CIV4505: Structural Analysis Assignment Notes and Guidelines

Notes:

• Before preparing your assignment for submission, please refer to the assignment preparation guidelines given at the end of this sheet and the marking rubric/scheme posted in the Study Desk.

• This assignment is worth 30% to your overall grade, i.e. 300 marks.

• Students are to familiarise with the UniSQ academic integrity policy. Teaching team will closely monitor submitted solutions in this regard.

Q1. Statically Indeterminate Beam Analysis 

a) Calculate the BMs (bending moments) at all the joints of the beam shown in Fig.1 using the moment distribution method. The beam is subjected to an UDL of www kN/m.

• L1=0.4LL_1 = 0.4LL1=0.4L

• Assume the support at C is pinned, and A and B are roller supports.

• E=200E = 200E=200 GPa, I=250×106I = 250 \times 10^6I=250×106 mm⁴.

• Use the values of www and LLL from Table 1 based on the last digit of your student ID and proceed.

• At the very beginning of your solution, clearly state the values of LLL and www that you have used.
  (15 marks)

b) Draw the shear force and bending diagrams for the entire beam. (10 marks)

c) Calculate the BMs at all the joints of the same beam shown in Fig.1 using the slope deflection method. (15 marks)

d) Compare the values of BMs obtained using the two methods a) and c) and comment. (5 marks)

Q2. Statically Determinate or Indeterminate Truss Analysis by the Stiffness Method 

a) For the truss shown in Fig 2, determine the stiffness matrices of elements 2, 3, and 4 in the global co-ordinate system.

• Assume A=0.0015A = 0.0015A=0.0015 m⊃2; and E=200E = 200E=200 GPa.

• Indicate the degrees-of-freedom in all the stiffness matrices. (9 marks)

b) Determine the stiffness matrix of the whole truss in the global co-ordinate system.

• Clearly indicate the degrees-of-freedom numbers in the stiffness matrix. (11 marks)

c) Calculate all the nodal displacements and all the member forces of the truss. (30 marks)

d) Repeat the problem using the Strand7 finite element software package.

• Show the truss model with loadings and boundary conditions.

• Display the deflected shape of the truss.

• Submit a hard copy from Strand7 showing the nodal displacements and member forces (highlight these in the hard copy). (20 marks)

e) Present a table showing the comparisons of member forces from the stiffness method (manual calculations) and Strand7 analysis.

• Compare the maximum vertical deflection of the truss based on the stiffness method and Strand7 analysis.

• Comment on the comparisons of the values between the two. (5 marks)

Q3. Statically Determinate or Indeterminate Beam Analysis by the Stiffness Method 

a) Determine the global stiffness matrix of the beam shown in Fig.3.

• Supports at 1 and 3 are rollers; support at 2 is pinned.

• Indicate the degrees-of-freedom in all the stiffness matrices.

• EI is constant.

• Use the values of www and L1L_1L1 from Table 2 based on the last digit of your student ID.

• L2=3L1L_2 = 3 L_1L2=3L1 (20 marks)

b) Determine the rotations at all the nodes of the beam and reactions at the supports. Show all calculations. (25 marks)

c) Draw the BMD of the beam on the compression side showing the salient values.

• What are the maximum bending moments of the beam?

• Draw the deflected shape of the beam. (10 marks)

d) Solve the problem using Strand7.

• Assume any suitable value of EI (state the value you have used).

• Show the model with all nodes, element numbers, and boundary conditions.

• Display the deflected shape and BMD. (25 marks)

e) Show a table comparing the stiffness method (manual calculations) of all reactions and the maximum bending moment values with Strand7 results.

• Comment on the comparisons of the values between the two. (10 marks)

Q4. Statically Determinate or Indeterminate Frame Analysis by the Stiffness Method 

a) Determine the stiffness matrix of the frame shown in Fig.4.

• Nodes 1 and 3 are fixed supports.

• Assume I=300×106I = 300 \times 10^6I=300×106 mm⁴, A=10×103A = 10 \times 10^3A=10×103 mm⊃2;, E=200E = 200E=200 GPa for each member.

• Indicate the degrees-of-freedom in all the stiffness matrices.

• Use the values of L3L_3L3, www, and PPP from Table 3 based on the last digit of your student ID.

• L4=1.8L3L_4 = 1.8 L_3L4=1.8L3 (15 marks)

b) Determine all the displacement components at node 2 and all internal reactions at node 2. Show all calculations. (20 marks)

c) Draw the BMD of the frame on the compression side showing all salient values. Show all calculations. (10 marks)

d) Repeat the problem using Strand7.

• Show the model with all nodes and element numbers and boundary conditions.

• Submit a hard copy showing all reactions (highlight these).

• Display the bending moment diagram for the frame. (15 marks)

e) Compare the BMD from Strand7 with the theoretical one and compare the respective values of maximum BM.

• Comment on the comparisons of the values between the two. (5 marks)

Q5. Finite Element Modelling 

a) Draw a 2D element and show the degrees of freedom (DOFs).

• Draw all 2D elements used in Strand7.

• Explain the differences between these elements in terms of the number of nodes and interpolation/shape functions used. (10 marks)

b) A 8 m×8 m8 \, m \times 8 \, m8m×8m plate (in the xy plane) with 8 mm thickness, is fixed at all edges and loaded by a pressure of 4 kN/m⊃2; in the downward (-z) direction.

