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Texas A&M University College of Engineering

CVEN 345-300 Syllabus

Posted on July 28, 2021 by Abigail Stason

THEORY OF STRUCTURES (CRN 10121)
Summer 2018 – C.E. Room 219
May 29th to August 8th
MWF 9:30 am – 10:45 am

PLEASE NOTE:  IF THE WEB LINKS DON’T WORK ON YOUR BROWSER, PLEASE GO TO:

http://Lowery.tamu.edu/cven345/Syllabi/345-18b-threeaweek.htm 

THE SYLLABUS IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE, DEPENDING ON HOW QUICKLY WE CAN COVER THE MATERIAL.  PLEASE CHECK FOR CHANGES IN HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENT DUE DATES BEFORE WORKING YOUR NEXT HOMEWORK PROBLEMS.

NOTE ALSO THAT AS THE SYLLABUS CHANGES (AND IT ALWAYS DOES), YOU WILL HAVE TO RELOAD IT, OR IT WILL TAKE YOU TO YOUR COMPUTER’S CACHE AND GIVE YOU THE ONE YOU LOOKED AT LAST WEEK , I.E. THE OLD OUT-OF-DATE ONE.

FAQ: Quick answers to student questions

Professor: Lee L. Lowery, Jr., PhD, P.E.

Office: DLOB Dwight Look Office Building
(above the old first floor Pi*R2, Room 705C
Phone: 979-845-4395 (Office), 979-775-5401 (Home)
e-mail: Lowery@tamu.edu

Office Hours:

NOTE: My office hours as listed here are suspended on days before a major exam, giving me time to make it out.  Please do not wait until the day before a major exam for help.  Plan to see me or the Teaching Associate earlier in the week.

Teaching Associate for Summer 2018:  Andrew Pearson  <= Click here for help desk hours and location

HELP DESK HOURS for Spring 2018 

Located in the old pi R^2 room, ground floor of the Dwight Look building (formerly the CE/TTI 8 story building).  Has sign on desk: Help Desk CVEN Mechanics.  They run a full-blown help desk for our class.  All of them are good in tutoring you the material in CVEN 345. Just ask whoever is there for help.  Click here for the TA help desk schedule, who will be covering each time slot and hours of operation.  Email me if they change this at Lowery@tamu.edu.  (Not yet posted for Summer 2018), which run from 8 AM to 7 PM except on Friday.

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

Looking for a used textbook?

2015 5th edition ISBN Numbers

  • 1133943896 (10 digit) or

  • 9781133943891 (13 digit)

Note that less expensive International Editions are available for almost all books.  For the Kassimali 345 5th edition, I have found that most of the International editions are the same as ours except for the numbering of the homework problems. 

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

AbeBooks.com – NOTE!  The text and the problems in the international edition are the same as the US edition.  However, the problem numbers have been changed.  Thus you would 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!  Check with someone who has a real book before working your homework problems.

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

Bookstore or Internet?

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 @ 25% each) for 75% of final grade.
  • Team Project 10% of final grade
  • Graded homework assignments, Readiness Assessment Tests (RATs), Class Participation, Attendance = 15% of final grade.

Syllabus Information

  • Homework
  • General Information Regarding Format for Exams, Quizzes, and Homework
  • Where to get help for 345 (not in summer)
  • Grading
  • Major exams
  • What materials will be covered on all exams in this class.
  • Make-up exams
  • What should you study to prepare for Quiz A?
  • Attendance
  • Illness
  • Academic Dishonesty Policy
  • Finally, click here!

Resources available to the student:

  • Instructor of record: Lee L. Lowery, Jr.
  • TA Help Desk Schedule (Last semester)
  • CE 345 Grade Reporting  
  • Computer software ( Visual Analysis, Mastan2, RISA-2D, Excel, EES)
  • MASTAN2 – Free structural analysis program – an excellent little structural analysis program
  • Videos on how to get and use MASTAN
  • Using MASTAN in the Open Access Labs and Online
  • USING MASTAN on your personal computer
  • Computers in the Civil Engineering Computer Labs
  • Old Exams including those from this semester after being graded
  • Please note: Questions on the video content
  • Class lecture videos and notes posted during this semester
  • Class lecture videos and notes posted in 2017c
  • Tutoring and Student use of the solution manual
  • Access to the Civil Engineering Apps Server
  • First few homework problems, until your textbook comes in  <—- Log onto ecampus – your 345 class, and click on the left side “Course Materials”
  • EES (Engineering Equation Solver)  What it is, how to get it, video example on using it, user’s manual, short tutorial
  • Past probabilities of making what grade in Lowery’s 345 class after Quiz A and after Quiz B
  • Q-Drop deadline information
  • University Academic Calendar Summer 2018 and others.  Be sure you are on the correct year/semester.
  • Final exam schedule for this and other classes (make sure you are on Spring 2018 only!)
  • TAMU Academic Calendar
  • AISC W-shape properties .xlsx

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.

