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Basic Theory of Structures

Course developer

Prior knowledge

Fizi2010, Physics I

Mate1036, Mathematics I

Replaced course

BūvZB057 [GBUVB057] Basic Theory of Structures

Course abstract

The course is aimed to mastering the basic knowledge on behaviour of structures under external actions. Students acquire the general conceptions of statics: axioms of statics, supports and reactions, composition of geometrically stable systems, conditions of static equilibrium and static determinacy. Determination of internahe course introduces students to general knowledge on motor roads and parking places including construction, service and the impact on environment. In tutorials students acquire the skills for use of road design methods and fulfil the ones by working out the course project.

Learning outcomes and their assessment

• Knowledge: General conceptions of statics, geometric stability and definition of a design model more adequate to real structure, conditions of static equilibrium and method of section for determination of internal forces, theory of normal bending, theoretical background for stability of elements in longitudinal buckling, basic principles and conditions (strength, stability, stiffness) of limit state method; Tests, homeworks, Exam. • Skills: Calculation of internal forces in statically determinate systems using analytic and graphic methods including design of diagrams, selection of rational profile and dimensioning of sections for steel and timber elements in accordance with strength, stability and stiffness conditions; Homework, Laboratory tasks •Competence: Acquired ability to assess the load bearing capacity of simplest beams, rational choice of material and section profile regarding loading and environmental conditions. Exam. Conversation.

Course Content(Calendar)

Full time intramural studies:
1. Building as a load carrying system. Types of building structures and their structural modelling. Systems of forces. (1hr)
2. Axioms of statics. The concept of force moment. Couple of forces (1hr)
3. Supports. Types of supports. Structural model (1hr)
4. Varignon's theorem. The general rules of equilibrium for absolutely solid body. (1hr) Practical work. (3hr)
5. Support reactions of statically determinate beam. (1hr) Practical work. (4hr)
6. Definition of internal forces, basic principles of section method. (1hr) Practical work. (3hr)
7. Calculation of internal forces and force diagramms. Software use in structure design. (1hr) Practical work. (3hr) Laboratory work. (1hr)
8. Bending. Tensile and compression stress equations and diagrams. Position of neutral axis. Shear stress equation and diagram. (1hr) Practical work. (3hr) Laboratory work. (1hr)
9. Timber, structural steel, concrete behaviour under load and determination of resistance. Calculation of load bearing capacity fo beams. (1hr) Laboratory work. (1hr)
10. Rational shape of cross-section for beams. Linear deformations (displacements). Stiffness calculations for beams. (1hr) Laboratory work. (4hr)
11. Construction of geometrically stable bar systems. Statically determinate and undeterminate systems. (1hr) Practical work. (2hr)
12. Methods for determining internal forces: separate node method, [Ritter's] method of sections, graphical method. (1hr) Practical work. (3hr)
13. Resistance calculation of element in axial tension. Stability concept of element in axial compresion (1hr) Practical work. (3hr)
14. Statically determinate frames. (1hr)
15. Combination of forces: tension + bending; compression + bending. Determination of Tensile and compressive stress equation and diagram. Dimensioning. (1hr)
16. Software use in structure design. (1hr)
Part time extramural studies:
All topics specified for full time studies are accomplished, but the number of contact hours is one half of the number specified in the calendar.

Requirements for awarding credit points

Examination: A practical tasks on one of the main topics and one teoretical question for testing of his/her basic knowledge.
Prerequisites: Two tests passed successfully. Independently finished and submitted two given homeworks

Description of the organization and tasks of students’ independent work

Homework 1: Calculatin of statically determinate beam. Homework 2: Calculatin of statically determinate sistem of members.

Criteria for Evaluating Learning Outcomes

The evaluation of test is sufficient if student is able to form up at least 50% of equations correct according to task and use basic theoretical relations between given values. Student improves his/her evaluation by solving equations numerically and getting correct result. The home work will be assessed basing on two criteria: 1) fulfilment of equilibrium conditions between internal and external forces and correct force diagramms; 2) ability to participate in conversation on calculations and results.

Compulsory reading

1. Bulavs F., Radiņš I. Būvmehānikas ievadkurss. Rīga: RTU izdevniecība, 2010. 250 lpp. 2. Seward D. Understanding structures: analysis, materials, design. 4th ed. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan, 2009. 367 p. 3. Ziemelis I., Kaķītis A., Dominieks L. Materiālu pretestība: mācību grāmata. Jelgava: LLU, 2008. 376 lpp.

Further reading

1. Hulse R., Cain J.A. Structural mechanics: worked examples. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan, 2009. 294 p. 2. Millais M. Building Structures. A Conceptual Approach. London: E&F N Spon, 1997. 358 p. 3. Kalniņš G. Ēku un būvju nesošās konstrukcijas. Rīga: Zvaigzne, 1991. 264 lpp. 3. McKenzie W.M.C. Examples in Structural Analysis. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, 2017. 819 p.

Periodicals and other sources

1. The Structural Engineer. ISSN 1466-5123 2. Būvinženieris: Latvijas Būvinženieru savienības izdevums. Rīga: Latvijas Būvinženieru savienība, 2006- ISSN 1691-9262

Notes

Compulsory Course for the Professional Bachelor’s study programme “Environment and Water Management”