Structural Analysis

This unit develops advanced knowledge and skills in the analysis of structural systems subjected to static loading, with a focus on trusses, beams, and rigid frames. Students engage with both classical and matrix-based methods such as stiffness and flexibility approaches and apply commercial software to determine internal forces, displacements, and structural stability. Emphasis is placed on engineering problem-solving, model development and validation, and the interpretation of structural behaviour to support safe and efficient design decisions. Through collaborative tasks, professional communication, and structured analysis, students strengthen their ability to work effectively in teams, demonstrate engineering judgement, and apply digital tools with confidence in real-world contexts.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:

1. Determine internal axial forces, shear forces, and bending moments in statically determinate and indeterminate structures;
2. Evaluate deflections and rotations in structural systems composed of connected linear elements under linear-elastic assumptions;
3. Collaborate effectively within a team setting to construct and analyse digital models of structural systems using commercial structural analysis software, and validate outputs against theoretical expectations;
4. Critically review and compare approximate analysis techniques for common structural forms; and
5. Formulate and resolve standard structural engineering problems using both analytical and computational methods, demonstrating sound engineering judgement.