Monash University Handbook 2010 Undergraduate - Unit

Synopsis

This unit aims to develop an understanding of the context and terminology related to engineering structures. It will allow students to translate real world forces into abstract form for engineering modelling. The unit aims to develop an understanding of the fundamentals of engineering statics and their application to trusses and beams through design. Knowledge of various construction materials is developed to allow material choice for truss and beam design. Design of beams continues the theme of engineering statics through introduction to shear forces, bending moments and stress, and deflection.

Objectives

At the completion of this unit students will have the following knowledge and understanding:

1. understanding of the role of stress and structures in modern society
2. appreciation of different structural forms and modelling of structures
3. understanding of fundamentals of engineering statics through design of trusses and beams
4. knowledge and skills to translate real world forces into abstract form for engineering modelling
5. understanding of loads and load paths
6. knowledge of different construction materials for truss and beam design

7. perform simple calculations to estimate forces
8. calculate reactions
9. determine forces in trusses
10. determine axial stress and deformation in trusses
11. determine moments and shear forces in beams
12. determine bending stress in beams
13. calculate beam deflections
14. calculate geometric properties of a cross section
15. complete tasks as part of a team
16. improve oral and written communication skills

17. appreciation of the role of engineers in society
18. confidence in identifying new engineering problems and formulating original solutions.

Assessment

Assessment Projects: 30%
Individual tests 30%
Closed book exam (3 hours): 40%. Students are required to pass both the continuous assessment and exam components to gain a pass in this unit.

Chief examiner(s)

Professor Xiao-Ling Zhao

Contact hours

3 hours lectures, 2 hours practice classes and seven hours of private study per week.

Prohibitions

ENG1201