Course Description

This course is an introduction to analyzing the behavior of basic structures through quantitative methods of conventional structural analysis and design. It functions as an applied statics course and emphasizes schematic calculations for the design of components and connections of various structural systems.

The analysis aspects of this course will examine the structural behavior and application of support members and columns in timber, steel, reinforced concrete, and masonry. Throughout the course, the student will be required to make assessments in the areas of material, form, and fabrication.

The primary objective of the course is to provide the student with the ability to use methods and analyses, along with rules of thumb and present day conventions, to determine the preliminary sizing and evaluation of a total structural system. In addition, the student will learn to make a judgment on which structural system is appropriate and applicable to a specific design solution.

Format

• Lectures will cover the significant material introduced in the required reading assignments.
• Homework will be assigned at the end of each lab session and will be due at the beginning of the following lab. Lab sessions will review example problems similar in nature to those assignments. Late homework assignments will be reviewed but not credited.
• In addition to the weekly assignments, projects will constitute the fundamental course work.
• Homework and projects will be accomplished in groups of 3 or less (may be individual). Any individual not performing a commensurate share of the work may be eliminated from the group but is still responsible to satisfy all homework/projects requirements.
• Quizzes may be given without notice to cover reading assignments, which should be completed prior to the presentation of the material in lecture.
• Exams will be closed book and will cover all lectures, labs, and reading assignments within a given period.

Attendance

Attendance is mandatory in all lectures and labs. At the instructor's discretion, any student with more than 2 absences may be dropped from the class or the student's final grade may be lowered by one letter grade for each additional absence.

Texts

Building Structures, James Ambrose

Reserved Texts
Elementary Structures for Architects and Builders, Shaeffer; Structures, Schodek; Fundamentals of Building Construction, Allen; The Architect's Studio Companion, Allen; Why Building's Fall Down, Salvadori; Building Construction Illustrated, Ching; Construction: Principles, Materials & Methods, Olin; Structures, Gordon

Grading

Homework/Quizzes: 10%
Exams: 40%
Final Exam: 25%
Projects: 25%

NO INCOMPLETES WILL BE ALLOWED

Any student with a documented disability (physical or cognitive) who requires academic accommodations should contact the Services for Students with Disabilities area of the Office of the Dean of Students at 471-6259 as soon as possible to request an official letter outlining authorized accommodations.