Mechanics I

Recommended Prerequisites

Basics on Differential and Integral Calculus; Vectorial Mechanics

Teaching Methods

Theoretical lectures with detailed explanation of the concepts, principles and fundamental theories, supported by audiovisual media. Resolution of some practical exercises, helping to frame the subjects and put them in tune with the students understanding. Discussion and clarification of doubts concerning the study or the development of the works.

Learning Outcomes

The main goal is the introduction and development of the basic concepts of the Mechanics of Structures, with emphasis to Statics, of utmost importance for the future acquisition of knowledge in the area of Structures and similar. Most of these concepts will be used in an almost intuitive way by the structural engineer, during its professional activity. It is expected that the students attending the course unit acquire the following specific skills:

- understanding of the basic concepts

- determination of the conditions of connection of bodies and structures

- synthesis or analysis of structures: stresses, connecting forces, reactions

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

1. Abridged review of Vectorial Mechanics

2. Introduction to Statics

2D and 3D equilibrium. Static equilibrium versus motion. Rigid body motion. Degrees of freedom.

3. Synthesis and connection of systems of rigid bodies

Connections. Supports. Connection of the single body: effective (isostatic, hyperstatic), ineffective, insufficient (hypostatic). Systems of 2 bodies and multibody.

4. Framed structures and internal forces diagrams

Bars. Framed systems. Loads and internal forces and its relation. Internal forces in specific sections. Internal forces diagrams. Releases. Bi-actions.

5. Methods of analysis of the connecting conditions

Formulae, tree-shaped structure method, separation of constituting bodies.

6. Lattice systems and trusses

Lattice systems. Simple trusses: method of node equilibrium, Ritter method, projection method. Complex trusses.

7. Method of Virtual Work

Applications of the method: evaluation of support reactions, forces in internal connections and internal forces in sections.

Head Lecturer(s)

João Henrique Jorge de Oliveira Negrão

Assessment Methods

Evaluation
The evaluation consists of intermediate written evaluation tests, allowing the final approval in the unit, and a final exam.: 100.0%

Bibliography

1. Estática Aplicada para Engenharia Civil e Arquitectura, João H. Negrão, 2009

2. Mecânica Vectorial para Engenheiros, F. Beer ; E. Johnston ; E. Eisenberg, 2005

3. Curso de Mecânica – Estática (2 vols.), Adhemar da Fonseca, 1976