Structural Mechanics II

Academic unit or major

Undergraduate major in Civil and Environmental Engineering

Instructor(s)

Taizo Maruyama

Class Format

Lecture (Face-to-face)

Media-enhanced courses

-

Day of week/Period
(Classrooms)

3-4 Tue

Class

-

Course Code

CVE.A301

Number of credits

100

Course offered

2025

Offered quarter

2Q

Syllabus updated

Mar 19, 2025

Language

Japanese

Syllabus

Course overview and goals

This course has three parts. The first part is concerned with the analysis of statically indeterminate structures by means of superposition of analytical solutions of statically determinate structures or energy principle. The second part gives how to determine plastic limit loads at the failure of structures by use of upper bound theorem and lower bound theorem. The last part focuses on element stiffness equations for truss elements and the direct stiffness method.

In this course, following Structural Mechanics I (CVE.A202), statically indeterminate structures are firstly analysed. It is emphasized that member forces of statically indeterminate structures can be determined by using not only equilibrium equations but also compatibility conditions of structural deformation. Next in the limit analysis called as simple plastic analysis, it is explained that plastic limit loads at the structure failure can be easily obtained using upper and lower bound theorems without taking account of details in failure process. In the direct stiffness method, finally, students learn the basics of matrix structural analysis to solve truss problems.

Course description and aims

By completing this course, students will be able to:
1. Determine member forces of statically indeterminate structures, including beam, truss, frame and arch.
2. Obtain limit loads at the failure of structures.
3. Use global stiffness equations to solve truss problems.
4. Use direct stiffness method to solve truss problems.

Keywords

statically indeterminate structure, equilibrium equation, compatibility condition, energy principle, limit analysis, upper and lower bound theorems, plastic limit load, direct stiffness method, global stiffness equations, truss element stiffness equations

Competencies

• Specialist skills
• Intercultural skills
• Communication skills
• Critical thinking skills
• Practical and/or problem-solving skills

Class flow

Part of each class is devoted to fundamentals and the rest to applications. To allow students to get a good understanding of the course contents and practical applications, problems related to the contents of this course are given in homework assignments. Solutions to homework assignments are reviewed in the class.

Course schedule/Objectives

Study advice (preparation and review)

To enhance effective learning, students are encouraged to spend approximately 100 minutes preparing for class and another 100 minutes reviewing class content afterwards (including assignments) for each class.
They should do so by referring to textbooks and other course material.

Textbook(s)

None required.

Reference books, course materials, etc.

Necessary lecture materials will be provided by the instructor.

Evaluation methods and criteria

Final exam 70%, assignment 30%

Related courses

• CVE.A201 ： Mechanics of Materials and Members
• CVE.A202 ： Structural Mechanics I

Prerequisites

Student must have successfully completed Structural Mechanics I (CVE.A202) or have equivalent knowledge.