ABET Outcomes Addressed

  1. Ability to apply knowledge of mathematics through differential equations, science (including physics, chemistry, and one additional area of science), and engineering
  2. Ability to formulate and solve civil engineering problems
  3. Understanding of professional and ethical responsibility
  4. Recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in, life-long learning
  5. Ability to use modern tools, techniques, and computation methods necessary for civil engineering practice

The correct time (to the nanosecond)

Course Schedule: Please note that the course 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).

Day Material covered Reading Assignment

Daily Homework Problem Assignments

Click here for homework requirements for this class

Each day’s assignment is due 7 days after assigned, at the beginning of class, if we meet that day.  All problems are worth 10 points each.

Please refer to homework problems often.  Some may get delayed until we cover the material and the problem numbers and dates may change.

Note that web-linked homework problem numbers refer to hints, or some solutions.  Click on link for the problem.

Week 1

Wed
May 30
Class 1

  Chapter 2: Loads on structures.  Dead Loads, Live Loads, Wind Loads, Load factors and combined loading.

See hazards map and how to use:
http://hazards.atcouncil.org/

Wind Load Procedure

Introduction: Statically Determinate Reactions, Moment Diagrams
Brief summary of the use of MASTAN2

View videos on getting and using MASTAN2

Chapters
1, 2
Class Homework Assignments

Assignment 1
2.3, 2.4, 2.5

Set up teams of 3 to 4 to work on a team project.

Due next Wednesday at 9:30 a.m.

Fri
June 1
Class 2
Wind loads, Load combinations Chapter 2 Assignment 2
2.8, 2.9, 2.12, 2.13
Due at beginning of class next Friday

Week 2

Mon
June 4
Class 3

Discuss team projects

MASTAN2 header sheets for exams

Get MASTAN and install and run a cantilever beam – not to be handed in.

Chapters 3, 4 Assignment 3
3.27, 3.34
Due next Monday at 9:30 a.m., etc.

Read team project instructions:
.doc file
.pdf file

Wed
June 6
Class 4
Moment diagrams and equations for bending moments in frames
Detailed procedures for drawing shear and moment diagrams
Chapters
5.1-5.4
A4) 4.47 (member IH only), 4.49 (member DE only)
Read team project details:
.doc file
.pdf file
Fri
June 8
Class 5
Moment diagrams and equations for bending moments in frames
Interactive shear and moment diagram practice module
or try here
Chapter 5,
Team Project
A5) 5.35, 5.39, 5.41, 5.44

Week 3

Mon
June 11
Class 6
 Frames – moment diagrams Chapter 5.5 A6)  5.52, 5.56, 5.57
Wed June 13
Class 7
Beams and Frames – Shear and moment diagrams Chapters 5.5-5.6 A7) 5.65, 5.69, 5.70
Fri
June 15
Class 8
Deflections by Direct Integration
Advantages, Disadvantages
Chapters 6.1-6.3 A8) 6.1, 6.5, 6.7

Week 4

Mon
June 18
Class 9
 Beams and Frames – Deflections by Work-Energy Chapter 7.1, 7.2 A9) 7.1, 7.3, 7.5
Wed
June 20
Class 10
“ Chapter 7.3, 7.4 No homework to hand in on day of Quiz A.
Fri
June 22
Class 11
“ Chapter 7.5 A10) 7.11, 7.16(see pg  281 for example of how to do this), 7.20 (click for help on 7.20)

Week 5

Mon
June 25
Class 12
Review
Volume Integrals
Chapter 7.5 A11) 7.23, 7.24
For these 2 problems, use either the graphical method (volume integrals), or integral of mMdx/EI, whichever you prefer.
Wed
June 27
Class 13
Quiz A – held in our classroom during regular class hours.  Covers everything above through homework problem 6.7.

