Universitat Internacional de Catalunya

Structural Calculation I

Structural Calculation I
5
7985
2
First semester
OB
Technical Module
Structures 1
Main language of instruction: English

Other languages of instruction: Spanish

Teaching staff


Dr. CASARIEGO VALES, Pedro - pcasariego@uic.es

Tuesday and/or Wednesday before or after class, by appointment at the following email addresses:

  • Dr. Pedro Casariego: pcasariego@uic.es 
  • Dr. Roger Señís: rsenis@uic.es
  • Ravil Gizatulin: rgizatulin@uic.es
  • Cristian Fernandez Sedas: cristian.f.sedas@uic.es

Introduction

  • Mandatory Course corresponding to the Introductory Module.
  • 2nd Year, Bachelor's Degree in ARCHITECTURE
  • 1st Semester
  • 5 ECTS credits.
  • Responsible Professor: Dr. Pedro Casariego Vales
  • Professors: Dr. Pedro Casariego Vales, Dr. Roger Señís, Ravil Gizatulin, Cristian Fernández Sedas

The course "Structures I" focuses on the Strength of Materials, which studies the behavior of deformable solids using simplified models. The strength of a material is defined as its ability to withstand loads (applied forces) without breaking, acquiring permanent deformations, or deteriorating in any way.

The course is divided into two blocks:

In the first block, predominantly theoretical, mainly lectures are given interspersed with participatory classes where exercises are performed. The objective of this block is to present the basic concepts of Strength of Materials. 

This block is taught from week 1 to week 5 of the 1st semester.

In the second block, predominantly practical, students are introduced to structural analysis. Students apply the concepts learned in the first block to structural analysis.

This block is taught from weeks 6 to 10 of the first semester

 

Pre-course requirements

It is very important that the student has passed the Physics and Mathematics courses. A solid foundation in determining internal forces and mass geometry, which are taught in the previous year's Physics course, is fundamental for the proper development of the Structures I course. Likewise, the student must be proficient with relatively complex mathematical operations. It is highly discouraged to take the course without these clear understandings, and therefore, it is strongly advised not to enroll in Structures I without having passed these subjects.

In the 1st-year Physics course, the behavior of rigid bodies under balanced forces is studied. In Structures I, the student studies the behavior of deformable solids to verify their strength. It is important for the student to understand that the field of structures is a continuum throughout the degree program. It is not recommended to have pending subjects from other fields or those that partially or totally overlap with this course.

 

Objectives

  • Understand the basics of Strength of Materials.
  • Analyze structures based on their geometry and the determination of internal forces.
  • Pre-dimension main structural elements of a building (column, beam, joist, and walls).
  • Design building structures based on architectural projects.
  • Approach building project design considering the applied loads.
  • Plan, estimate, and understand the dimensions of the main structural elements.

Competences/Learning outcomes of the degree programme

  • 12-T - Ability to conceive, calculate, design, integrate in buildings and urban complexes and execute building structures
  • 15-T - Ability to conceive, calculate, design, integrate in buildings and urban complexes and execute foundation solutions
  • 17 - Ability to apply building and technical standards
  • 24 - To acquire adequate knowledge of the mechanics of solids, continuous medium and soil as well as the plastic, elasticity and resistance properties of materials for structural works

Learning outcomes of the subject

  • Ability to design, model, pre-dimension, and calculate structures based on the concepts of strength of materials.
  • Plan and draw structural plans.
  • Ability to reflect on the design of a project.

 

Syllabus

BLOCK 1:

  • Topic 1: Introduction and General Concepts
    1. Strength of Materials. General Concepts.
    2. Internal Forces. Classification.
    3. Stress-Strain Diagram of a Material.
      • 3.1 Obtaining the Stress-Strain Diagram.
      • 3.2 Introduction to the Concepts of Stress and Strain.
      • 3.3 Interpretation of the Stress-Strain Diagram of Steel. Young's Modulus. Hooke's Law. Ductility. Brittleness. Plasticity.
      • 3.4 Interpretation of the Stress-Strain Diagram of Other Materials. Aluminum. Ceramics. Concrete. Wood. Assumptions of Strength of Materials. Stress-Strain Diagram Exercises.
    4. Principles of Strength of Materials.
    5. Exercises.
  • Topic 2: Mass Geometry
    1. Center of Gravity.
    2. Area.
    3. Static Moment.
    4. Moment of Inertia.
    5. Steiner's Theorem.
    6. Section Modulus.
    7. Polar Moment of Inertia.
    8. Radius of Gyration.
    9. Exercises.
  • Topic 3: Axial Force
    1. Definition of Axial Force.
    2. Stress Calculation.
    3. Deformation Calculation. Unit Deformation. Hooke's Law.
  • Topic 4: Pure Bending
    1. Definition of Bending. Neutral Fiber.
    2. Pure Bending.
    3. Stress Calculation. Navier's Hypothesis. Section Modulus. Handbook.
  • Topic 5: Non Uniform Bending
    1. Definition of Simple Bending.
    2. Normal Forces vs. Normal Stresses. Shear Forces vs. Shear Stresses.
    3. Shear Stress. Relationship Between Bending and Shear.
    4. Shear Stress Calculation. Jouravski - Colignon Expression. Cauchy's Law.
    5. Particular Cases of Shear Stress. Rectangular, Circular Section, Laminated Profile. Average Shear Stress.
    6. Bending Typologies Based on Span. Case Studies.
    7. Shear Typologies.
    8. Shear Stress Typologies.
    9. Simple and Pure Bending Exercises.
  • Topic 6: Combined Stresses
    1. Definition of Combined Bending.
    2. Case Studies of Combined Bending: Eccentric Axial, Oblique Load, Axial and Wind, Retaining Walls, Post-tensioning/Pre-tensioning of a Concrete Element.
    3. Stress Calculation.
    4. Neutral Axis Equation.
    5. Combined Bending Exercises.
  • Topic 7: Combined Stresses 3D
    1. Definition of Unsymmetric Bending.
    2. Case Studies of Unsymmetric Bending: Eccentric Load, Roof Purlins, Supports, etc.
    3. Stress Calculation.
    4. Neutral Axis Equation.
  • Topic 8: Torsion
    1. Definition of Torsional Stress.
    2. Case Studies of Torsional Stress. Torsional Moment Diagrams.
    3. Stress Calculation for Circular Sections.
    4. Deformation Calculation for Circular Sections. Torsional Angle.
    5. Uniform and Non-uniform Torsion.
    6. Sections vs. Torsion. Torsional Rigidity of a Section.
    7. Design of Torsion-Stressed Parts.
    8. Torsional Stress Exercises.

