Welcome to the MATRIX STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS's web page. In this page you will find information about everything concerning this class. If you need additional information or have a question or comment, feel free to write the professor. Please visit the page often and enjoy it. Good luck in the course!
| Date | Topic |
|---|---|
| 16-Aug | Introduction. Nodes and degrees of freedom |
| 19-Aug | Stiffness definition |
| 21-Aug | Individual element stiffness. Combination of element stiffness |
| 23-Aug | Structures with specified non-zero displacements. Non-nodal forces |
| 26-Aug | Thermal effects |
| 28-Aug | Computer formulation. Problems |
| 30-Aug | Introduction to two-dimensional trusses. Coordinate transformation |
| 4-Sep | Global stiffness matrix. Support movements. |
| 5-Sep | Temperature changes and fabrication errors. |
| 6-Sep | Computer formulation. Problems. |
| 9-Sep | Introduction to two-dimensional beams and frames. The beam elemental stiffness matrix |
| 11-Sep | Stiffness matrix for the two-dimensional frame element |
| 13-Sep | The trasnformation matrix for the frame element. Example problems. |
| 16-Sep | Non-nodal loads. Thermal effects in beams and frames. |
| 18-Sep | First Partial |
| 20-Sep | Support movement for beams and frames. |
| 25-Sep | Computer formulation. Problems. |
| 27-Sep | Introduction to grids. Development of the grid elemental stiffness matrix. |
| 30-Sep | Coordinate transformation. Non-nodal loads. |
| 2-Oct | Example problems. |
| 4-Oct | Computer formulation. Problems. |
| 7-Oct | Introduction to three-dimensional trusses. Elemental stiffness matrix. |
| 9-Oct | Coordinate transformations. |
| 11-Oct | Example problems. Computer formulation. |
| 14-Oct | Problems. Introduction to three dimensional frames. |
| 16-Oct | Development of the elemental stiffness matrix |
| 18-Oct | Transformation of coordinates. Example problem. |
| 21-Oct | Computer formulation. Problems. |
| 23-Oct | Discussion of bandwith. Combining different elements to model a structure. |
| 25-Oct | Elastic support. |
| 28-Oct | Second Partial |
| 30-Oct | Inclined support. Hinges in beams and frame elements. |
| 1-Nov | Static condensation. Axial deformation in frames. |
| 4-Nov | Substructuring. |
| 6-Nov | Non-uniform members. Problems. |
| 8-Nov | Introduction to virtual work and the principle of minimum potential energy. The principle of virtual work. |
| 13-Nov | Elemental stiffness using the principle of virtual work. |
| 15-Nov | Non-nodal forces using the concept of equivalent work. Strain energy and force potential. |
| 18-Nov | The principle of minimum potential energy. Approximate solutions using minimum potential energy. |
| 20-Nov | Determination of the structural stiffness equation using minimum potential energy. Problems. |
| 22-Nov | Introduction to the Finite Element Method |
| 25-Nov | Plane stress and plane strain. Shape functions for the three-node triangular element. |
| 27-Nov | Strain-displacement relationships and strain energy. Force potential. |
| 2-Dec | Application of the principle of minimum potential energy. |
| 4-Dec | Example plane stress problems. |
Only a valid reason can justify a student's absence to any of the exams. The student who has a problem for coming to any exam must contact the professor in advance to discuss his/her situation and work out a solution. In the event that an unforeseeable problem, like a sudden disease, should befall a student, he, or one of his friends or a family member should contact the professor as soon as possible but not more than three days after the exam's date to inform the professor of the problem. E-mail and Internet contacts are acceptable. A written evidence of the problem must be submitted as soon as possible. Failure to act according to these rules will result in a grade of "0" (zero) in the exam. Students are warned of the serious implications that an absence to any exam will have.
In some rare instances, frivolous excuses may be considered by the professor. In those cases and if the professor decides to grant a make-up exam, such exam will be worth less than the 100% of the regular exam. The value of the exam will be left to the professor's discretionary decision. The student will lose any rights to complain against this determination.
One fifth of the final grade is obtained from assignments. Keep all your homework in a neatly organized folder or notebook and submit it with each new assignment. You will be graded according to the presentation, the clarity of your solving process, the correctness of your solution method, and the accuracy of your calculations.
Assignments are expected to be individual work. Students are encouraged to consult one another or the professor regarding problems encountered in the process of working the assignment. However, the final work must reflect an individual work, without any shred of doubt. The professor will not tolerate any attempt to cheat, however minor it may be. An attempt to cheat will inevitably result in a zero (0) grade in that assignment for both the offender and the student who allows his/her work to be copied. The professor strongly believes that working on your own enhances your chances of passing the class.
All students must register in the class web page. The registration form can be found below. This will allow the professor to communicate faster with the students as a group or individually. Also, by registering you will be able to retrieve special assignments and look at your performance and individual record.
Two partial and one final examinations will be offered throughout the semester. The exam dates and how final grade will be determined are shown below
| Exam | Date | Percentage |
| First Partial | September 18th, 2002 | 100 points |
| Second Partial | October 28th, 2002 | 100 points |
| Final Exam | December 10th, 2002 (9:45 AM) | 100 points |
| Homework | ~ | 100 points |
| Computer project | ~ | 100 points |
| Total | ~ | 500 points |
The curve for the final grade is
| Percentage P | Grade |
| P ≥ 90% | A |
| 80% ≤ P < 90% | B |
| 70% ≤ P < 80% | C |
| 60% ≤ P < 70% | D |
| P < 60% | F |
To access this section you have to use the username and password provided by the professor in class.
Click here to enter the assignments areaIf you are already registered, please enter your last name and password in the space provided, then click the button shown.