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Fundamentals of Building Theory I

Course developer

Course abstract

The course is aimed for mastering the basic knowledge on static equilibrium of structures and elements under external actions (loads). General conceptions of statics. Loads. Supports and reactions. Static equilibrium. Definitions of internal forces, method of section. Stresses and strains in material under tension/compression/bending. Hooke’s law, theory of normal bending.

Learning outcomes and their assessment

Knowledge: To know the laws, axioms, the main concepts and methods of analysis of mechanics and strength of materials used in the design of building structures.
The knowledge is estimated during the semester and at the end of the semester by theory tests available in the university e-learning platform.
Skills: 1) Use of the equations of equilibrium to calculate the reactions at the supports of structures. 2) Determining internal forces in bars and beams by the method of sections.
Able to reason logically, based on acquired knowledge, justifying the choice of schemes used in their calculations and the reliability of the obtained results The competences are evaluated during the semester by developing homework.

Course Content(Calendar)

1.Lectures: Structure as load redistributing system. Application of the theories of mechanics of rigid bodies and elastically deformable bodies in structural analysis. Main categories of statics (strength, stability, stiffness). The axioms of statics. (2hr)
Practical work. (2hr)
2.Lectures: The moment of a force. Summation of moments of parallel and unparallel forces. Varignon’s theorem. (2hr)
Practical work. (2hr)
3.Lectures: Equilibrium conditions of bodies. External forces acting on building structures. Determination of the support reactions based on the equations of equilibrium. (2hr)
Practical work. (2hr)
4.Lectures: Types of building structures and modelling of their behaviour. Analysis of systems of bar members. Degrees of freedom of movement. Basic conditions for geometrical stability of systems. (2hr)
Practical work. (2hr)
5.Lectures: The method of section. The conditions of equilibrium of internal and external forces at a section. Definitions and sign conventions of the internal forces (axial force, shear force, bending moment, torsion). 2D and 3D loading. (2hr)
Practical work. (2hr)
6.Lectures: Determination and graphical representation of internal forces of beams (diagrams of internal forces). (2hr)
Practical work. (2hr)
Part-time extramural studies: All the topics intended for full-time studies are covered, yet the number of contact hours is ½ of the specified number of hours.

Requirements for awarding credit points

Credit test will be enrolled, if student know basic definitions of static, and he/she is able to discuss on results of calculations, to justify methods chosen and to prove the static equilibrium of internal and external forces. The test and homework must be passed.

Description of the organization and tasks of students’ independent work

1st homework. Calculation of support reactions. Forces in sections, draft of force diagrams. Theory test –theory test in the course e-learning platform must be completed without assistance. It is accessible from the computer room of the department only.

Criteria for Evaluating Learning Outcomes

1)In homework all the compulsory problems must be solved and the evaluation 100% must be obtained. 2)At least 80% of the points must be obtained in the test

Compulsory reading

1)Bulavs F., Radiņš I. Būvmehānikas ievadkurss. Rīga: RTU izdevniecība, 2010.
2)Kepe O., Vība J. Teorētiskā mehānika. Rīga, 1982. 577 lpp.
3)Ziemelis I., Kaķītis A., Dominieks L. Materiālu pretestība : mācību grāmata. Jelgava: LLU, 2008. 376 lpp. Seward, Derek. Understanding structures: analysis, materials, design/ Derek Seward. - 4th ed.- Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan, c2009, 367 lpp.

Further reading

1)Hulse, Ray. Structural mechanics: worked examples/ R. Hulse, J.A. Cain. - Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan, 2009.
2)M. Millais. Building Structures. A Conceptual Approach. London: E&F N Spon, 1997. Lavendelis E. Materiālu pretestība. Rīga: Zvaigzne, 1986. 341 lpp.

Periodicals and other sources

1)http://www.engineeringwiki.org/wiki/Structural_Analysis http://www2.llu.lv/buvmehanika/

Notes

Compulsory Course for the programme “Civil Engineering”