Learning Outcomes:
On completion of the module students should be able to:
1. Develop self-evaluation skills
2. Recognize and describe different types of loads that can act on structures, depending on their function
3. Identify the mechanisms of load transfer in a structure subjected to load (compression, tension, bending, torsion and shear)
4. Identify and explain structural actions in members subjected to load (cantilever action, beam action, two-way bending action, one-way axial force action, membrane action)
5. Choose and defend the choice of structural supports and connections for a particular structure
6. Describe different structural systems, and defend the choice of a system for a particular structure (including trusses, frames, arches, catenary structures, cable supported structures, fabric structures, air supported structures, hyperbolic paraboloid structures, folded plate structures, space trusses and tree structures)
7. Describe different methods of providing stability to structures and defend the choice of a stabilising mechanism (including cross bracing, framing, shear walls, cores, rigid connections)
8. Prepare scheme designs that are workable and stable for a range of structures including recommendations for preliminary sizes of members, movement joints and communicate this design by means of hand calculations and graphical presentations
9. Make a scale model of a stable structure
Indicative Module Content:
1. Loads that can act on structures
2. Mechanisms of load transfer in a structure subjected to load (compression, tension, bending, torsion and shear)
3. Structural actions in members subjected to load (cantilever action, beam action, two-way bending action, one-way axial force action, membrane action)
4. Supports and connections for structures
5. Structural systems (including trusses, frames, arches, catenary structures, cable supported structures, fabric structures, air supported structures, hyperbolic paraboloid structures, folded plate structures, space trusses and tree structures)
6. Stability and stabilising mechanisms (including cross bracing, framing, shear walls, cores, rigid and connections)
7. Make a scale model of a stable structure