Structural Mechanics: Key Concepts and Definitions
Isotropic: An isotropic material behaves the same in all directions.
Anisotropic: Direction-dependent materials are anisotropic – not isotropic.
Bearing Stress: Internal stress caused by compressive forces (contact pressure between separate bodies).
Center of Mass: The point at which there is equal mass in all directions.
Centroid: The point at which there is equal volume on all sides, first moment area (ydA).
Characteristics of a Force: Location/point of application (dimensions), magnitude (units),
Read MoreUnderstanding Architectural Floor Plans and Key Terms
Understanding Architectural Floor Plans
In architecture and building engineering, a floor plan is a technical drawing to scale, showing a view from above of the relationships between rooms, spaces, and other physical features at one level of a structure. Dimensions are usually drawn between walls to specify room sizes and wall lengths. Floor plans may also include details of fixtures such as sinks, water heaters, furnaces, and similar items. They can incorporate notes for construction specifying
Read MoreMechanics of Materials: Stress, Strain, and Torsion
Chapter 1-4 Summary
Chapter 1: Friction and Belts
FBD (Free Body Diagrams) are starters for all questions!
For friction, Fr = μ x N, where three surface conditions exist: smooth dry, rough dry, and lubricated surfaces.
For friction between coaxial discs, let the friction on an infinitesimal element of area be δF = (2π x δr)p x μ. The frictional torque on the element of area is δT = r x δF. For the whole disc:
T = 2πμ∫r1r2 r2 p dr, where p varies with r.
Case 1: If p is constant, then T = (2π/
Read MoreMechanism Balancing: Total and Partial Methods Explained
Mechanism Balancing: Total and Partial Methods
Mechanism balancing aims to eliminate or mitigate the effects of inertia forces. Achieving a complete balance isn’t always feasible or desirable due to economic factors. Therefore, we can distinguish between two approaches:
- Total Balance: Completely cancels forces and moments of inertia acting on the frame.
- Partial Balance: Reduces, but doesn’t eliminate, the effects of inertia on the frame.
Total Balance Methods
There are three methods to achieve total
Read MoreConstruction Quality Assurance and Improvement
505A – Final Exam Revision
1. Causes of Unsatisfactory Results in Construction
a. List and Identify Two Causes of Unsatisfactory Results
- Human Errors: Mistakes made by workers during various stages of construction.
- Low-Quality Materials: Using substandard materials that do not meet project specifications.
b. Describe the Sources of Data Used to Identify Defects
- Knowledge of understanding the cause and cost of defects.
- Computer modeling and technology to assess and identify defects.
c. Describe the Process
Read MoreReinforced Concrete: Bending Moment & Axial Force Analysis
Bending Moment & Bearing Capacity: Introduction
Most reinforced concrete structures can be subdivided into beams and slabs subjected primarily to bending, and columns subjected to axial compression accompanied in most cases by bending. Typical examples of bending members are slabs and beams. The beam reactions cause axial forces in the columns. The slab is assumed to transfer loads in one direction and hence is called a one-way slab. If there were no beams, the slab would carry the load in two