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Teaching/ Learning Modules for Structural Analysis

Abstract

A typical undergraduate Structural Analysis course of a civil engineering or civil engineering technology curriculum includes topics such as Moving Loads and Influence Lines for Trusses and Girders that often require several iterations, involving tedious, repetitive calculations to solve problems. But, only a limited number of examples can be presented in the classroom due to time constraint, despite the fact that such examples are necessary to reinforce important engineering concepts. To circumvent the situation, a logical option is to capitalize on the computer’s abilities to compute, display graphics, and interface with the user. The purpose of this paper is to present a computer-based problem-solving courseware that has been developed to complement traditional lecture-format delivery of the structural analysis course in order to enhance student learning. The courseware consists of interactive, web-based modules. Commercial symbolic-manipulation software (e.g., Mathcad) is utilized for the calculations performed in different modules. Examples to illustrate the computer program modules are also included in this paper. Besides allowing for faster solution of a problem, the tool is useful for experimentation with parameter changes as well as graphical visualization. The integration of Mathcad will enhance students’ problem-solving skills, as it will allow them to focus on analysis while the software performs routine calculations. Thus it will promote learning by discovery, instead of leaving the student in the role of a passive observer.

Introduction

With the objective of enhanced student learning, various instructional technology methods including computer-aided problem-solving modules have been integrated into the curriculum for civil engineering and civil engineering technology programs. More specifically, the effective incorporation of a variety of software packages for the teaching-learning process related to the structural analysis course has been addressed in several articles1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9 in recent years. Analysis of both statically determinate and statically indeterminate structures, by classical methods (slope-deflection and moment distribution) and stiffness method, using EXCEL, MATLAB and Mathcad10, have been covered in those articles. However, it appears that such supplementary packages lack (in certain aspects) in coverage of the topic of influence lines for beams under moving loads, and thus an enhancement is worthwhile. The purpose of this paper is to present a simple and effective approach used by the author to facilitate both teaching and learning of this important topic of structural analysis incorporating the use of Mathcad software.

Moving Loads and Influence Lines

For analysis of structures subject to moving loads, the concept of influence lines is indispensable. An influence line is a graph of a response function of a structure as a function of the position of a downward unit load moving across the structure. The response function can be support reaction, shear or moment or deflection at a specific point in a member. The influence line can be

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Das, N. (2006, June), Teaching/Learning Modules For Structural Analysis Paper presented at 2006 Annual Conference & Exposition, Chicago, Illinois. 10.18260/1-2--409