Structural Systems and Forces

This course covers the fundamental concepts of one-dimensional structural systems, shear forces, and bending moments. It begins with an exploration of axial members and their behavior under various forces and moments. It covers drawing a line diagram of a one-dimensional member and identifying the internal forces acting on it, such as axial, shear, and moment forces. The course then delves into the concept of straight members, which can be subjected to moments and forces in between, apart from forces at the ends. The course further discusses the mathematical representation of shear force and bending moment diagrams, using practical examples like the effect of a person's weight on a platform or the force exerted by a column of water on a wall. Finally, the course covers the concept of forces within beam structures, focusing on shear forces and bending moments. It explains how to identify these forces within a small section of a beam and how they relate to each other. The course concludes with the application of these concepts in determining the maximum bending moment in a beam structure.