Course Objectives

Upon completing the course, the students should:

• Be familiar with the basic concepts associated with statics and mechanics of materials.
• Be able to deduce the basic elements of statics and the mechanics of materials.
• Be able to calculate the reaction forces and draw moment, shear and axial force diagram for a simple construction or structural elements.
• Be able to calculate internal tension and strain on a cross-section of a construction element which is subjected to external forces.
• Be able to calculate deformation of technical constructions which are subjected to external loads.
• Be able to calculate internal tension and strain on a cross-section of a construction element which is subjected to complex loads.
• Be able to solve statics-dependent and non-dependent problems of constructions and construction elements.
• Be able to dimension simple technical constructions and construction elements.

Course Description

Forces, moment, equilibrium, force vectors with diagrams. Beams, frames, complex structures, bearing constructions, ropes and blocks. Tensions and deformations, Hook’s law, normal tension distribution, shear forces distribution, mass geometry and bending, torsion and fracture. Combined load effect, normal force and bending, bending and torsion. Surface tension (main tensions, main stretching factors and maximum shear stress) and Mohr diagram. Dimensioning criteria and fracture criteria. Statics and undefined constructions, general solution procedures.

Learning Methods

Lectures, obligatory calculation exercises and tests.

Assessment Methods

The final grade for the course will be calculated thus:

Final examination 60%

Continuous assessment (tests and assignments) 40%

At least 80% of the assignments must be completed and approved before the student may sit the final examination.

Minor adjustments may occur during the academic year, subject to the decision of the Dean