Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/structures2
For anyone looking to deepen their understanding of structural engineering, Coursera’s ‘L’Art des Structures 2: treillis, poutres, dalles et cadres’ is an exceptional resource. Building upon the foundational knowledge likely gained from its predecessor, this course delves into the critical elements that form the backbone of modern construction.
From the sleek lines of bridges and pedestrian walkways to the imposing presence of high-rise buildings, factories, and stadiums, the principles of trusses, beams, slabs, and frames are omnipresent. This course expertly breaks down the functionality and basic design principles of these essential structural components.
The syllabus is meticulously structured, starting with a solid introduction to trusses and support forces, reinforcing the importance of grasping these fundamentals. You’ll then progress to solving various truss configurations, learning to calculate forces at supports and then systematically deriving forces within each member. The course doesn’t shy away from more complex analyses, introducing specific analysis techniques and the typology of different truss families, highlighting their unique properties. It also tackles towers and cantilevers, structures where loads often act parallel to the line connecting supports, offering a different perspective on force distribution.
Beams, a ubiquitous element in construction, are explored in depth. The course skillfully draws parallels between beam behavior and trusses, utilizing tools like ‘arcs-et-câbles’ and the ‘i-Cremona’ applet for rapid pre-dimensioning of reinforced concrete and steel beams. The complexities of beams with cantilevers, continuous beams spanning multiple sections, and even the load-bearing capabilities of shear walls are covered. A significant portion is dedicated to understanding floor systems, specifically grid structures and slabs, providing insights into determining minimum slab thickness – a crucial aspect of any building design.
Finally, the course addresses frames, which integrate columns and beams, explaining their behavior through the lens of arch principles. The critical concept of stability, particularly the phenomenon of buckling in compressed elements and methods to prevent structural collapse, is thoroughly explained. The inclusion of graded exercises throughout the syllabus ensures that learners can actively apply and test their understanding of these complex concepts.
‘L’Art des Structures 2’ is highly recommended for engineering students, practicing engineers, and anyone with a keen interest in the mechanics of structures. It provides a robust theoretical framework complemented by practical tools, making complex structural analysis accessible and understandable.
Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/structures2