This module will introduce you to the fundamental physical principles and solution methods to analyse the mechanical behaviour of complex structural systems such as fixed and/or movable nodes frames, Vierendeel trusses, axisymmetric shells and masonry structures. The structural analysis techniques illustrated in the course will enable you to predict the performances of these structures under different types of external loads and understand how these systems can be designed

• LO1: Predict the mechanical behaviour of complex structural systems (e.g. frames, shells, wall-frame assemblies, and masonry structures) using analytical approaches.
• LO2: Analyse the internal forces and deformations in frame systems, including those with fixed and/or movable joints, and evaluate the behaviour of Vierendeel trusses.
• LO3: Assess the distribution of lateral loads and resulting internal actions in wall-frame systems and shear-core structures in two and three dimensions.
• LO4: Determine the elastic stress and strain distributions in thin axisymmetric shell structures, and understand the role of geometry and boundary conditions in their performance.

The module will be delivered through on-campus face-to-face classes and workshop sessions. The weekly class sessions will be structured in two parts. In the first part, the underlying theory and fundamental concepts will be explained, while in the second part applications to real engineering problems will be illustrated. Workshop sessions dedicated to tutorials and students’ questions will be weekly delivered by the module staff. Tutorial questions in preparation of the final exam will be also provided and discussed in revision sessions. All the learning material delivered by the module staff including the links to the lecture recordings will be available on the Learning Central or alternatively on a Teams class set up by the module leader and dedicated to the students attending the course.  

You will develop your subject-specific knowledge in developing your Independent and critical thinking skills. You will need to:  

• Use quantitative methods to analyse the static performances of fixed nodes and shear-dominated complex frames; 

• Model the mechanical behaviour of wall/frame structures; 

• Apply elasticity theory to the design of thin axisymmetric shells; 

• Predict the mechanical stability of masonry pillars, domes ad arches by means of analytical techniques. 

Summative Assessment 

The module is assessed by a written examination (70% of module marks) (LO1-4) and a coursework submission (30% of module marks) (LO1-4)which involves the completion of three structural analysis tasks.   

Formative Assessment 

Tutorial questions will be released throughout the module, and students are expected to complete these.  Feedback on tutorial questions will be provided to the class in the tutorial sessions timetabled. 

THE OPPORTUNITY FOR REASSESSMENT IN THIS MODULE: 

There is a potential for re-assessment in this module which may result in a 100% written assessment during the August Resit period (LO1-4). 

Opportunities for re-assessment is only permitted provided you have not failed more credit than in the resit rule adopted by your programme.  If the amount of credit you have failed is more than permitted by the relevant resit rule, you may be permitted to repeat study if you are within the threshold set for the Repeat rule adopted by your programme.  You will be notified of your eligibility to resit/repeat any modules after the Examining Board in the Summer period. 

All resit assessments will be held in the Resit Examination period, prior to the start of the following academic session. 

Fundamentals of structural analysis of frames with fixed and movable joints: 

• Rotational and translational stiffnesses of recurring simple structures; 

• Method of nodal displacements/rotations; 

• Vierendeel trusses. 

Wall/Frame structures: 

• Distribution of horizontal forces in a coupled frame-shear wall system; 

• Distribution of actions in a generic 3D structure with shear walls and shear cores. 

Structural analysis of thin axisymmetric shells: 

• Fundamentals of membrane theory;  

• Elastic stress and strains in cylindrical, spherical and conical vessels; 

• Edge effects; 

• Ring-stiffened shells. 

Statics of masonry structures: 

• Stability of eccentrically loaded pillars; 

• Stress and strain states of masonry domes; 

• Equilibrium of voussoir arches.