NG4S116 - Advanced Structural Mechanics 01 Jul 2022 - 31 Aug 2028 | Version 1

Associated Module Information

Module Code: NG4S116
Module Title: Advanced Structural Mechanics
Faculty: Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Science
Faculty Group: Built Environment and Civil Engineering
Faculty Sub Group: Civil Engineering
Module Leader: Jiping Bai,
Module Team: Sarah Moses
First Intended Intake: SEP 2022 Final Year of Intake: 2026
Date Closed:
Credit Value: 20 Credit Level: 7
Language: English
Percentage of Module Taught in Welsh: 0
Equivalent Module:
HECOS codes: 100148 - civil engineering
HECOS Code Weighting: 100

Document Version Information

Version 1
Valid From 01 Jul 2022
Valid To 31 Aug 2028

Module Aims

To advance student’s knowledge of current methods of structural mechanics, particularly in the field of numerical and computer-based solutions; and to enable students to understand the theory and critically examine the limitations of the methods such as FEA for solving problems in solid mechanics.

To broaden the students’ knowledge base in structural mechanics and systematise the application of the principles of structural mechanics to both classical and actual structural problems.

To enable students to understand the principles of structural dynamics and to provide the necessary knowledge and intellectual skills for students to be able to assess structural responses to seismic actions.

Content Summary

Plane trusses and frames

Statically indeterminate beam systems - method of displacements, beam systems with multiple degrees of indeterminacy, plane trusses and frames.

Plates and shells

Introduction, plates in flexure, shells with curvature, non- / symmetrically loaded

Finite element method

Concept, formulation of the truss and beam elements, application to plane stress/strain elements, problem case studies using rectangular or triangular elements and assemblies.

Theory of plasticity

Introduction, elastic-plastic flexure, plastic analysis, and applications to beams, frames, and plates, theorems of plastic limit analysis.

Mechanics of fracture

Introduction, fracture theorems, stress concentration, plastic zone at the crack tip, size effects and ductile-brittle transition, fracture failure modes, fracture design approach.

Structural dynamics

Introduction, mathematical basics of structural response to seismic action, undamped / damped systems, structural responses with free vibration, harmonic loading and resonance, other dynamic loadings such as periodic, impulsive etc, response spectrum for design.

Others

Tutorials / apps applications

Learning and Teaching Methods

Activity Type Hours
Lecture 36
Tutorial 12
Practical classes and workshops 6
Independent Study 100
Directed Study 46
Total Hours Selected 200

Learning Outcomes

# Learning Outcome
LO1 Appreciate the underlying theory of the advanced methods and be able to undertake the analysis of complex structures subjected to various actions and boundary conditions.
LO2 Understand the principles of structural dynamics, gain necessary knowledge and intellectual skills for students to be able to critically evaluate structural responses to seismic actions. Extend an advanced understanding of the principles of computational solutions.

Module Requisites

N/A

Assessment Criteria

Assessment Category Assessment Type Description Duration Word Count Weight (%) Best of? Pass Mark
Asynchronous Assessment Practical Coursework 1 (Asynch) Report 0 2000 50 No 40
Synchronous Onsite Assessment Classroom Test - Time Constrained (Onsite) 1 Classroom Test 60 N/A 50 No 40

Assessment Matrix

Assessment Type Learning Outcomes
LO1 LO2
Practical Coursework 1 (Asynch)
Classroom Test - Time Constrained (Onsite) 1

Reading List

Lecture notes, Dr J. Bai.

Ghali, A. (2017). Structural analysis: a unified classical and matrix approach, Taylor & Francis Group.

McKenzie, W. M. C. (2014). Examples in structural analysis, Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press

Megson, T. H. G. (2014). Structural and Stress Analysis (Third Edition). Boston, Butterworth-Heinemann.

Hibbeler, R. C. et al. (2012). Structural Analysis SI. Pearson Ed Asia; 8 edition, ISBN-10: 9810687133.

Chopra, A.K. (2011). Dynamics of Structures (Civil Engineering and Engineering Mechanics Series)

Prentice Hall; 4 edition, ISBN-10: 0132858037, 992 pages.

Datta, T.K. (2011). Seismic Analysis of Structures. John Wiley & Sons; 1 edition, ISBN-10: 0470824611, 472 pages.