Module manager: Dr Francesco Pugliese
Email: F.Pugliese@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable
Year running 2026/27
CIVE2780 Structural Design and Materials
This module is not approved as a discovery module
Structural Analysis 1 develops the core analytical methods required to understand and predict the behaviour of beams, trusses and frames under static loading. The module builds on Level 1 structural mechanics and introduces students to the analysis of statically indeterminate structures, where equilibrium alone is not sufficient. Students will learn how to assess static indeterminacy, analyse continuous beams and frames using the moment distribution method, calculate displacements using the principle of virtual work, and apply flexibility and matrix stiffness methods to trusses, beams and frames. The module provides an essential foundation for later study in structural design, advanced structural analysis and computational modelling.
The objectives of this module are:
• To consolidate students’ understanding of equilibrium, compatibility, stability and static indeterminacy in beams, trusses and frames
• To develop students’ ability to analyse statically indeterminate structural systems using classical structural analysis methods
• To introduce and apply the moment distribution method for the analysis of continuous beams and plane frames
• To develop students’ ability to calculate structural displacements using the principle of virtual work
• To introduce the flexibility method for the analysis of statically indeterminate trusses and beams
• To introduce the stiffness method using matrix procedures for the analysis of trusses, beams and frames
• To develop students’ ability to assemble, solve and interpret structural analysis problems, including reactions, member forces, shear forces, bending moments and displacements
• To strengthen students’ analytical, mathematical and problem-solving skills in preparation for subsequent modules in structural design and advanced structural analysis
On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
1. Apply knowledge of mathematics and engineering principles to the solution of structural analysis problems, particularly the calculation of reactions, shear-force diagrams, bending-moment diagrams and member forces in beams, trusses and frames. [M1]
2. Formulate and analyse structural engineering problems to reach substantiated conclusions, particularly by assessing stability, static determinacy and degree of static indeterminacy in beams, trusses and frames. [M2]
3. Select and apply appropriate analytical techniques to model structural engineering problems, particularly the moment distribution method for continuous beams and no-sway plane frames. [M3]
4. Select and apply appropriate analytical techniques to model structural displacement problems, particularly the principle of virtual work for calculating displacements in truss structures. [M3]
5. Formulate and analyse structural engineering problems using engineering judgement and compatibility principles, particularly through the flexibility method for statically indeterminate trusses, including the selection of redundancies and formulation of compatibility equations. [M2, M3]
6. Select and apply appropriate computational and analytical techniques to model structural engineering problems, particularly the matrix stiffness method for beams and plane frames, including element stiffness matrices, global stiffness assembly, boundary conditions and recovery of member actions. [M3]
7. Apply an integrated or systems approach to the solution of structural engineering problems, particularly by relating structural idealisation, boundary conditions, equilibrium, compatibility, displacements and member actions in beams, trusses and frames. [M6]
8. Communicate effectively on structural engineering matters, particularly by presenting calculations, diagrams, assumptions, units, modelling choices and interpretation of structural analysis results clearly and logically. [M17]
On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
a. Apply analytical and mathematical problem-solving skills to structural engineering problems.
b. Use systematic modelling procedures to formulate and solve structural analysis problems.
c. Present structural calculations clearly and logically, including assumptions, diagrams, equations, units and interpretation of results.
d. Use matrix-based calculation procedures to analyse idealised structural systems.
e. Evaluate the reliability and reasonableness of calculated structural responses through equilibrium, compatibility and physical checks.
f. Manage independent study and coursework preparation through structured problem-solving activities.
This module builds on the fundamental principles of structural mechanics introduced at Level 1 and extends them to the analysis of statically indeterminate structural systems.
Indicative topics include:
• Introduction and recall of structural analysis fundamentals
• Structural idealisation of beams, trusses and frames
• Review of equilibrium, support reactions and internal force diagrams
• Stability, static determinacy and static indeterminacy
• Analysis of statically indeterminate beams, trusses and frames
• Moment distribution method for continuous beams
• Moment distribution method for plane frames
• Principle of virtual work for displacement calculation in beams
• Principle of virtual work for displacement calculation in trusses
• Flexibility method for statically indeterminate trusses
• Flexibility method for statically indeterminate beams
• Introduction to the stiffness method
• Matrix stiffness method for trusses
• Matrix stiffness method for beams
• Matrix stiffness method for plane frames
• Local and global coordinate systems
• Element stiffness matrices and transformation matrices
• Assembly of the global stiffness matrix
• Application of boundary conditions
• Solution for nodal displacements
• Recovery of reactions and member actions
• Interpretation and checking of structural analysis results
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lectures | 11 | 2 | 22 |
| Tutorials | 11 | 1.5 | 16.5 |
| Private study hours | 61.5 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 38.5 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 100 | ||
Students will receive formative feedback through tutorial problem sheets, worked examples, in-class discussion, individual consultation where appropriate, and topic-end low-stakes quizzes. These quizzes will be used as formative checkpoints to help students monitor their understanding of key concepts and to help the module leader identify areas where additional explanation or practice may be needed. Feedback from tutorials, quizzes and Coursework 1 will support students in preparing for Coursework 2 and the final examination.
Check the module area in Minerva for your reading list
Last updated: 24/09/2026
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