CVEN 345 Syllabus

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Textbook:

The textbook is excellent:  Kassimali, Structural Analysis. 5th Edition. CENGAGE Learning. 

International Edition (Varies)

2015 5th edition ISBN numbers:

          1133943896 (10 digit) or

          9781133943891 (13 digit)

Where to go now and get a text.  There are numerous used and international versions out there for about $20, which are plenty close to the $200 versions at bookstores.  Just about as cheap and just as good,  you can rent one and return it at the end of the semester, or rent an electronic eBook.  Then if you find you really need the book later on in 444 or 446 or in your business, you can buy that same book used (it will then be “out of date” but the material never goes out of date) for $20.00.  Also see below for prices and sellers:

Note that less expensive international editions are available for almost all text books on the market.  For the Kassimali 345 5th edition, I have found that most of the international editions are the same as ours except they have renumbered the homework problems.  I think there is a sixth edition now out, but the content is little changed so we are sticking with the 5th edition which should be far less expensive.

Texas A&M University Bookstore:  Fill in the Department, Course, and section number.

AbeBooks.com – NOTE!  Last semester the text and the problems in the international edition were the same as the US edition.  However, the problem numbers were changed.  Thus you may  have to get with someone who has a real text to see what problem number is assigned.  I think they are all in there, but the problems will have a different number.  Also, check the ISBN number carefully, and be ready to return it, but AbeBooks is a good company.  I have bought a ton of books from them.

A student sent me this list of the problem numbers for the US vs. the international edition, but I don’t know if it’s accurate, so no guarantee.  If you get one, check with someone who has a real book before working your homework problems.

For those of you still waiting for your textbook, you can go to eCampus for a copy of the first few problems.  Look under the files available.

• AbeBooks.com
• Campusbooks.com
• DealOz
• Amazon.com
• Allbookstores.com
• TextbooksRush.com
• Half.com

Catalog Description: Theory of Structures. (3-0). Credit 3. Structural engineering—functions of structures, design loads, reactions and force systems; analysis of statically determinate and indeterminate structures including beams, trusses and arches; energy methods of determining deflections of structures; influence lines and criteria for moving loads; analysis of statically indeterminate structures including continuous beams and frames.

Prerequisites: CVEN 302 or registration therein; CVEN 305. Course Objectives: To introduce students to the general behavior of statically determinate and indeterminate structures and determination of forces therein. Construction of influence lines.  Determination of load and load placement on structures.  Use of available computer programs for analyzing statically indeterminate structures. Learning Outcomes – This course emphasizes the following ABET Learning Outcomes. Note that the letters refer to those used by ABET. knowledge of basic mathematics, science, and engineering. Course Prerequisites: To take CVEN 345, you must have received a passing grade (no D’s, F’s or I’s) in CVEN 305 and be registered or have already passed CVEN 302.

Course Assessment:

• Graded major exams (Quiz A, Quiz B, Final Exam = 3 exams @ 25% each) = 75% of final grade.
• Team Project = 10% of final grade.
• Sum of graded homework assignments = 15% of final grade.

Syllabus Information

• Attendance – recorded automatically by Zoom
• Your classroom – a comfortable corner at home using Zoom.  I will email you the Zoom room number.
• Click here for your team number for the semester
• General information regarding format for exams, quizzes, and homework
• Where to get help for 345 – Help Desk  Where is the help desk located?
• Grading
• Make-up exams
• More than 2 finals on one day
• In general, how should I prepare for the exams?
• What materials will be covered on classes you teach?
• Attendance
• Illness
• Academic Dishonesty Policy
• Finally, click here!

Resources available to the student:

• Instructor of record: Lee L. Lowery, Jr., PhD, P.E.
• Office hours
• TA Help Desk Schedule (Matthew Land – see above)
• Grader: Nishant Raj Vibhu – see above.
• CE 345 Grade Reporting
• Computer software (Mastan2, Excel, EES)
• http://Tamu.Zoom.US
• Lowery’s ZOOM room: Meeting ID will be emailed to you.   ***
• Best phone scanner? Adobe Scan mobile app
• MASTAN2 – Free structural analysis program – an excellent little structural analysis program should already be installed in HEB 215, 216, 217 computer lab rooms.
• Videos on how to get and use MASTAN2
• Using MASTAN2 in the Online Open Access Lab VOAL
• USING MASTAN2 on your personal computer
• Video discussion of what is wanted on your TEAM PROJECT.
  
