MEK3500 – Structural Mechanics
Course description
Schedule, syllabus and examination date
Course content
Methods of analysis for statically indeterminate structures with static loading. Trusses, beams, arches and frames. Sectional forces. Virtual work and energy, virtual forces and displacements. Displacement calculations. The force and displacement methods for indeterminate structures. Temperature effects. Plasticity, plastic hinges, collapse mechanisms and collapse loads. Second order flexural analysis and buckling (instability). Introduction to first order thin plate theory.
Learning outcome
The course gives an extension, and a more in-depth understanding, of the theoretical basis for computation of forces and displacements in statically indeterminate structures consisting of strut and beam systems. Also, it gives an introduction to plastic methods of analysis and to the analysis of thin elastic plates. Emphasis is placed on providing a good physical understanding (structural behavior, relationship between loads and internal forces and displacements) as a basis for further work with a wide range of problems in structures and solid mechanics, and as a basis for computer oriented methods of analysis.
Admission
Students who are admitted to study programmes at UiO must each semester register which courses and exams they wish to sign up for in Studentweb.
If you are not already enrolled as a student at UiO, please see our information about admission requirements and procedures.
Prerequisites
Formal prerequisite knowledge
In addition to fulfilling the Higher Education Entrance Qualification, applicants have to meet the following special admission requirements:
-
Mathematics R1 (or Mathematics S1 and S2) + R2
And in addition one of these:
- Physics (1+2)
- Chemistry (1+2)
- Biology (1+2)
- Information technology (1+2)
- Geosciences (1+2)
- Technology and theories of research (1+2)
The special admission requirements may also be covered by equivalent studies from Norwegian upper secondary school or by other equivalent studies (in Norwegian).
Recommended previous knowledge
MEK2500 – Introduction to Solid Mechanics (discontinued) and basic knowledge about matrices and their applications.
Overlapping courses
10 credits overlap with MEK4500 – Structural Mechanics (discontinued)
10 credits with ME250 and 9 credits with ME320.
*The information about overlaps is not complete. Contact the Department for more information if necessary.
Teaching
Taught over one entire term with the equivalent of 4 hours lecture and 2 hours exercises. The first four weeks intensive with 6 hours lecture and 2 hours exercises. The remainder of the term with 3 hours lecture and 2 hours exercises.The exercises are mainly based on independent work from the students. The students must hand in compulsory assignments.
Examination
Seven compulsory assignments need to be passed within given deadlines to be allowed to take the final exam.
Depeding on the number of students, the exam will be either oral or written.
What form the exam will take will be announced by the teaching staff within October 15th for the autumn semester and March 15th for the spring semester.
Rules for compulsory assignments at the Department of Mathematics
Examination support material
Permitted aids at the exam if written: Rottmann's formula list + approved calculator.
Information about approved calculators (Norwegian only)
Language of examination
Subjects taught in English will only offer the exam paper in English.
You may write your examination paper in Norwegian, Swedish, Danish or English.
Grading scale
Grades are awarded on a scale from A to F, where A is the best grade and F is a fail. Read more about the grading system.
Explanations and appeals
Resit an examination
Students who can document a valid reason for absence from the regular examination are offered a postponed examination at the beginning of the next semester.
Re-scheduled examinations are not offered to students who withdraw during, or did not pass the original examination.
Withdrawal from an examination
It is possible to take the exam up to 3 times. If you withdraw from the exam after the deadline or during the exam, this will be counted as an examination attempt.
Special examination arrangements
Application form, deadline and requirements for special examination arrangements.
Evaluation
The course is subject to continuous evaluation. At regular intervals we also ask students to participate in a more comprehensive evaluation.