UNIVERSITY AT BUFFALO

Department of Civil, Structural and Environmental Engineering

CIE 323: Structural Analysis
Fall, 2016
Lectures classes:

Tuesdays and Thursdays, 8:00 am-9:20 am, COOKE 121

Recitations /
Make-up classes:

Tuesdays 2:00 pm to 3:20 pm, NSC 215

Cancelled classes
Tuesday October 25
Thursday October 27
Tuesday November 22
Tuesday November 29

Special
class schedule:

Instructor:

Make-up classes
Tuesday September 6
Tuesday September 13
Tuesday September 20
Tuesday September 27

Andre Filiatrault, PhD, P. Eng., 134 Ketter, E-mail: af36@buffalo.edu

Teaching assistant: TBD, E-mail: TBD

Office hours:

Andre Filiatrault: Tuesdays and Thursdays: 10:00 am to 12:00 pm, KETTER 134
TA: TBD

Prerequisite(s):

EAS 209. Passing of prerequisites is required and enforced.

Course Dropbox:

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/h5h7lb745euvxyd/AADbz6X7nbDBjyaSh87NUL4ua?dl=0

Text:

REQUIRED NOTES
Class Notes, CIE 323 Downloadable pdf documents from the course Dropbox:
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/h5h7lb745euvxyd/AADbz6X7nbDBjyaSh87NUL4ua?dl=0

The class notes contain only partial information. The remaining information will
be provided in class only.

SUGGESTED REFERENCES
Hibbeler, R.C. (2014). Structural Analysis, 9th Edition, Prentice Hall, Upper
Saddle River, New Jersey.
Leet, K., Uang, C-M, and Gilbert, A. (2010). Fundamentals of Structural
Analysis, 4th Edition, McGraw Hill, New York.
Catalog Description: First of a two-course sequence required of all civil engineering students. CIE 323
introduces students to the basic techniques for analyzing common structural elements, including beams,
trusses, and frames. The course covers methods to analyze both statically determinate and indeterminate
structural systems including force and moment diagrams, influence lines and calculation of deflections.

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Course Objectives: CIE 323 introduces civil engineering students to the basic techniques for analyzing
the most common structural elements, including beams, trusses, frames, cables, and arches. The course
covers the classical methods of analysis for determinate and indeterminate structures, and provides an
introduction to computerized analyses of structures by the direct stiffness methods.
Course Learning Outcomes: Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
Course Learning Outcomes
1. Understand the phases of a construction
project, the relationships between design and
analysis; the various performance criteria of
a structure; the materials available to
structural engineers; and the various types of
modern structures.
2. Master planar statics.

SO
c, e, f, g, h, i, j

Assessment Tools
11 assignments, 1 midterm exam, 1 final exam

a, b, c, e, f, g, h, i, j, k

3. Draw quickly axial, shear and bending

moment diagrams.
4. Analyze statically determinate planar trusses.

a, b, c, e, f, g, h, i, j, k

5. Analyze statically determinate space trusses.

a, b, c, e, f, g, h, i, j, k

6. Analyze three-hinged arches.

a, b, c, e, f, g, h, i, j, k

7. Analyze suspended (cable) structures.

a, b, c, e, f, g, h, i, j, k

8. Apply energy methods to determine quickly

deflections of statically determinate
structures.
9. Analyze statically indeterminate structures
by the method of superposition (Force
Method).
10. Conduct quickly the approximate analysis of
rigid multi-story frames.
11. Determine Stiffness and Flexibility
Coefficients for elastic structures and
understand Bettie-Maxwells Theorem.
12. Understand the basics of the direct-stiffness
method for the automatic analysis of
statically indeterminate structures.

a, b, c, e, f, g, h, i, j, k

11 assignments, 1 midterm exam, 1 final exam

11 assignments, 1 midterm exam, 1 final exam
11 assignments, 1 midterm exam, 1 final exam
11 assignments, 1 midterm exam, 1 final exam
11 assignments, 1 midterm exam, 1 final exam
11 assignments, 1 midterm exam, 1 final exam
11 assignments, 1 midterm exam, 1 final exam

a, b, c, e, f, g, h, i, j, k

a, b, c, e, f, g, h, i, j, k

11 assignments, 1 midterm exam, 1 final exam

a, b, c, e, f, g, h, i, j, k

11 assignments, 1 midterm exam, 1 final exam

11 assignments, 1 midterm exam, 1 final exam

a, b, c, e, f, g, h, i, j, k

a, b, c, e, f, g, h, i, j, k

11 assignments, 1 midterm exam, 1 final exam

Contribution of CIE 323 towards fulfillment of Student Outcomes (SO):

