Structural Mechanics

The course is divided into four thematic areas. Instruction is in the form of lectures, calculation exercises, mandatory laboratory work and hand-in assignments. Every theme is concluded with a written examination for the pass grade level. At the end of the course, students have the opportunity to sit a written exam for a grade of Distinction. The course comprises the following components: Theme 1:Plane force system and coordinates of the centroid \- Units, terminology in mechanics \- Vector, vector operations, vector components, unit vector \- Vector magnitude forces, resultant force, point of application, line of action \- Plane force system, moment, force couple \- Free-body diagram, equilibrium, equilibrium equation \- Coordinates of the Centroid, centroidal axis, first moment of area, symmetry, axes of symmetry, equivalent load effects and moment effects. Theme 2: Plane Trusses \- Different types of support, types of action, support reactions \- Stability conditions and static determination, determination of forces in the members using the method of joints and Ritter's method of sections respectively, qualitative analysis. Theme 3: Statically determined beams and frames \- Simply supported beam, cantilever beam, combination beam, gerber beam, three-joints frame \- Section forces and sign conventions, free-body diagram, force equilibrium, moment equilibrium, \- Bending-moment, shear-force, and normal-force equations and diagrams, and relationships between general loading, shear and moment. Theme 4: Load analysis and calculating cumulative loads on columns in multi-storey buildings \- Design regulations of the Swedish Board of Housing, Building and Planning, method of partial factors, resistance, effect of action, action, ultimate limit states, design combination of action, characteristic and design values of an action, safety classes \- Combination of action, permanent action, weight, fixed action, free action,variable action, imposed load: fixed and free action, load groups, snow load, wind action \- Calculating cumulative loads on columns in multi-storey buildnings.