Basic Structures

This course is an introduction to the behavior, analysis, and design of structural members and systems. It provides a basis for the understanding of elementary force flow in structural systems and an intuitive understanding of how systems react to and resist loads. This course introduces the theory of statics with analytical and graphical solutions. Topics include the determination of loads, the resolution of force systems, and equilibrium analysis; and structural principles related to shape (centroids and moment of inertia), the properties of materials (stress, stiffness, and modulus of elasticity), shear and bending moments, deflection, column theory, and elementary indeterminate structures. Instructional methods include lectures, advanced digital media, video, in-class problem solving, demonstration models, and the investigation of historical precedents. The course provides the knowledge of structural theory which is the basis for the code based procedures in subsequent courses.