C&ENVENG 4068 - Computer Methods of Structural Analysis

North Terrace Campus - Semester 1 - 2020

The objective of this course is to provide students with a thorough understanding of the theory and application of computer methods of structural analysis including the Finite Element Method. Topics include basic concepts of elasticity; formulation of different finite elements for plane stress, plane strain, axisymmetric, 3D, shell and plate bending problems. Students will develop their own computer program and will also use commercial software for analysing structures.

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code C&ENVENG 4068
    Course Computer Methods of Structural Analysis
    Coordinating Unit School of Civil, Environmental & Mining Eng
    Term Semester 1
    Level Undergraduate
    Location/s North Terrace Campus
    Units 3
    Contact Up to 4 hours per week plus computer sessions, consultations and direct study.
    Available for Study Abroad and Exchange Y
    Prerequisites C&ENVENG 3020
    Assumed Knowledge Numerical methods and computer program (Fortram/ Matlab)
    Restrictions Available to BE(Civil), BE(Architectural & Struct) & associated double degree students only
    Course Description The objective of this course is to provide students with a thorough understanding of the theory and application of computer methods of structural analysis including the Finite Element Method. Topics include basic concepts of elasticity; formulation of different finite elements for plane stress, plane strain, axisymmetric, 3D, shell and plate bending problems. Students will develop their own computer program and will also use commercial software for analysing structures.
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: Associate Professor Abdul Sheikh

    Contact details:
    Office: N235 (Second Floor), Engineering North Biulding, North Terrace Campus
    Email: abdul.sheikh@adelaide.edu.au
    Phone: +61 8 8313 6450

    Course Timetable

    The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from Course Planner.

  • Learning Outcomes
    Course Learning Outcomes
    On successful completion of this course students will be able to:

     
    1 Discuss the fundamental concepts and theories of Matrix Methods for analysis of skeletal structures such as beams, plane and spacetrusses, plane and space frames and grillage structures, and competence in applying these theories to solve problems manually as well as using computer programs;
    2 Discuss the fundamental concepts and theories of Finite Element Methods for analysis of continuum structures such as plane stress, plane strain, axisymmetric and three dimensional problems, and competence in applying these theories to solve problems manually as well as using computer programs;
    3 Demonstrated ability in developing computer programs for skeletal structures;
    4 Use commercially available software to analyse continuum as well as skeletal structures;
    5 Demonstrated ability in problem identification, formulation and its solution for relevant structures and solid mechanics problems;
    6 Demonstrated ability to manage tasks related to home assignments within the allocated time to meet submission deadlines;
    7 Demonstrated ability to work professionally with other students for group projects on 1) Development and validation of a generalised computer program, 2) Analysis of structures using commercially available software;
    8 Apply life long learning skills.

     
    The above course learning outcomes are aligned with the Engineers Australia Stage 1 Competency Standard for the Professional Engineer.
    The course is designed to develop the following Elements of Competency: 1.1   1.2   1.3   1.4   1.5   2.1   2.2   2.3   2.4   3.1   3.2   3.3   3.5   3.6   

    "
    University Graduate Attributes

    This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:

    University Graduate Attribute Course Learning Outcome(s)
    Deep discipline knowledge
    • informed and infused by cutting edge research, scaffolded throughout their program of studies
    • acquired from personal interaction with research active educators, from year 1
    • accredited or validated against national or international standards (for relevant programs)
    1-8
    Critical thinking and problem solving
    • steeped in research methods and rigor
    • based on empirical evidence and the scientific approach to knowledge development
    • demonstrated through appropriate and relevant assessment
    1-8
    Teamwork and communication skills
    • developed from, with, and via the SGDE
    • honed through assessment and practice throughout the program of studies
    • encouraged and valued in all aspects of learning
    7
    Career and leadership readiness
    • technology savvy
    • professional and, where relevant, fully accredited
    • forward thinking and well informed
    • tested and validated by work based experiences
    7
  • Learning Resources
    Required Resources
    Lecture Slides (Power Point): To be available on MyUni. Printed copies of these slides (6 slides per page) will also be distributed at the beginning of lectures. 

    Lecture Notes: To be available on MyUni.

    Computer Software: To be available on CADS.

    Recommended Resources
    Books:
    Concepts and Application of Finite Element Applications, 4th Edition, R.D. Cook, D.S. Malkus, M.E. Plesha and R.J. Witt, John Wiley
    Theory of Elasticity, 3rd Edition, S.P. Timoshenko and J.N. Goodier, McGraw-Hill
    Theory of Plates and Shells, 2nd Edition, S.P. Timoshenko and S. Woinowsky Krieger, McGraw-Hill


    Online Learning
    Apart from using MyUni for uploading lecture slides (power point) and lecture notes, it will be used for posting homework assignments and their solutions, and the details of the group project. MyUni will also be used for communication (email) with students. 

  • Learning & Teaching Activities
    Learning & Teaching Modes

    No information currently available.

    Workload

    No information currently available.

    Learning Activities Summary

    No information currently available.

  • Assessment

    The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:

    1. Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
    2. Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
    3. Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
    4. Assessment must maintain academic standards.

    Assessment Summary
    Due to the current COVID-19 situation modified arrangements have been made to assessments to facilitate remote learning and teaching. Assessment details provided here reflect recent updates.

    To support the changes to teaching, the following revisions to assessment have been made:-

    Homework assignments 12% Individual

    Group Project 20% Group

    Mid-semester Exam 8% Individual

    Final Exam 60 Individual

    The exam will be a 'take home' exam with a range of measures to ensure the integrity of the assessment.
    Assessment Detail

    No information currently available.

    Submission

    No information currently available.

    Course Grading

    Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:

    M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme)
    Grade Mark Description
    FNS   Fail No Submission
    F 1-49 Fail
    P 50-64 Pass
    C 65-74 Credit
    D 75-84 Distinction
    HD 85-100 High Distinction
    CN   Continuing
    NFE   No Formal Examination
    RP   Result Pending

    Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.

    Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.

    Final results for this course will be made available through Access Adelaide.

  • Student Feedback

    The University places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.

    SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.

  • Student Support
  • Policies & Guidelines
  • Fraud Awareness

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