In this course, you will learn how to analyse statically-indeterminate structures. Static and kinematic indeterminacy, flexibility and stiffness concepts will be introduced as the basis for the direct stiffness analysis method, used in modern computational structural analysis. Students shall learn the theory underpinning this software and also learn how to practically use such common analysis software for the modelling, design, and checking of advanced structure behaviours.
This course introduces to the students the concept and techniques of analyzing statically indeterminate structures, including but not limited to, continuous beams and portal frames with uniform or non-uniform cross sections. Structural analysis is essential for achieving a safe, efficient and economical design. The course consists of lectures, tutorials, examples class, contact sessions and individual/group working teaching format (3L + 1T + 1C per week). Attendance of these lectures and tutorials is recommended.ﾠAll lectures and tutorials will be recorded and published on the course Blackboard.ﾠIndividual/group working in contact class will help students consolidate the materials delivered weekly. A revision lecture and Q&A session will be arranged slightly before the final examination.
CIVL2330
Shear force and bending moment diagrams of statically determinate structures
Deflection and rotation evaluation of statically determinate structures, e.g. double integration, discontinuity function, moment-area, unit-loadﾠ(virtual work)
Bearing stress evaluation at base of column subjected to eccentric loading
Solving system of simultaneous linear equations using Gaussian Elimination / Cramer's rule
Fundamental matrix operation
You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:
CIVL2330
Please email Dr. Shujian Chen if you have (a) general inquiries or (b) questions regarding the Direct Stiffness Method.
Ensure your email Subject starts with the course code "CIVL3340" for a timely response.
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
This course aims to establish the concepts of structural analysis and to introduce various analysis techniques.
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Comprehend and apply the analytical theory for solving statically indeterminate structures including continuous beams and portal frame with uniform or non-uniform section via:
(a) Method of consistent deformation;
(b) Slope-deflection equations;
(c) Moment-distribution method;
(d) Column analogy method;
(e) Moment redistribution and inelastic design
LO2.
Understand and apply the computational method for solving statically indeterminate structures via direct stiffness method using stiffness matrix
LO3.
Appreciate the difference in the analysis and real design of structures. Hence, students shall be able to make reasonable assumptions on structural modelling during analysis, e.g. loading, member sizing and connection fixity.
LO4.
Apply the method in (1) or (2) to quickly sketch bending moment diagram and deflected shape of statically indeterminate structures without carrying out any calculation.
LO5.
Understand how to use computer software to analyse statically indeterminate structures.
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tutorial/ Problem Set | End-of-chapter Assignment | 40% |
28/03/2025 4:00 pm 4/04/2025 4:00 pm 11/04/2025 4:00 pm 28/04/2025 4:00 pm 9/05/2025 4:00 pm 16/05/2025 4:00 pm 23/05/2025 4:00 pm 30/05/2025 4:00 pm |
| Examination |
Final Examination
|
60% |
End of Semester Exam Period 7/06/2025 - 21/06/2025 |
A hurdle is an assessment requirement that must be satisfied in order to receive a specific grade for the course. Check the assessment details for more information about hurdle requirements.
28/03/2025 4:00 pm
4/04/2025 4:00 pm
11/04/2025 4:00 pm
28/04/2025 4:00 pm
9/05/2025 4:00 pm
16/05/2025 4:00 pm
23/05/2025 4:00 pm
30/05/2025 4:00 pm
Assignment 1 (5%) - Method of Consistent deformation and three-moment-equation (A/Prof Ho)
Assignment 2 (5%) - Slope deflection equation (A/Prof Ho)
Assignment 3 (5%) - Moment distribution method (A/Prof Ho)
Assignment 4 (5%) - Non-uniform member (A/Prof Ho)
Assignment 5 (5%) - Moment redistribution (A/Prof Ho)
Assignment 6 (5%) - Gravity projected load (A/Prof Ho)
Assignment 7 (5%) - Direct stiffness method - truss (Dr Chen)
Assignment 8 (5%) - Direct stiffness method - beam and/or frame (Dr Chen)
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT). Students are advised that the use of AI or MT technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submit your handwritten answers via the course Blackboard site.