• Computers in the Civil Engineering Computer Labs
• Old Lowery 345 Exams including those from this semester after being graded
• Please note: Questions on the video content
• Current class lecture videos and notes posted during this semester <————*****
• Class lecture videos and notes posted in 2018b for review purposes
• Tutoring and Student use of the solution manual
• Access to the Civil Engineering Apps Server
• First few homework problems, until your textbook comes in (see eCampus)
• Past probabilities of making what grade in Lowery’s 345 class after Quiz A and after Quiz B
• Q-Drop deadline information   <—–   Check here but as I understand it, Q drop has been extended for the Fall 2020 semester until the day before finals.
• University Academic Calendar Fall 2020 and others.  Be sure you are on the correct year/semester (scroll down)
• Final exam schedule for this and other semesters (make sure you are on THIS SEMESTER – FALL 2020?)
• TAMU Academic Calendar
• AISC W-shape properties .xlsx
• Fundamentals of Engineering Reference Manual for Structural Analysis
• Zachry Building Room Map

Objectives and Outcomes:

Benefits of taking the course: Students will analyze and evaluate both determinate and indeterminate structural systems. They will be able to describe the structural engineering profession and demonstrate the role of structural analysis within the context of structural engineering design and decision-making.

Course Objectives

This course focuses on the following major learning objectives:

(1)  To develop an understanding of the basic principles of structural analysis and be able to explain them,

(2)  To determine and analyze models of applied loads on structures

(3)  To utilize various exact methods (both classical and matrix-based) of analysis of beams, trusses, and rigid frames to determine the response of both determinate and indeterminate structures

(4)  To utilize various approximate methods of analysis of beams, trusses, and rigid frames to determine the response of both determinate and indeterminate structures

(5)  To apply the method of virtual work in determining deflections of structures,

(6)  To develop and utilize influence lines of structures,

(7)  To evaluate the response of various structural systems (both determinate and indeterminate) under a range of demands, such as applied loads, support motions, and temperature changes

(8)  To demonstrate the role of structural analysis within the context of structural engineering design and decision-making.

 

The following is the required ADA statement:

• • Texas A&M University is committed to providing equitable access to learning opportunities for all students. If you experience barriers to your education due to a disability or think you may have a disability, please contact Disability Resources in the Student Services Building or at (979) 845-1637 or visit http://disability.tamu.edu. Disabilities may include, but are not limited to attentional, learning, mental health, sensory, physical, or chronic health conditions. All students are encouraged to discuss their disability related needs with Disability Resources and their instructors as soon as possible.

ABET Outcomes Addressed – From New (1) – (7)

1. an ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics
2. an ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences
3. an ability to recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts
4. an ability to function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives
5. an ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.

The correct time (to the nanosecond)

Homework

The real purpose of homework is to give you practice with the material.  When my daughter was 8 she said “I want to drive.”  I told her she didn’t know how and she said she did.  She had watched me doing it for years.  When I asked her to tell me she showed turning the steering wheel clockwise turned the car right, pressing the brake stopped, and on and on.  I said OK and we went out in the country.  She had us in a ditch in 2 minutes,  but she said it was because I was looking at her.

Purpose of the story is that you can watch me do it for hours and I will agree, it really is simple.  But if you don’t practice with it on your own, without anyone holding your hand, you are not going to get it right.  Guaranteed.

So I really don’t care when you hand your homework in.  As long as you practiced it before the exams you should be ok.  So here’s the deal.  All assigned homework is due for submission in eCampus by midnight, 9 days after being assigned, but there will be no penalty for bring late.  I will get those points from you on the next exam because you haven’t practiced with it and the grader won’t have had a chance to show you where you went wrong because their first job is to grade problems turned in on time.

However, this can’t go on forever or you really will never catch up, so the last date without penalty will be midnight of the date assigned plus 16 days.  Anything dated past that time by eCampus will be worth 1/2 credit.

 

EXAMS

Exams are closed book. Bring calculators, paper and pens or pencils capable of making a good dark line.  You are permitted to bring one 8.5″ x 11″ cheat sheet, hand written by you on ONE SIDE only, no example problems. Equations only. You should also bring a copy of the Fundamentals of Engineering Reference Manual, Structural Section only, unless you have memorized the wide flange tables.  Click here for a copy.  No notes of any kind written on them.  The exams will be given on dates listed on the homework syllabus listed below.