• The plate is made of steel (E=200E = 200E=200 GPa, density = 7850 kg/m⊃3;).

• Explain the steps involved in setting up a Strand7 model for this problem.

• Include how the input data will be used in Strand7 modelling.

• Explain how to determine the maximum deflection from the Strand7 output. (15 marks)

Assignment Preparation Guidelines

1. Margins must be at least 10 mm on all sides.

2. Print your name in the upper right-hand corner.

3. Follow a logical sequence in obtaining your solution. Show all calculation details. A marker must be able to check your work quickly and accurately.

4. Draw all necessary sketches, figures, and free body diagrams. Do not write "refer to assignment sheet or textbook" for figures.

5. Define all variables used in the calculations.

6. Use appropriate units.

7. Show final answers clearly. Use a box, double underline, or forward slashes. If appropriate, provide a clearly labeled summary table for each question.

8. Do not show final answers to excessive significant figures; three significant places are appropriate in most cases.

9. For Strand7 results/plots, present them with a white background.

10. Ensure scanned Strand7 plots are readable; otherwise marks may be deducted.

Acceptable AI Use Level for this Assessment

Academic Integrity

• Students should be familiar with and abide by UniSQ’s policy on Academic Integrity and the definition of Academic Misconduct.

• Penalties apply to students found breaching these policies.

• Complete the mandatory Academic Integrity training and familiarise yourself with Academic Integrity at UniSQ.

Extensions and Penalties for Late Submission

• Information on extensions can be found [here].

• Late penalties are outlined [here].

Brief Summary of Assessment Requirements

The CIV4505 Structural Analysis assessments (1 & 2) focus on testing students’ ability to analyse statically determinate and indeterminate structures using both manual methods and software tools such as Strand7. The key objectives are:

1. Q1: Analyse a statically indeterminate beam using:

   • Moment Distribution Method

   • Slope Deflection Method

   • Draw Shear Force and Bending Moment Diagrams (SFD & BMD)

   • Compare results between the two manual methods

2. Q2: Analyse a truss structure using:

   • Stiffness Method

   • Strand7 finite element software

   • Determine nodal displacements, member forces

   • Compare manual and Strand7 results

3. Q3: Analyse a beam using stiffness method:

   • Determine global stiffness matrix

   • Calculate nodal rotations and support reactions

   • Draw BMD and deflected shape

   • Verify using Strand7 software and compare results

4. Q4: Analyse a frame structure using stiffness method:

   • Determine stiffness matrix for the frame

   • Calculate displacement components and internal reactions

   • Draw BMD

   • Verify with Strand7 results

5. Q5:Finite Element Modelling:

   • Draw 2D elements and define degrees of freedom (DOFs)

   • Model a 8 m × 8 m steel plate under uniform pressure in Strand7

   • Determine maximum deflection and interpret Strand7 output

General Guidelines:

• Assignment contributes 30% (300 marks) of the overall grade.

• Follow UniSQ academic integrity policy strictly.

• Use proper formatting, units, sketches, and clearly present all calculations.

Academic Mentor’s Step-by-Step Guidance Approach

Step 1: Problem Understanding and Setup

• The mentor first explained the learning objectives: understanding stiffness matrices, manual calculations vs software verification, and drawing correct BMDs/SFDs.

• Students were guided to identify the type of structure (beam, truss, frame, plate) and the required method (moment distribution, slope deflection, stiffness method, FEM).

• Values for L, w, P, EI, and cross-sectional properties were assigned according to student IDs.

Step 2: Manual Calculations

• Beam Analysis (Q1 & Q3):

  • Stepwise derivation of bending moments at all joints.

  • Construction of SFD and BMD diagrams.

  • Comparison between moment distribution and slope deflection results.

• Truss & Frame Analysis (Q2 & Q4):

  • Computation of element stiffness matrices and global stiffness matrices.

  • Determination of nodal displacements and member forces.

  • Manual derivation of internal reactions and maximum bending moments.

Step 3: Strand7 Software Modelling

• Students were guided to:

  • Draw the structure model and assign nodes, elements, and boundary conditions.

  • Apply loads and select material properties.

  • Run analysis to obtain deflected shapes, displacements, and member forces.

  • Export and highlight the key results in a hard copy for submission.

Step 4: Comparison & Reporting

• Students were trained to create comparison tables for:

  • Manual calculations vs Strand7 results

  • Maximum bending moments, nodal displacements, and member forces

• The mentor emphasized critical analysis of differences and possible reasons (numerical approximations, software assumptions, manual rounding).

Step 5: Submission Guidelines

• Students were reminded to follow formatting rules:

  • Margins ≥10 mm, name in header, logical solution sequence

  • Include sketches and clearly defined variables

  • Present Strand7 plots on white backgrounds

  • Round answers to three significant figures and box final results

Final Outcome

• Students successfully produced complete assignment solutions combining manual calculations and Strand7 verification.

• Each question included stepwise derivation, clear diagrams (SFD, BMD), and tabulated comparisons.

• Learning objectives achieved:

  • Understanding and applying moment distribution, slope deflection, and stiffness methods

  • Competence in Strand7 modelling

  • Ability to compare theoretical and software results

  • Clear and professional presentation of structural analysis solutions

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