What you'll learn
Description
Go Beyond Simple Statically Determinate Structures
Almost all real world civil engineering structures of any significance are indeterminate meaning we can’t simply rely on the trusty equations of static equilibrium. The moment distribution method is one of the most intuitive ways to analyse these structures.
After completing this course you will be well equipped to determine the shear force diagram, bending moment diagram and qualitative deflected shape for any statically determinate or indeterminate structure you’re likely to encounter as a civil engineer.
Having a fast hand-analysis method for indeterminate structures is invaluable for any good engineer! The analysis of indeterminate structures is all too often left to the computer in civil engineering these days. But as an engineer, if you can’t approximate by hand what the computer is telling – you’re on thin ice! By the end of this course you’ll have given yourself an invaluable skill – the ability to make sensible judgements on a computer analyses!
Section 1: Establishing the fundamentals
I will start by setting out the fundamental parts of the moment distribution method; explaining each element before using some worked examples to tie them all together. After completing this section you will have a clear analysis procedure to employ. Each worked example concludes with development of a complete shear force and bending moment diagram.
Section 2: Understanding the importance of structural stability
One of the main areas of application for the moment distribution method is the analysis of structural frames. However, before we can start analysing frames, we first need an understanding of structural stability. In this section I will outline some of the common methods employed by civil engineers to ensure lateral stability of their structures. This will equip you for the analysis of frames in the following sections.
Section 3: Applying what you have learned to non-sway frames
Now we will start to really see the power of this analysis technique. We will apply the procedure and techniques from section 1 to the analysis of non-sway or propped structural frames. This will equip you to perform sub-frame analyses commonly required in the design of reinforced concrete frame structures. After completing this section you will be able to analyse some of the most common structural forms employed in civil engineering today.
Section 4: Expanding to consider sway-frames
In this final section we will bring your analysis skills to the next level by introducing you to the analysis of sway frames. Structures expected to undergo significant lateral deflections under loading will experience additional sway moments. Taking proper account of these sway effects is essential for an accurate analysis of the structure. Following an explanation and demonstration of the techniques, you are challenged to complete the analysis of a number of sway frame structures.
Who this course is for
- Student who want to take their understanding of structural analysis up a level!
- Engineering students who need to know how to analyse more complex structures without resorting to computer analysis, e.g. continuous beams.
- Students tired of being limited to analysis of statically determinate structures.
- Students wishing to analyse structural frames to facilitate design; e.g. reinforced concrete sub-frame analysis.
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 1: Welcome to the course
Lecture 2: The moment distribution process
Course content
Introduction
Beam Analysis
Lateral Stability
Non-sway Frames
Sway Frame Analysis
Student Feedback
G Pagoulatos
This is one of the most comprehensive courses I have taken. There are many very helpful courses on Youtube as well as post secondary sources which I have found helpful.
However most-if not all – they lack the art of packaging the “made for dummies” approach with the complexity and full technical weight of a course such as “Analysis of Indeterminate Structures and the MDM”. Sean’s ability to take something very complex and make it simple is unique. His use of sketches, CLEAR manner of speaking, REPETITION and logical development of a course is extraordinary.
I look forward to take more of his courses
February 2020
B Mwangi
I have learned a lot and gained extra knowledge from what I knew before.
December 2019
H Kareem
I have been always facing problems with my understanding to moment dist. method. But, after this course I really started to move forward. Hope u do more courses about structural analysis.
September 2019
S Rameshbhai Anand
Nobody has ever explained like this. I recommend this to everyone.
June 2019
L Brown
I studied moment distribution back in my college days in the early to mid sixties. The approach then was only about thirty years old, and it was taught differently. All ends got FEMs calculated using the both ends fixed formulas. Members having hinged ends got their stiffnesses reduced by a quarter, which changed distribution factors. I think I prefer using the propped cantilever approach as it seems to model the structure more accurately. Also, sway of structures was not generally covered in undergraduate structures analysis courses. Your explanation of the subject and how to solve sway structures was very good. You also made me remember the power of the free body diagram. All in all, well done.
May 2020
O P Ogbonna
The pace at which the lecture is delivered makes it suitable for both students and professionals alike.
April 2020
C Reis
I found is course very relevant to my needs. As mechanical engineer going from designing small precision components to large machines I found this course very helpful explaining this method of frame analysis.
June 2019
G Martino Erbi
Amazing and easy explanation of the moment distribution method. I wanted to have him as lecturer.
August 2018
L Mota
Excellent course, for aspiring engineers and those who want to remember structural analysis methods for indeterminate structures.
August 2018
Roadmap
Try this first...
This course covers the fundamentals of beam bending behaviour and shear and moment diagrams. You should be very comfortable with this fundamental theory before moving on to indeterminate structures.
...and maybe this first...
This course contains more worked examples of constructing shear and moment diagrams for statically determinate beams and frames. You should be comfortable building these before moving on.
📍 You're here
Try this next...
This course contains more worked examples of applying the moment distribution method to sway and non-sway frames. It’s a good option if you want more practice.
...or this next...
Once you can draw shear and moment diagrams comfortably, this course will show you how to use the bending moment diagram to calculate beam and frame deflections using virtual work.
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.
