Strength of Materials: Construction Tech. Yr 1

• This course outline is for the Department of Building Technology, Faculty of Built and Natural Environment at Takoradi Technical University.
• This is for the first semester of the 2024/2025 Academic Year
• The Course code is NBE 135, Strength of Materials.
• The class is BTech Construction Technology One.
• The course weight is 2 Credit Hours.
• The teaching approach includes lectures and practical exercises.

Course Rationale

• The course aims to help students understand the fundamentals of the strength of engineering materials and their use in construction.
• Building designs must meet certain legally backed standards for safety and functionality.
• Student engineers should understand the principles of safety and functionality, as they apply to building design.

Instructor Information

• Lecturer: Ing. Andrew Dowuona
• Status: Full Time
• Office: 3rd Floor, Oduro Block
• Phone/WhatsApp: 0243224491
• Email: [email protected]

Course Objectives

• Know and understand the mechanics of structural materials.
• Appreciate materials' stress and strain and the stress/strain curve.
• Appreciate the mechanical behaviors of materials.
• Identify and evaluate construction materials for engineering applications.
• Select suitable building materials for various structural components.

Topics

• Introduction to Structural Design
• Normal/Shear Stress
• Normal/Shear Strain
• Compound Bars
• Design Process and Stress Strain Curves
• Mechanical Behavior of Materials
• Deformations

Assignment and Description of Assignment

• Class Assignments: 20%
• In-class exams: 20%
• Mid-semester Exams: 20%
• End of Semester Exams: 40%
• Total: 100%
• Assessment methods include class attendance, contribution, in-class exams, quizzes, directed readings, mid-semester, and end-of-semester examinations.

Teaching Strategies

• Lectures, presentations, and practical assignments will be used.

Resources

• "Statics and Strength of Materials for Architectural and Building Construction" by Barry Onouye, Kevin Kane, Pearson, 2011.
• "Strength of Materials (For Polytechnic Student)" by S.S. Bhavikatti, Vikas Publication, 2014.

Course Calendar

• Weeks 1-2: Introduction to the course, lecturer, outlines, reference books, and design and factor of safety.
• Weeks 3-5: Direct Stress and Strain, including Normal Stress, Strain, thermal expansion coefficient, Stress/Strain Relationships, and calculations. Students will identify types of loads, stresses, and strains.
• Weeks 6-8: Shear Stress and Strain, including Poisson's Effect, Modulus of Rigidity, and related calculations. Students will understand shear stress and strain effects.
• Week 9: Mid-Semester Exams
• Weeks 10-11: Analysis of Plane Stresses
• Weeks 12-13: Mechanical Behavior of Materials, including deformation, elastic and plastic deformations, creep, fatigue, yield strength, classification, and selection.
• Week 14: Exams

Additional Information

• Grading Guidelines:
  • A+: 85 – 100
  • A: 80 – 84.99
  • B+: 75 – 79.99
  • B: 70 – 74.99
  • C+: 65 – 69.99
  • C: 60 – 64.99
  • D+: 55 – 59.99
  • D: 50 – 54.99
  • F: < 50

Course Instruction and Ethics

• Students should read topics before lectures and attend all lectures.
• Students should dress decently and avoid using cell phones during lectures.
• Reference materials will be provided.