This unit entry is for students who completed this unit in 2016 only. For students planning to study the unit, please refer to the unit indexes in the the current edition of the Handbook. If you have any queries contact the managing faculty for your course or area of study.

CIV4234 - Advanced structural analysis

6 points, SCA Band 2, 0.125 EFTSL

Undergraduate - Unit

Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered.

Faculty

Engineering

Organisational Unit

Department of Civil Engineering

Coordinator(s)

Dr Amin Heidarpour (Clayton), TBC (Malaysia)

Offered

Clayton

First semester 2016 (Day)

Malaysia

First semester 2016 (Day)

Synopsis

This unit covers advanced structural analysis techniques. It extends the basic work covered in CIV3221 Building Structures and Technology regarding matrix analysis and includes the theoretical basis and application of the finite element method.

The syllabus covers matrix analysis for truss and beam structures and finite element analysis for truss, beam and plate elements. Computer packages such as ABAQUS will be introduced to perform static stress, dynamic response and buckling analyses. Comparison between hand calculations and predictions from computer analyses are made wherever practicable.

Outcomes

On successful completion of the unit, students should be able to:

apply the stiffness method in matrix structural analysis
apply the coordinate transformation method for matrix structural analysis
develop the framework of the finite element method
explain the theoretical basis of finite element method such as discretisation process, element formation, shape functions, Gaussian integration, nodal and frontal equation solvers
articulate simple elements in the finite element method
analyse a structure under static, thermal and dynamic loading

Assessment

Continuous assessment: 50%
Final examination (3 hours): 50%
Students are required to achieve at least 45% in the total continuous assessment component (practice problems, tests and project) and at least 45% in the final examination component and an overall mark of 50% to achieve a pass grade in the unit. Students failing to achieve this requirement will be given a maximum of 45% in the unit.

Workload requirements

2 hours lecture, 2 hours practice including computer laboratories and 8 hours of private study per week.

Chief examiner(s)

Professor Jeffrey Walker

Prerequisites

CIV3221