20802134 - INTRODUCTION TO STRUCTURAL MECHANICS

Introduction to Structural Mechanics provides students with the basic knowledge of mechanics of materials and structures. This knowledge allows students to solve simple problems in the statics of elastic beams, and to acquire the core knowledge required for courses in structural design. The course is taught in the second year of the Degree in Civil Engineering. This degree aims at providing tools for the design, construction, maintenance and management of civil structures and infrastructures, such as buildings, bridges, tunnels, transport systems, hydraulic works and land protection. As part of this process, the course aims to provide adequate knowledge: 1) of the laws governing the equilibrium of rigid and deformable systems; 2) of beam theory; 3) methods for calculating stresses in beam framework; 4) assess the resistance of a structure. At the end of the course students will be able to: 1) be acquainted with technical language; 2) analytically represent and solve simple problems of statics of structures in civil engineering; 3) to understand the limits of the models used; 4) to assess the safety of a structural element.