Mechanics of Structures
Unit code: HES1125
| Credit points | 12.5 Credit Points |
| Duration | 1 Semester |
| Contact hours | 60 Hours |
| Campus | Hawthorn, Sarawak |
| Prerequisites | Nil |
| Corequisites | Nil |
Related course(s)
A unit of study in the;
Aims and objectives
This unit of study aims to introduce you to the basic principles of equilibrium and the behaviour of structural members, including beams, trusses, ties, shafts and bolts under applied loads.After successfully completing this unit, you should be able to:
1. Discern and determine the magnitude of loads acting on simple structural members (K1, K2, S1)
2. Analyse rigid body equilibrium including: (K1, K3, S1, S2)
a. Construct free body diagrams showing the function of simple structural elements
b. Analyse the force (s) or moment required to maintain a structure in equilibrium
c. Analyse external reactions on structural members under applied loading
d. Construct axial force, shear force and bending moment diagrams for simple beams.
3. Analyse the behaviour of structural members including: (K1, K3, S1, S2)
a. Analyse section properties for simple cross sections
b. Analyse internal axial stresses, shear stresses and bending stresses in structural members such as beams, trusses, ties, struts, shafts and bolts.
1. Discern and determine the magnitude of loads acting on simple structural members (K1, K2, S1)
2. Analyse rigid body equilibrium including: (K1, K3, S1, S2)
a. Construct free body diagrams showing the function of simple structural elements
b. Analyse the force (s) or moment required to maintain a structure in equilibrium
c. Analyse external reactions on structural members under applied loading
d. Construct axial force, shear force and bending moment diagrams for simple beams.
3. Analyse the behaviour of structural members including: (K1, K3, S1, S2)
a. Analyse section properties for simple cross sections
b. Analyse internal axial stresses, shear stresses and bending stresses in structural members such as beams, trusses, ties, struts, shafts and bolts.
Swinburne Engineering Competencies for this Unit of Study
This Unit of Study will contribute to you attaining the following Swinburne Engineering Competencies:
K1 Basic Science: Proficiently applies concepts, theories and techniques of the relevant natural
and physical sciences.
K3 Discipline Specific: Proficiently applies advanced technical knowledge of the specific discipline within that context.
S1 Engineering Methods: Applies engineering methods in practical applications.
S2 Problem Solving: Systematically uses engineering methods in solving complex problems.
This Unit of Study will contribute to you attaining the following Swinburne Engineering Competencies:
K1 Basic Science: Proficiently applies concepts, theories and techniques of the relevant natural
and physical sciences.
K3 Discipline Specific: Proficiently applies advanced technical knowledge of the specific discipline within that context.
S1 Engineering Methods: Applies engineering methods in practical applications.
S2 Problem Solving: Systematically uses engineering methods in solving complex problems.
Assessment
| Types | Individual or Group Assessment | Weighting |
| Examination | Individual | 60% - 70% |
| Assignments | Individual | 10% - 20% |
| Test | Individual | 15% - 25% |
| Laboratory Reports | Individual | 5% |
Content
- Forces and Equilibrium (20%): Scalars and Vectors, Addition of Vectors, Resultant Calculations, Moment of a Force, Conditions of Equilibrium, Free Body Diagrams (2D and 3D), Two and Three Force Members, Calculations of Simple External Reactions, Principles of Friction
- Structural Analysis of Trusses and Design of Simple Connections (20%): Free Body Diagrams and External Reactions Calculations. Analysis of Trusses by Method of Joints and Method of Sections, and Zero Force Members. Simple Analysis of Truss Connections by axial and shear stress, with an introduction in allowable stress vs. ultimate stress
- Internal Loadings - Shear Force and Bending Moment Diagrams (30%): Analysis of point loads, uniformly distributed loads, and non-uniformly distributed loads. Internal Actions of Beams: Axial Forces, Shear Forces and Bending Moments. Axial Force, Shear Force and Bending Moment Diagrams. Relationships between loads, shear and bending moments
- Section Properties of Structural Members (10%): Location of Centroids (Centre of Gravity or Area) for Composite Bodies/Areas. Second Moments of Area (Moments of Inertia) by Integration. Second Moments of Area (Moments of Inertia) by the Parallel Axis Theorem for Composite Areas
- Internal Stresses - Shear and Bending Stresses (20%): The Flexural Formula and Bending Stresses in Beams, Bending Stress distributions across Beam Sections. The Shear Formula and Shear Stresses in Beams, Shear Stress distributions across Beam Sections