Exam is closed book. Bring calculator, paper and pencils.  You are also permitted to bring one 8.5″ x 11″ cheat sheet, hand written by you (no copies) on ONE SIDE, 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.   No notes of any kind written on them.   Click here for a copy

Fri
June 29
Class 14
Chapter 13.1 Chapter 13.1 A12) 7.26, 7.31, 7.36

Week 6

Mon No class    
Wed No class    
Fri
July 5
Class 15
Introduction to solution to statically indeterminate structures using the flexibility method/consistent distortions. Chapter 13.1, 2 A13) 7.38, 7.39, 7.45

Week 7

Mon July 9
Class 16
“ Chapter 13.2 A14) 13.1, 13.10, [13.16-Use Rb as the redundant]
July 11
Class 17
Solution to statically indeterminate structures with multiple degrees of indeterminacy using consistent deformations – Flexibility Method Chapter 13.3 A15) Use the reactions listed below as the  redundants on the following problems:
[13.18 – Use Rbh as the redundant reaction], [13.20 – Use Rdh as the redundant], [S.P.13.20 again using Rdv as the redundant reaction]
July 13
Class 18
Example:
Video of Use of Mastan2
1) Open an existing file
2) Generate nodes
3) Define and attach elements and properties
4) Add loads, supports.  Run program and generate reports

MASTAN2 header sheets for exams

Chapter 13.3 A16) On A16, solve for redundant reactions only.  Final member forces not required.
[13.26 – Use Rch as the redundant], [13.27 – Use Rcv as the redundant], [S.P.13.27a, do 13.27 again using Rdv as the redundant. You should get the same answers as 13.27]

Week 8

Mon
July 16
Class 19

GENERATION OF INFLUENCE LINES

MP4 files:
Generating reaction influence lines
Generating shear influence lines
Generating moment influence lines

Chapter 13.3 A17)  [13.37 – Use Rbv & Rcv as the redundants], [13.43 – Use Rav and Rah as the redundants], 13.49 pg. 557 with figure on pg. 552.
Wed
July 18
Class 20
Read Chapters 8 and 9

READ:

How to construct and use influence lines

Notes:  The first influence lines are to be generated by statics.  All later influence lines can be worked by statics or by Mueller-Breslau if it is to your advantage.

All numeric values are required on all influence lines for statically determinate structures unless otherwise noted. Numeric values on statically indeterminate structures are not required – only the general shape of the influence line.

Highly recommended:
Interactive Practice with Influence Lines – (Note that only a few of the ones on the top row are working, including the Help modules, but those are still quite useful to learning how to work them.)

Muller-Breslau Principle, Use of Influence Lines.

No homework due to hand in on the day of Quiz B.
Fri
July 20
Class 21
Moving Loads,
Influence Lines for Structures

Use of influence lines to determine where to put live, dead, uniform, concentrated loads and compute maximum results.
Examples 1
Examples 2

  A18) 8.5, 8.10, 8.19

Week 9

Mon
July 23
Class 22

 

Use of influence lines for series of wheel loads.  Indiana truck loads specs.

 

  A19) 8.20, 8.21, 8.38
Wed
July 25
Class 23

Quiz B – held in our classroom during regular class hours.

Covers everything above covered in class through Chapter 7, plus Chapter 13 through problem 13.27.

 

A20) 9.4, 9.6, 9.21

Exam is closed book. Bring calculator, paper and pencils.  You are also permitted to bring one 8.5″ x 11″ cheat sheet, hand written by you (no copies) on TWO SIDES, no example problems. Equations only.

You should also bring a copy of the Structural Section of the Fundamentals of Engineering Reference Manual, unless you have memorized the wide flange tables.   No notes of any kind written on them.   Click here for a copy

Fri
July 27
Class 24
Chapter 14: Influence lines for statically indeterminate structures.  Closure on use of influence lines. Chapter 9  

Week 10

Mon
July 28
Class 25
Chapter 12: Approximate solutions to statically indeterminate structures. Solutions for vertical loads. Horizontal loads – Portal Method.   A21) 12.2, 12.6, 12.9, SP13.1(solve 13.1 again using MASTAN)
Wed
Aug 1
Class 26
Stiffness Methods Chapter 8.1-8.2 A22) 14.1*, 14.15*, 14.19*
*SHAPE of influence lines ONLY. NO VALUES required.
Fri
Aug 3
Class 27
Stiffness Methods    

Week 11

Mon
Aug 6
Class 28
Chapter 12: Approximate solutions to statically indeterminate structures. Solutions for vertical loads. Horizontal loads – Portal Method.    
   
Tues
Aug 7
Final Exam
Tuesday August 7th
NOTE CHANGE IN TIME DUE TO CONFLICT WITH ANOTHER CLASS!
8:00 am to 10:00 am
Held in our regular classroom
CHECK THIS DATE FOR
ACCURACY HERE:
Final Exam Schedules
Final Exam – Exam is closed book. Bring only calculator, paper and pencils.  You are also permitted to bring one 8.5″ x 11″ cheat sheet to the quiz, hand written by you (no copies) on TWO SIDES, no example problems. Equations and procedures only.  Exam covers everything in the course.
You should also bring a copy of the Fundamentals of Engineering Reference Manual, Structural section only.   No notes of any kind written on them.   Click here for a copy
Pick up any old leftover homework on the last day of class.

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

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