BLOCK 2:

  • Basic Notes for the Calculation of Flat Structures
    • Summary of the necessary steps for the pre-dimensioning of the main structural elements of a structure.
    • Introduction to the Representation of Structural Plans.
    • Structural Project Development with Faculty Support.

 


Teaching and learning activities

In person



Classes are held two days a week, Tuesday (2 hours) and Wednesday (3 hours), over a period of 10 weeks. Weeks 1 to 5 of the first semester correspond to Block 1. Weeks 10 to 15 correspond to Block 2.

Block 1: Weeks 1 to 5

The content of topics 1 to 8 will be covered. See the content section.

  • Tuesday: Primarily theoretical or lecture-based classes are conducted. Occasionally, a participatory class is interspersed to consolidate concepts.
  • Wednesday: Primarily participatory and fully practical classes are conducted. In these classes, students solve exercises with the professor or individually.

Block 2: Weeks 10 to 15

  • Tuesday: A participatory class where the usual process for the pre-dimensioning of flat structures is explained.
  • Wednesday: A practical class where the student performs individual and group practices. In the last 2 weeks, the student will design and pre-dimension a small structure.
TRAINING ACTIVITYCOMPETENCESECTS CREDITS
Class exhibition
12-T 15-T 17 24 0,6
Class participation
12-T 15-T 17 24 0,6
Clase practice
12-T 15-T 17 24 0,6
Tutorials
12-T 15-T 17 24 0,6
Individual or group study
12-T 15-T 17 24 2,5

Evaluation systems and criteria

In person



PRACTICAL CLASSES:

During the course, the following practical assignments will be assessed:

  • Free Practicals: 5% of the final grade. You may ask the teacher questions, collaborate with classmates, and use notes, etc. The objective is for students to engage with the exercises while receiving support and to reinforce the fundamental concepts of the subject. These practicals are completed in class and submitted at the end of the lesson. They are conducted weekly.

  • Individual Practicals: 10% of the final grade. There will be 2 practicals throughout the course, completed individually by students. These are similar to exams. Each practical is worth 5% of the final grade and will be done in class, with submission at the end of the lesson.

  • Individual Assignment: 10% of the final grade. Students will individually develop a simple structure and perform the preliminary sizing of a building. This assignment must be submitted on the day of the final exam.

Late submissions of practicals will not be accepted without a justified reason. Retaking or redoing practicals to improve the grade will not be permitted under any circumstances. All practicals must be completed and submitted during class hours.

THEORETICAL EXAM:

Students will take a theoretical exam scheduled according to the school calendar, accounting for 75% of the final grade.

GENERAL:

In summary, the course includes three types of practicals and a theoretical exam:

  • Theoretical Exam: 75% of the final grade
  • Practicals: 25% of the final grade

A score below 4 on the theoretical exam results in failure of the course. In such cases, even if the overall average is 5 out of 10 or higher, the maximum final grade will be capped at 4.

 

Bibliography and resources

Compulsory bibliography:

Mecánica de estructuras. Libro 1. Resistencia de materiales. Miguel Cervera Ruiz y Elena Blanco Díaz. Ediciones UPC.

Mecánica de estructuras. Libro 2. Resistencia de materiales. Miguel Cervera Ruiz y Elena Blanco Díaz. Ediciones UPC.

Resistencia de Materiales. Timoshenko S. Editorial Espasa-Calpe, S.A.

Elementos de Resistencia de Materiales. Timoshenko S, Young, D.H. Editorial Limusa

Estructuras o por qué las cosas no se caen. J.E. Gordon.

Supplementary bibliography:

Estructuras para arquitectos. Salvadori, M, Heller, R. Editorial CP67

Razón y ser de los tipos estructurales. Eduardo Torroja Miret.

Calcul d´estructures. Introducció. Frances López Almansa y Jorge Urbano Salido. Edicions UPC.

Estática. William F. Riley y Leroy D. Sturges. Editorial Reverté, S.A.

Mecánica Vectorial para Ingenieros. Estática. Ferdinand P. Beer, E. Russell Johnston Jr. Editorial McGraw-Hill.

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