CVEN 345 Quiz A – held in our regular classroom and time as listed on syllabus homework problems listed below.  Covers everything above through and including what we have covered in class. For 345 2020C, Quiz A will cover through everything we did through Homework Problem 6.7, used to find reactions on statically indeterminate structures.  We will start at 5:00 pm and finish at 6:30 pm.  That will give you enough time to photograph your submission.  Any exams submitted past 6:30 pm will be put in a separate stack and graded as late.  Lame excuses like “I am in a wheel chair and only have one leg after the horrific accident suffered on the way to the exam”, will be ignored.  Well, maybe not.

CVEN 345 Quiz B – held in our regular classroom (Zoom) and at the time as listed on syllabus homework problems listed below.  Covers everything above, through, and including homework problem 8.38, including the chapter 13 homework problems assigned earlier in the semester  (again tentative depending on where we have covered in class).  Same rules as Quiz A.

Final Exam – held in our classroom (see below). Same rules as other major quizzes except for content and times.  Covers everything covered in the class.  Click here for official times and dates.  I think they are as follows, but it is up to you to make sure:    Fall 2020 ONLY – 12/4/2020 on Friday 2:00 pm to 4:30 pm.

Click here for the official instructions if you have more than 3 finals on the same day.  I am more relaxed than that so you can also talk with me about it.

 

Course Homework Syllabus: Please note that the syllabus will be revised throughout the semester. Please do not work problems very far ahead of the date due. Some may be dropped, others added that are better (in my opinion).

CHART****

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights protection for persons with disabilities. Among other things, this legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If you believe you have a disability requiring accommodation, please contact Disability Services, currently located in the Disability Services building at the Student Services at White Creek complex on west campus or call 979-845-1637. For additional information, visit http://disability.tamu.edu.

The following is the University required Academic Integrity Statement

“An Aggie does not lie, cheat, or steal or tolerate those who do.”

All exams and syllabi shall contain a section that states the Aggie Honor Code and refers the student to the Honor Council Rules and Procedures on the web at: http://www.tamu.edu/aggiehonor

 

University Policies

This section outlines the university level policies that must be included in each course syllabus. The TAMU Faculty Senate established the wording of these policies.

NOTE: Faculty members should not change the written statements. A faculty member may add separate paragraphs if additional information is needed.

 

Attendance Policy

The university views class attendance and participation as an individual student responsibility. Students are expected to attend class and to complete all assignments.

Please refer to Student Rule 7 in its entirety for information about excused absences, including definitions, and related documentation and timelines.

 

Makeup Work Policy

Students will be excused from attending class on the day of a graded activity or when attendance contributes to a student’s grade, for the reasons stated in Student Rule 7, or other reason deemed appropriate by the instructor.

Please refer to Student Rule 7 in its entirety for information about makeup work, including definitions, and related documentation and timelines.

Absences related to Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 may necessitate a period of more than 30 days for make-up work, and the timeframe for make-up work should be agreed upon by the student and instructor” (Student Rule 7, Section 7.4.1).

“The instructor is under no obligation to provide an opportunity for the student to make up work missed because of an unexcused absence” (Student Rule 7, Section 7.4.2).

Students who request an excused absence are expected to uphold the Aggie Honor Code and Student Conduct Code. (See Student Rule 24.)

 

Academic Integrity Statement and Policy

“An Aggie does not lie, cheat or steal, or tolerate those who do.”

Texas A&M University students are responsible for authenticating all work submitted to an instructor. If asked, students must be able to produce proof that the item submitted is indeed the work of that student. Students must keep appropriate records at all times. The inability to authenticate one’s work, should the instructor request it, may be sufficient grounds to initiate an academic misconduct case” (Section 20.1.2.3, Student Rule 20).

You can learn more about the Aggie Honor System Office Rules and Procedures, academic integrity, and your rights and responsibilities at aggiehonor.tamu.edu.

 

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Policy

Texas A&M University is committed to providing equitable access to learning opportunities for all students. If you experience barriers to your education due to a disability or think you may have a disability, please contact Disability Resources in the Student Services Building or at (979) 845-1637 or visit disability.tamu.edu. Disabilities may include, but are not limited to attentional, learning, mental health, sensory, physical, or chronic health conditions. All students are encouraged to discuss their disability related needs with Disability Resources and their instructors as soon as possible.

 

Title IX and Statement on Limits to Confidentiality

Texas A&M University is committed to fostering a learning environment that is safe and productive for all. University policies and federal and state laws prohibit gender-based discrimination and sexual harassment, including sexual assault, sexual exploitation, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking.

