Stability of Structures

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49132 Stability of Structures

In this postgraduate subject, the factors that contribute to the onset of buckling in single members and slender frames are analysed to develop an understanding of structural stability. Attempt is made to equip students with the theoretical basis underlying the provisions of Australian codes of practice.  Topics include derivation of force-deflection equations of beam-columns, warping and flexural-torsional buckling of thin-walled members, geometric stiffness and the eigen-value problem of plane frames. Other topics treated relate to concepts used in design standards such as amplification factor, effective length factor, equivalent moment factor, inelastic buckling and column-curves. In addition, students learn to assess the stability of practical frames using computer-based methods of analysis.

Co-ordinator: Dr A. Saleh

Course Name:  Master of Engineering and other postgraduate courses in Engineering

Credit Points: 6

Modes of Presentation: Normal (3 hpw for one semester) or block release

Pre-requisites:  48349 Structural Analysis or equivalent as part of a completed first or higher degree in Engineering or a cognate discipline

Co-requisites: Nil

Content:

Methods of stability analysis: Non-linear response and stability of rigid-bar/spring systems. Types of instability and methods of stability analysis. Total potential energy expression. Rayleigh-Ritz method.

Governing equations of single members: Differential equations for thin-walled members subjected to combined bending- and axial actions. Axial force dependant member stiffness and non-linear force-deflection equations. Bifurcation instability and flexural-torsional buckling.

Matrix methods for stability of plane frames: Element stiffness matrix including geometric non-linearity. Assembly of non-linear stiffness equations of skeletal structures. The eigen-value problem and its solution in relation to elastic buckling of frames.

Concepts used in design standards such as amplification factor, effective length factor, equivalent moment factor, inelastic buckling and column-curves

Assessment:

Satisfactory performance is required in both of the following assessment aspects : An informal final examination (40% of final mark), covering the full content of the subject; continuous assessment (60% of final mark), in the form of class tests and assignments which are related to important topics and are designed to reinforce problem solving skills.

Textbooks: Nil

References:

  1. Chen W F & Lui E M, 1991, ‘Stability Design of Steel Frames’, CRC Press

  2. Chen W F & Lu E M, 1987, 'Structural Stability', Elsevier

  3. Dowling, Harding & Bjorhovde, 1992, `Constructional Steel Design, An International Guide', Elsevier

  4. Galambos T V, 1988, 'Guide to Stability design Criteria of Metal Structures', J Wiley & Sons

  5. Ghali A & Neville A M, 1989, `Structural Analysis, a Unified Classical and Matrix Approach' Chapman and Hall

  6. Hall and Kabaila, 1986, 'Basic concepts of Structural Analysis', Greenwich Soft.

  7. Horne M R & Merchant W, 1965, ‘The Stability of Frames’, Pergamon Press

  8. Jennings A & McKeown J J, 1992, ‘Matrix Computations’, John Wiley & Sons

  9. Kirby & Nethercot, 1979, ‘Design for Structural Stability’, Constrado Monographs

  10. Kollbrunner C F & Basler K, 1969, ‘Torsion in Structures - An Engineering Approach’, Springer, 2nd edition

  11. Parsanejad S, 1993, ‘Lectures on Design of Structural Members to AS4100-1000’, Ulti-Technique

  12. Bradford M A, Bridge R Q & Trahair N S, 1990, `Worked Examples for Steel Members’, AISC

  13. Petersen C, 1980, 'Statik und Stabilitaet der Baukunstruktionen', Vieweg

  14. Pilkey W D & Wuderlich W, 1994, ‘Mechanics of Structures - Variational and Computational Methods’, CRC Press

  15. Rockey K C, Evans HR, Griffiths DW & Nethercot DA, 1983, ‘The Finite Element Method - A Basic Introduction for Engineers’, BSP Professional Books

  16. Roik K, Carl J & Lindner J, 1972, ‘Biegetorsionsprobleme gerader duennwandiger Staebe’, Wilhelm Ernst & Sohn

  17. Simitses G, 1976, 'An Introduction to the Elastic Stability of Structures', Prentice Hall

  18. Standards Association of Australia, 1990, ‘AS 4100-1990 Steel Structures’, Standards Australia

  19. Standards Association of Australia, 1990, ‘AS 4100-1990 Supplement 1-1990 Steel Structures-Commentary’, Standards Australia

  20. Terrington J S, 1968, ‘Combined Bending and Torsion of Beams and Girders’, BSCA, Publication No. 31

  21. Timoshenko S & Gere J M, 1961, 'Theory of Elastic Stability', McGraw-Hill

  22. Trahair N S, 1993, ‘Flexural-Torsional Buckling of Structures’ E & FN SPON

  23. Trahair N S, Bradford M A, 1988, 'The Behaviour and Design of Steel Structures', 2nd ed. Chapman and Hall