Fundamentals of Structural Analysis
Get to grips with civil engineering structural analysis once and for all
What you'll learn
Description
This course covers fundamental concepts and methods in static structural analysis. Starting with the very basics, we consider forces, moments and how to use the principle of static equilibrium. We then move on to look at pin-jointed structures or trusses; what are they and how do we analyse them? We’ll cover the joint resolution method and method of sections in detail. Worked examples are used extensively to demonstrate the practical application of theory.
Based on my experience teaching engineering undergraduates, the course focuses on those areas students find particularly tricky when starting out. The link between theory and practice is reinforced using my experience as a structural design engineer. The course includes video lectures which combine screencast voice over with traditional style lectures.
The emphasis is on worked examples with students encouraged to try questions before the detailed solution is presented. The teaching philosophy is ‘learn by doing!’.
This course is suitable for engineering students who find their structures lectures confusing and feel a little lost when it comes to structural analysis. Students wishing to get a head start before starting their degree programme or more advanced engineering students who need a refresher would also benefit from taking this course.
Who this course is for
- This course is great for undergraduate engineering students who feel a little lost in their structures lectures. We start from scratch, establishing the basics and build from there.
- More advanced engineering students who want a refresher or who didn’t quite grasp the fundamentals first time around would also benefit from this course.
- If you’re about to start an engineering program, this course is a great way to get a head start.
- If you’re a structures genius already, this course is probably not for you.
Course Completion Certificate
- Download your personalised Certificate of Completion once you’ve finished all course lectures.
- Applying for jobs? Use your Certificate of Completion to show prospective employers what you’ve been doing to improve your capabilities.
- Independently completing an online course is an achievement. Let people know about it by posting your Certificate of Completion on your Linkedin profile or workplace CPD portfolio.
Course preview
Lecture 9: Pin-Jointed Structures - The Theory
Lecture 10: Pin-Jointed Structures - In Reality
Course content
Introduction and Course Overview
2D Force Systems
Static Equilibrium and Reaction Forces
Analysis of Trusses
Student Feedback
I Crawford
Struggled with some of the concepts here when taught in class. I thought this would be hard getting back into it again but Sean delivers the lectures expertly making the learning easier! Great course, content delivered in a professionally easy to understand way. Thoroughly recommended.
May 2020
T Thompson
Sean explains the video’s perfectly and responds quickly to any queries! Would highly recommend to anyone that wants to revise and top up their structural analysis knowledge.
July 2020
M Wilton-Clark
J Massar
The course has so far brushed up my memory on the subject and also made me realized easier methods to use.
January 2020
C James
L Knight
YF Gaye
Y Hajjami
I must admit that the first example in the end regarding resultant forces had taken me aback, but in the last example I understood everything and I now feel much more confident in the subject. Really well explained and smoothly laid out, and I don’t feel like I wasted my time but actually filled out a gap I was about to have coming into my first year at Uni.
September 2020
B McKoy
Above expectations, Instructor is amazing and knows the subject matter.
June 2020
D R Doggala
R Paul
G Morris
Roadmap
Try this next...
This course shows you how to use virtual work to manually calculate truss deflections – this is a natural next step once you can calculate the forces in a truss.
...or this next...
This course covers the fundamentals of beam bending behaviour and shear and moment diagrams. Beam and frame analyse is a good next step after mastering truss analysis.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely. Even if you watched the full course, if you’re not satisfied, contact me in the first 30 days and I will give you a full refund, no questions asked. It would be helpful if you could tell me how I can improve the course for other students.