With the exception of some medical and mental health providers, all university employees (including full and part-time faculty, staff, paid graduate assistants, student workers, etc.) are Mandatory Reporters and must report to the Title IX Office if the employee experiences, observes, or becomes aware of an incident that meets the following conditions (see University Rule 08.01.01.M1):

• The incident is reasonably believed to be discrimination or harassment.
• The incident is alleged to have been committed by or against a person who, at the time of the incident, was (1) a student enrolled at the University or (2) an employee of the University.

Mandatory Reporters must file a report regardless of how the information comes to their attention – including but not limited to face-to-face conversations, a written class assignment or paper, class discussion, email, text, or social media post. Although Mandatory Reporters must file a report, in most instances, you will be able to control how the report is handled, including whether or not to pursue a formal investigation. The University’s goal is to make sure you are aware of the range of options available to you and to ensure access to the resources you need.

Students wishing to discuss concerns in a confidential setting are encouraged to make an appointment with Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS).

Students can learn more about filing a report, accessing supportive resources, and navigating the Title IX investigation and resolution process on the University’s Title IX webpage.

 

Statement on Mental Health and Wellness

Texas A&M University recognizes that mental health and wellness are critical factors that influence a student’s academic success and overall wellbeing. Students are encouraged to engage in proper self-care by utilizing the resources and services available from Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS). Students who need someone to talk to can call the TAMU Helpline (979-845-2700) from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. weekdays and 24 hours on weekends. 24-hour emergency help is also available through the National Suicide Prevention Hotline (800-273-8255) or at suicidepreventionlifeline.org.

 

COVID-19 Temporary Amendment to Minimum Syllabus Requirements

The Faculty Senate temporarily added the following statements to the minimum syllabus requirements in Fall 2020 as part of the university’s COVID-19 response.

 

Campus Safety Measures

To promote public safety and protect students, faculty, and staff during the coronavirus pandemic, Texas A&M University has adopted policies and practices for the Fall 2020 academic term to limit virus transmission. Students must observe the following practices while participating in face-to-face courses and course-related activities (office hours, help sessions, transitioning to and between classes, study spaces, academic services, etc.):

• Self-monitoring—Students should follow CDC recommendations for self-monitoring. Students who have a fever or exhibit symptoms of COVID-19 should participate in class remotely and should not participate in face-to-face instruction.
• Face Coverings—Face coverings (cloth face covering, surgical mask, etc.) must be properly worn in all non-private spaces including classrooms, teaching laboratories, common spaces such as lobbies and hallways, public study spaces, libraries, academic resource and support offices, and outdoor spaces where 6 feet of physical distancing is difficult to reliably maintain. Description of face coverings and additional guidance are provided in the Face Covering policy and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) available on the Provost website.
• Physical Distancing—Physical distancing must be maintained between students, instructors, and others in course and course-related activities.
• Classroom Ingress/Egress—Students must follow marked pathways for entering and exiting classrooms and other teaching spaces. Leave classrooms promptly after course activities have concluded. Do not congregate in hallways and maintain 6-foot physical distancing when waiting to enter classrooms and other instructional spaces.
• To attend a face-to-face class, students must wear a face covering (or a face shield if they have an exemption letter). If a student refuses to wear a face covering, the instructor should ask the student to leave and join the class remotely. If the student does not leave the class, the faculty member should report that student to the Student Conduct office for sanctions. Additionally, the faculty member may choose to teach that day’s class remotely for all students.

Personal Illness and Quarantine

Students required to quarantine must participate in courses and course-related activities remotely and must not attend face-to-face course activities. Students should notify their instructors of the quarantine requirement. Students under quarantine are expected to participate in courses and complete graded work unless they have symptoms that are too severe to participate in course activities.

Students experiencing personal injury or Illness that is too severe for the student to attend class qualify for an excused absence (See Student Rule 7, Section 7.2.2.) To receive an excused absence, students must comply with the documentation and notification guidelines outlined in Student Rule 7. While Student Rule 7, Section 7.3.2.1, indicates a medical confirmation note from the student’s medical provider is preferred, for Fall 2020 only, students may use the Explanatory Statement for Absence from Class form in lieu of a medical confirmation. Students must submit the Explanatory Statement for Absence from Class within two business days after the last date of absence.

 

Operational Details for Fall 2020 Courses

For additional information, please review the FAQ on Fall 2020 courses at Texas A&M University.