Structural analysis
Undergraduate · Engineering
Syllabus focus
Topics typically covered
Standard syllabus
Determinate structures
- Support types and reactions
- Static determinacy of trusses and frames
- Method of joints and method of sections for trusses
- Internal forces in beams: V and M diagrams
- Graphical and semi-graphical diagram methods
- Deflection of beams by integration
- Moment-area theorems and conjugate beam
- Virtual work for deflections (intro)
- Influence lines for reactions and internal forces
- Moving loads and envelope diagrams
Indeterminate analysis
- Static indetermacy and stability
- Force method (flexibility) for beams and frames
- Displacement method (slope-deflection intro)
- Moment distribution method for frames
- Approximate analysis of building frames
- Truss deflections and member force verification
- Support settlement and temperature effects
- Symmetry and antisymmetry exploitation
- Matrix stiffness method overview
- Software verification of hand methods
STEM / applied
Matrix methods and modeling
- Element stiffness matrices for truss and beam elements
- Assembly of global stiffness matrix
- Boundary conditions and load vectors
- Direct solution of K u = F
- 2D frame elements with axial and bending DOF
- SAP2000, STAAD, or similar modeling workflow
- Mesh refinement and idealization choices
- Load combinations for strength design (intro codes)
- Modal analysis link to dynamics (overview)
- Design project: analyze a small building frame
Professional structural practice
- Reading structural drawings and schedules
- Dead, live, wind, and seismic load intro (ASCE 7 awareness)
- Steel and concrete material behavior in structures
- Connection design delegation to specialists
- Construction sequencing and temporary supports
- Forensic studies of structural failures
- Sustainability: embodied carbon in structures
- Peer review and independent checking culture
- FE civil structural topic alignment
- Ethics: stamp responsibility and public safety
Study units
Each unit includes a study guide, worksheets, review, practice test, and answer key. One unit is free; subscribe for the full class.
- Determinate structures
Support types and reactions
Coming soon - Indeterminate analysis
Static indetermacy and stability
Coming soon
Notes
Topics reflect common engineering syllabi at US colleges and universities. Exact order, depth, and applied emphasis vary by institution, department, and instructor.