Monash College Unit Guide

ENGINEERING STRUCTURES (MCD4190)

Purpose

This unit aims to develop an understanding of the context and terminology related to Engineering Structures. It will allow students to translate real world forces into abstract form for engineering modelling. The unit aims to develop an understanding of the fundamentals of engineering statics and their application to trusses and beams through design. Knowledge of various construction materials is developed to allow material choice for truss and beam design. Design of beams continues the theme of engineering statics through introduction to shear forces, bending moments and stress, and deflection.

Prerequisites

Nil

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this unit, students should be able to:

1. • understand the role of stress and structures in modern society
   • appreciation of different structural forms and modelling of structures
   • understand the fundamentals of engineering statics through design of trusses and beams
   • knowledge and skills to translate real world forces into abstract form for engineering modelling
   • understand the concept of loads and load paths
   • knowledge of different construction materials for truss and bean design
   • perform simple calculations to estimate forces
   • calculate reactions
   • determine forces in trusses
   • determine axial stress and deformation in trusses
   • determine moments and shear forces in beams
   • determine bending stress in beams
   • calculate beam deflections
   • calculate geometric properties of a cross section
   • complete tasks as part of a team
   • improve oral and written communication skills
   • appreciate the role of engineers in society
   • confidence in identifying new engineering problems and formulating original solutions.

Assessment

Projects: 30%
Individual tests: 30%
3 hour closed book exam: 40%.

Students are required to pass both the continuous assessment and exam components to gain a pass in this unit.

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