frame as specified in the schedule.
- The test will be automatically closed after the end of the given time frame.
- The final mark will be the highest of all the attempts.
- Even though the tests are open for a few days, it is expected that your first attempt would be on the first day.
- The Tests cannot generally be deferred. However, under exceptional circumstances, if you have valid reasons to defer the test(s), please contact the Unit Coordinator with documents of proof before the due date.
3
Other
Tests opening and closing details are given on the unit schedule.
Immediately after the test completion.
- Full marks allocated to a question will be awarded for each correct answer.
- No penalty for wrong answers.
- Apply principles of structural idealisation, and loading (including moving loads) for practical structures
- Apply fundamental theories to determine deflection in structures
- Apply analytical methods to solve statically indeterminate structures
2 Project (applied)
This assessment consists of three different practical sub-projects. You will need to use the knowledge and skills that you learned in weeks 1 to 4 to find the solution to the problems in these sub-projects.
Sub-project 1-1: Calculation of applied loads and maximum internal forces in a bridge subjected to gravity and moving loads covering materials taught in weeks 1 and 2. This part worth 30% of the total grade for Project 1.
Sub-project 1-2: Calculation of applied loads and deflections in a residential building structure subjected to gravity loads covering materials taught in weeks 1, 3 and 4. This part worth 35% of the total grade for Project 1.
Sub-project 1-3: Calculation of applied loads and deflections in a truss structure subjected to gravity loads covering materials taught in weeks 1, 2 and 4. This part worth 35% of the total grade for Project 1.
Week 6 Monday (21 Aug 2023) 11:59 pm AEST
Feedback will be returned in two weeks following the assessment due date.
In this assessment, you are required to provide a detailed explanation of the procedure you use to solve each problem. Your explanations need to be detailed enough to convince the marker that you really know and understand what you are doing. Correct answer and explanation of the correct approach both are important in this course. A substantial part of the marks in your assessment are for evidence of how you thought about the problem. Each question in the assignment will be assessed against the following criteria.
Part 1: Statement of the Problem (20 % of the Marks)
· Model the structure with sound idealisation assumptions.
· Draw accurate sign convention, Free-Body and other diagrams as required for the solution
· State key information that are provided.
Part 2: Development of the Problem and Results (80%)
· Show your calculations in detail
· State your answers with magnitude, unit, and direction as appropriate
· For marking purpose, this part will be sub-divided by two or more milestones of the calculations with appropriate weights
- Apply principles of structural idealisation, and loading (including moving loads) for practical structures
- Apply fundamental theories to determine deflection in structures
3 Project (applied)
In this project, you will analyse a structural frame. You will need to use the knowledge and skills that you learned in weeks 6 to 8 to find the solution to the problems in this project.
Project 2-1: Calculation of applied loads and internal forces/reactions in a frame structure using the force method covering materials taught in week 6. This part worth 30% of the total grade for Project 2.
Project 2-2: Calculation of nodal displacement in a frame structure using the slope-deflection method covering materials taught in week 7. This part worth 35% of the total grade for Project 2.
Project 2-3: Calculation of internal bending moment in a frame structure using the moment-distribution method covering materials taught in week 8. This part worth 35% of the total grade for Project 2.
Week 10 Monday (18 Sept 2023) 11:59 pm AEST
Feedback will be returned in two weeks following the assessment due date.
In this assessment, you are required to provide a detailed explanation of the procedure you use to solve each problem. Your explanations need to be detailed enough to convince the marker that you really know and understand what you are doing. Correct answer and explanation of the correct approach both are important in this course. A substantial part of the marks in your assessment are for evidence of how you thought about the problem. Each question in the assignment will be assessed against the following criteria.
Part 1: Statement of the Problem (20 % of the Marks)
· Model the structure with sound idealisation assumptions
· Draw accurate sign convention, Free-Body and other diagrams as required for the solution
· State key information that are provided.
Part 2: Development of the Problem and Results (80%)
· Show your calculations in detail
· State your answers with magnitude, unit, and direction as appropriate
· For marking purpose, this part will be sub-divided by two or more milestones of the calculations with appropriate weights
- Apply analytical methods to solve statically indeterminate structures
4 Project (applied)
In this project, you will model and analyse a structure in SpaceGass software. You will need to use the knowledge and skills that you learned in weeks 10 to 12 to find the solution to the problems in this project. Major steps of modelling that should be followed are:
Loading: Based on the given geometry and loads, load the structural.
Idealisation: Given the structural information, and based on sound idealisation assumptions, prepare a simplified structural model.
Software modelling: Create geometry, define support conditions, cross-sections, materials, loading, set analysis parameters and run analysis in SpaceGass
Model verification: Provide simple calculations to verify some of the software outputs
Extract results: Extract some major outputs e.g., nodal displacement, reactions, internal forces, etc.
Prepare calculation report: Present your results in a professional technical report
Exam Week Monday (16 Oct 2023) 11:59 pm AEST
Feedback will be returned in two weeks following the assessment due date.
In this assessment, you are required to provide a detailed SpaceGass model. Using the created model, the requested structural output should be presented in a technical report following a professional standard.
Part 1: SpaceGass (40 % of the Marks)
· All key information that are provided are clearly stated
· Model has sound idealisation assumptions
· SpaceGass model is accurate
Part 2: Development of the Problem and Results (60%)
· Proper verification showing model accuracy is conducted
· All relevant results are properly extracted
· Results are presented in an integrated report with high professional standard
- Perform critical analyses of complex structures using industry-relevant software
- Demonstrate engineering values including professional communication and sustainable development.
As a CQUniversity student you are expected to act honestly in all aspects of your academic work.
Any assessable work undertaken or submitted for review or assessment must be your own work. Assessable work is any type of work you do to meet the assessment requirements in the unit, including draft work submitted for review and feedback and final work to be assessed.
When you use the ideas, words or data of others in your assessment, you must thoroughly and clearly acknowledge the source of this information by using the correct referencing style for your unit. Using others’ work without proper acknowledgement may be considered a form of intellectual dishonesty.
Participating honestly, respectfully, responsibly, and fairly in your university study ensures the CQUniversity qualification you earn will be valued as a true indication of your individual academic achievement and will continue to receive the respect and recognition it deserves.
As a student, you are responsible for reading and following CQUniversity’s policies, including the Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure. This policy sets out CQUniversity’s expectations of you to act with integrity, examples of academic integrity breaches to avoid, the processes used to address alleged breaches of academic integrity, and potential penalties.
What is a breach of academic integrity?
A breach of academic integrity includes but is not limited to plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, cheating, contract cheating, and academic misconduct. The Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure defines what these terms mean and gives examples.
Why is academic integrity important?
A breach of academic integrity may result in one or more penalties, including suspension or even expulsion from the University. It can also have negative implications for student visas and future enrolment at CQUniversity or elsewhere. Students who engage in contract cheating also risk being blackmailed by contract cheating services.
Where can I get assistance?
For academic advice and guidance, the Academic Learning Centre (ALC) can support you in becoming confident in completing assessments with integrity and of high standard.
What can you do to act with integrity?