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 7 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
End of Semester Exam Period
7/06/2025 - 21/06/2025
The final exam will include problem-solving calculation questions and short answer questions.
This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of AI or MT may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
| Planning time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 180 minutes |
| Calculator options | (In person) Casio FX82 series only or UQ approved and labelled calculator |
| Open/closed book | Closed Book examination - no written materials permitted |
| Exam platform | Paper based |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
You may be able to defer this exam.
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Cut off Percent | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) | 0 - 20 |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: No assessable output from the student received. |
| 2 (Fail) | 20 - 44 |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Fail. The studentﾠfails to demonstrate any relevant knowledge of the course or understanding of the key concepts |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 45 - 49 |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: Fail. Falls short of satisfying all basic requirements for a Pass |
| 4 (Pass) | 50 - 64 |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The student demonstrates a sound knowledge of the relevant information and a fair understanding of the key concepts |
| 5 (Credit) | 65 - 74 |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The student demonstrates a sound knowledge of the relevant information and a good understanding of the key concepts |
| 6 (Distinction) | 75 - 84 |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Key concepts are understood and the student has a comprehensive knowledge of the course |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 85 - 100 |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Key concepts are understood, comprehensive knowledge of the course, evidence of critical analysis and ability to synthesise information from different aspects of the course |
Honours grades and percentages
GRADE 7: (Overall marksﾠ>=ﾠ85) AND (Final exam marks >=ﾠ40)ﾠ
GRADE 6: (85 > Overall marks >= 75) ANDﾠ(Final exam marksﾠ>=ﾠ40)
GRADEﾠ5: (75 > Overall marks >=ﾠ65) ANDﾠ(Final exam marksﾠ>=ﾠ40)
GRADE 4: (65 > Overall marks >=ﾠ50) ANDﾠ(Final exam marksﾠ>=ﾠ40)
GRADE 3: (50 > Overall marksﾠ>=ﾠ45) OR (Final exam marks <ﾠ40 & overall marks >= 45)ﾠ
GRADE 2: (45ﾠ> Overall marks >=ﾠ20)
GRADE 1: (Overall marks <ﾠ20)
To obtain a grade of 3S4, you need to obtainﾠnot less than 50% in the SUPPLEMENTARY EXAM.
Grade cutoffs and hurdles
Final marks will be rounded up to an integer value prior to applying hurdles or grade boundaries.
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
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You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.
Lecture notes and PowerPoint slides can be found on CIVL3340 BlackBoard (e-Learning) site.
All lectures and tutorials will be recorded, both audio and visual.
Access to required and recommended resources, plus past central exam papers, is available at the UQ Library website (http://www.library.uq.edu.au/lr/CIVL3340).
The University offers a range of resources and services to support student learning. Details are available on the myUQ website (https://my.uq.edu.au/).
Contact hours will not be recorded.
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Multiple weeks From Week 1 To Week 13 |
Tutorial |
Worked examples demonstration |
Problem-based learning |
Contact |
|
Week 1 (24 Feb - 02 Mar) |
Lecture |
Method of consistent deformation By A/Prof Johnny Ho |
Multiple weeks From Week 2 To Week 3 |
Lecture |
Slope deflection method By A/Prof Johnny Ho |
Week 4 (17 Mar - 23 Mar) |
Lecture |
Moment distribution method By A/Prof Johnny Ho |
Multiple weeks From Week 5 To Week 6 |
Lecture |
Analysis of non-uniform indeterminate structures By A/Prof Johnny Ho |
Multiple weeks From Week 7 To Week 8 |
Lecture |
Moment redistribution By A/Prof Johnny Ho |
Multiple weeks From Week 9 To Week 12 |
Lecture |
Direct stiffness method By Dr Shujian Chen Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Week 13 (26 May - 01 Jun) |
Lecture |
Revision By A/Prof Johnny Ho and Dr Shujian Chen |
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.
Your school has additional guidelines you'll need to follow for this course: