CE 453/MCE553 Matrix Structural Analysis

Civil Engineering Department

Saint Martin's University

5300 Pacific Avenue, SE

Lacey, WA 98501

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Course No:        CE 453 (2 credits) / MCE 553 (3 credits)

Class Meets:     Wednesday  5:15 - 7:45 PM, Room 1527 or Computer Room

Text:                  "Matrix Analysis of  Structures" Robert E. Sennett, Waveland Press, ISBN 1- 57766 - 143 -5

Reference:        William Weaver, Jr., Computer Programs for Structural Analysis, D. Van Nostrand    Co., Inc.

Instructor:    Dr. Chun Seong, Cebula Hall,  Room 1503,         Phone  438-4318

Course Description:

This course introduces senior and graduate level students to the analysis of trusses, beams, and frames by using matrix method.    A brief introduction to matrix algebra, analysis of indeterminate structure by displacement method, stiffness matrices, local and global coordinates, and solutions of continuous beams, trusses, plane frames are included before starting the matrix analysis method.  Also, students will learn popular structural analysis computer programs which utilized the matrix and finite element method.   This course will help to build an ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, and science, an ability to function on multi-disciplinary teams, an ability to communicate effectively, an ability to identify, formulate and solve engineering problems, and to have a knowledge of contemporary issues and a recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in life-long learning as required by the ABET.     

Prerequisite:   CE 350 & Linear Algebra

Objectives:  For senior and graduate students,

1.  To introduce the matrix structural analysis method using spreadsheet computer program.

2.  To introduce the basic concept of structural analysis.

3.  To utilize and understand any commercially available structural analysis software

4.  To solve large framed structures using structural analysis computer programs.

Prerequisites by Topic:

1. Introduction to Spread Sheet, C++, FORTRAN or V-BASIC programming language.

2. Introductory linear algebra, especially matrix manipulation.

3. Knowledge of analysis methods on indeterminate structures, CE350 Structural Analysis.

Schedule and Topics:

1/15         Introduction, Review of Matrix Algebra. Excel spread sheet for matrix                      Hand out H.W.

application, Determinants of a square matrix, Expansion of minors & cofactor,

Adjoint matrix, Matrix inverse & partitioning

1/22         Basic Concept of Flexibility Coefficients and Force (Flexibility) Method   Hand out H.W.

                Basic Concept of Stiffness Coefficients and Displacement (Stiffness) Method

1/29-2/05    CH. 1; Concept of local and global coordinate system, Degrees of Freedom (DOF)

                 Example of Matrix analysis of Spring or one-dimensional structures

                 Member (Element) Stiffness Matrices based on local coordinates                           HW: 1.2, 1.3, 1.4

2/12         CH.2; Transformation of Member (Element) Stiffness Matrices 

                                Concept of Joint-Equilibrium Equation,                                                                         HW; 2.1, 2.3, 2.4

Assembly of the Global Stiffness Matrix.

2 /12-2/19                Exam # 1 – Take Home Exam.

                  CH. 2; Support Movement, Temperature Changes and                                            HW; 2.5, 2.7, 2.9

                  Fabrication Errors

2/26-3/1    CH. 3; Example of Matrix analysis on Simple or Continuous Beam                        HW; 3.1, 3.2, 3.3

3/05-3/19  CH. 3; Example of Matrix analysis on Simple or Continuous Beam                        HW; 3.4, 3.5

3/26-4/09   Exam # 2 – Take Home Exam.

                   CH. 3; Example of Matrix analysis on Frame structures                                           HW; 3.7, 3.15, 3.18

4/16-4/23   CH. 7; Additional Topics: Solution Techniques of Matrix Equation                     HW; 7.1, 7.2, 7.6

                   Modeling Techniques: Sub-structuring, Non-uniform members,                           HW; 7.16, 7.17, 7.19

4/30            Computer Programs using Matrix and Finite Element Method

5/07            Final Exam (Take Home)

Assessment:  The course outcome will be assessed during the semester by home-works, scheduled mid-term and final exams.    The graduate students have to conduct term project and present their projects in front of the class for an additional credit.   Students are responsible for studying the textbook in advance.

Grading:                Exam # 1                                                 20 %

                Exam # 2                                                 20 %

                Final                                                        40 %

                Homework                                              20 %  

For Graduate students, term project involving computer programming of the matrix method is required for additional one credit.

Homework Project:

1. Homework will be assigned occasionally based on course schedule.

2. Individual problems will be graded on 0 to 10 scale.

3. Rules on preparing homework:

• Homework must be neat, and clean.              

• Use engineering papers, one side only.

• State the requirement of the problem.

• Draw all diagrams for the problem statements and for the solutions, using an accurate scale and a straight edge.

• Show all necessary calculations.

Special Needs: 

If you need course adaptations or accommodations because of a disability, if you  have medical and/or safety concerns to share with me, or if you need special arrangements in case the building must be evacuated, please make an appointment with me as soon as possible.”