Fundamentals of Structural Analysis

Get to grips with civil engineering structural analysis once and for all

Requirements: You don't need any prior understanding or knowledge of static or mechanical analysis, just a pencil, paper, calculator and a few of hours of effort! An understanding of basic high school-level algebra and geometry will be helpful but not essential. Description In this course, we'll cover fundamental concepts and methods in static structural analysis. Starting with the very basics, we explore forces, moments, and how to use the principle of static equilibrium. Then we move on to look at pin-jointed structures or trusses; what are they and how do we analyse them? We'll cover the joint resolution method and method of sections in detail. Worked examples are used extensively to demonstrate the practical application of theory. This course has been designed to cover the key topics that students first encounter when studying structural mechanics. Based on my experience teaching engineering undergraduates, the course focuses on those areas students find particularly tricky when starting out. I've also emphasises the link between theory and practice and we explore how our models of structural behaviour map onto the real world. A good civil or structural engineer knows the limits of their model. So in this course, we're really going to emphasise this distinction between model prediction and real-world structural behaviour. The course includes video lectures which combine screencast voice-over with traditional-style lectures. The emphasis is on worked examples with students encouraged to try questions before the detailed solution is presented. The teaching philosophy is 'learn by doing!' This course is suitable for engineering students who find their mechanics/structures lectures confusing and feel a little lost when it comes to structural analysis. Students wishing to get a head start before starting their degree programme or more advanced engineering students who need a refresher would also benefit from taking this course. Construction industry professionals such as surveyors, architects, etc. would also benefit from understanding the materials covered in this course. Who this course is for: This course is great for undergraduate engineering students who feel a little lost in their structures lectures. We start from scratch, establishing the basics, and build from there. More advanced engineering students who want a refresher or who didn't quite grasp the fundamentals the first time around would also benefit from this course. If you're about to start an engineering program, this course is a great way to get a head start. If you're a structures genius already, this course is probably not for you.