YEAR: II

COURSE CODE: CVS 215

UNITS: 4

SEMESTER: I
COURSE NAME: ANALYSIS OF STATICALLY
DETERMINATE STRUCTURES
Lecturer: Dr. Omondi

Course Purpose
The purpose of this course is to present conceptual approaches to the analysis of
basic structures that can be analysed through equilibrium equations only. The
process of simplifying structures into ideal components, formulating and solving
their appropriate equations of equilibrium for unknown forces and displacements is
covered. Application to trusses, arches, cables, beams and frames are illustrated.
The use of virtual work methods is also introduced.
Course Objectives
Upon completion of this course, the student should be able to:
1. Idealise determinate structures into equivalent free-body components
2. Compute axial forces and displacements in determinate trusses, arches &
cables by several methods.
3. Determine shear forces, bending moments and deflections in determinate
beams and frames.
4. Apply the method of Virtual Work to appropriate determinate structures.
5. Obtain and apply influence lines in the analysis of determinate structures.
Course Content
Structural Idealization: Introduction to types of structures, support conditions
and loading. Introduction to statics; force polygons, structural forms. Structural
idealization. Concept of a free body.
Analysis of statically determinate structures - Axial force structures trusses; method of joints, method of sections, method of tension coefficients,
graphical analysis. Truss displacements by virtual force method, graphical method.
The arch. The cable.
Bending and shear structures - Beams: types of beams and loading; shear
force and bending moment diagrams in relation to intensity of loading, deflection
curve.
Analysis of simple beams and frames: the concept of virtual work, virtual force
method, moment area method. Influence lines for statically determinate structures.
Teaching and Learning Methods:
Lectures
Tutorials

Teaching Materials and Aids:

Lecture handouts
Text books
Scientific calculators
Computers and internet
Multimedia technology and equipment
Course Assessment:
Continuous Assessment and Tests 30%
End of semester Examination
70%
Course References/Reference Texts:
1. Utku,S.,Norris,C.H. and J.B. Wilbur., Elementary Structural Analysis., McGraw
Hill Book Company.
2. Coates R.C, Coutie M.G. and Kong F.K., Structural Analysis, ELBS and Nelson,
1990.

Course Further Readings:

1. L.S. Negi & R.S. Jangid, (2003), Structural Analysis, Tata McGraw-Hill
Publications, New Delhi.