Solving Problems of Simple Structural Mechanics

Solve problems in elementary structural mechanics thoughtfully and efficiently with this self-contained volume. Covers the basics of structural mechanics and focuses on simple structures, truss frameworks, beams and frames, design choices, and deformity. Carefully interrogates underlying assumptions for efficiencies in working out whilst expounding fundamental principles for a consistent understanding. Heavily connects the practical world of indeterminate structures to their analysis, to underline benefits they impart to the latter: that certain analytical methods provide a wealth of efficient solutions for problems of indeterminate structures compared to determinate ones. Celebrates the beauty of analytical indeterminacy and its relationship to practical structures. Perfect for students invested in structural mechanics, and aims to complement their learning and understanding.

Reduced Equations of Slope-Deflection Method in Structural Analysis

This paper presents an update of the slope-deflection method, which is used in the analysis of statically indeterminate structures. In this study, new reduced equations are presented based on including both the effects of the member rotations and the fixed end moments in one term, rather than two terms, in order to simplify the application of the slope-deflection method. The reduced equations are developed, then three numerical examples with comprehensive cases of beams are solved by applying both the original and the proposed reduced equations. The analysis outputs indicated that the reduced equations are applicable for all cases that can be analyzed by the slope-deflection method, and give identical results compared with the original equations. It is found that the reduced equations require less computations when the structure has no support settlement, compared with the original equations, whereas the computations are approximately similar when the structure has a support settlement.

Using Software Applications in Teaching of Slope-deflection Method in Subject Static Analysis of Constructions

Static analysis of building structures is an important engineering discipline. The presented paper deals with the teaching process of the slope-deflection method in the subject Static Analysis of Constructions at the Faculty of Civil Engineering of the Technical University in Košice. The slope-deflection method is the method for the analysis of statically indeterminate structures and serves to obtain their inner forces and deformations. For purpose of teaching this subject, teachers prepared programs in the Fortran code and with the help of the output of decisive values obtained from the programs. Teachers know if students have correct solutions of their tasks and can guide students to work to correct mistakes in their work.

Using Software Applications in Teaching of Slope-Deflection Method in Subject Static Analysis of Constructions

—Static analysis of building structures is an important engineering discipline. The presented paper deals with the teaching process of the slope-deflection method in the subject Static Analysis of Constructions at the Faculty of Civil Engineering of the Technical University in Košice. The slope-deflection method is the method for the analysis of statically indeterminate structures and serves to obtain their inner forces and deformations. For purpose of teaching this subject, teachers prepared programs in the Fortran code and with the help of the output of decisive values obtained from the programs. Teachers know if students have correct solutions of their tasks and can guide students to work to correct mistakes in their work.

Shaping Indeterminate Frames

The large impact of building structures on the environment must be reduced to meet the global targets fixed by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Standard building structures with constant prismatic cross-section have material inefficiencies of around 66% (and up to 75% in some cases) that need to be addressed. Structural shaping, a subfield of shape optimization, offers a pathway to reduce the impact of building materials on the environment. Shaping statically determinate structures such as simply supported beams is relatively straightforward, but offers few design options compared to statically indeterminate structures. However, no methods provide an efficient way for designers to shape these systems according to their design intent or efficiency goals. Based on plasticity theory, this paper presents a shaping methodology to explore the design space of shaped indeterminate frame structures. The methodology is implemented in three case studies.<br/> In all the case studies, the methodology allows for the exploration of material-efficient yet diverse designs of shaped indeterminate frame structures. The implementation of this methodology can promote the use of structural shaping by offering more agency to structural designers to create diverse and efficient structural systems.