(a) An ability to apply knowledge of science, mathematics and engineering
CIE 323 is a the first of a sequence of two structural engineering analysis course that builds upon the
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students background in structural analysis, calculus, differential equations, and linear algebra in such a
way that a linkage is formed between abstract mathematical concepts and physical problems common to
engineering practice. The notion that mathematics is an enabling technology (or language) for the solution
of physical problems is at the heart of the course. Students must also utilize engineering fundamentals to
analyze common statically determinate and indeterminate structural systems. Many new analysis techniques
are introduced to the student through the fundamentals of mathematics and mechanics, as covered in
introductory physics and mechanics courses required as part of the CSEE curriculum.
(b) An ability to design and conduct experiments, as well as to analyze and interpret data
The major contribution of the CIE 323 course is to teach the analysis of statically determinate structures.
Many of these analysis methods were developed to reproduce experimental results. Several of these
experiments and test methods are reviewed and analyzed in class and the interpretation of the data leading
to design formula are discussed in class.
(c) An ability to design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs within realistic constraints
such as economic, environmental, social, political, ethical, health and safety, manufacturability, and
sustainability
Real world design examples motivate most of the course. Frequently, case studies of practical design
work are undertaken as a means of instilling an understanding of the iterative nature of engineering design
as well as to instill in the students an understanding of the disciplined, reasoned thought process at the
heart of engineering problem solving and design. Design is an open ended problem, therefore, students are
taught to consider the most economical or optimal design solution.
(d) An ability to function on multi-disciplinary teams
Negligible contribution.

(e) An ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems

The in class example problems and homework assignments in CIE 323 are designed to encourage the
students to look at ill defined real world problems in a disciplined and structured fashion so that they
may apply their engineering knowledge (and emerging engineering judgment) to the meaningful solution
of the problem. These types of exercises are intended to develop the students confidence in order that
he/she will feel comfortable relying on their abilities as engineers when they begin practicing.
(f) An understanding of professional and ethical responsibility
CIE 323 includes the presentation and discussion of case studies related to engineering failures such as the
collapse of the Quebec Bridge in 1907. Specifically the burden of responsibility for analysis, initial design,
change orders, and as-built conditions are discussed. The issue of professional licensure is talked about
frequently as well. The students are continually counseled regarding the value of mastering the concepts
from CIE 323 in order to improve their chances of passing the FE exam. In addition, discussions regarding
who is legally permitted to perform engineering activities, as well as what the law considers to engineering
practice, are frequent throughout the course.
(g) An ability to communicate effectively
Because engineers frequently communicate via engineering calculations, a premium is placed on the
quality, order, neatness, and correctness of all computations performed as part of CIE 323. The students
are continually reminded that the quality of their engineering calculations is a statement of their regard for
their profession and colleagues.
(h) The broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global,
economic, environmental and societal context
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In so far as current affairs permit in a given semester, news from the world scene is brought into the
classroom within the context of whatever engineering issues appear germane to the Civil Engineering
profession.
(i) A recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in, life-long learning
The notion of Civil Engineering as an evolving profession requiring constant attention from the
practitioner in order that new techniques may be mastered and applied, as well as maintaining ones
existing knowledge base though refreshing, are emphasized during in class discussions.
(j) A knowledge of contemporary issues
In so far as current affairs permit in a given semester, news from the world scene is brought into the
classroom within the context of whatever engineering issues appear germane to the Civil Engineering
profession.
(k) An ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice
In CIE 323 students are taught how to solve engineering problems by hand in order to master all the technical
concepts before using state-of-the-art computer technology. However, the use of spreadsheet or simple Matlab
codes for formulating design examples are encouraged. Since design is an iterative process, spreadsheet has
most suitable applications in this course.

Relationship of Course to Student Outcomes (Course Assessment Matrix):

a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
i
3
1
2
3
1
3
1
1
Contribution Level: 3 = Substantial, 2 = Moderate, and 1 = Limited
Course
Requirements:

j
1

K
1

Assignments: The assignments must be solved individually, shall be neatly written

on engineering paper and shall be handed in on time (no exception). The first page
of each assignment shall include: the course No. and name (i.e. CIE 323 Structural
Analysis), the title of the assignment, the date, the student name r and a signature.
An assignment must be signed to be accepted. No late assignments will be
accepted.
Examinations: One 80-min mid-term examination and one 3-hr final examination
Attendance policies: Regular attendance to the lectures is necessary to maintain
pace with the lectures and the progress of the class but is not mandatory. Attendance
to the mid-term examinations is mandatory. Generally, if a student misses a midterm examination a score of zero will be awarded. However, if a valid reason for the
absence is presented (e.g. medical report with signature of a physician) to the
instructor at the next class meeting. The score of zero will be removed and the
percentage of the missed mid-term examination to the final mark will be reported to
the final examination.

Grading Policy:
Eleven On-time Individual Assignments
Mid-term Examination #1 (10/06/16)
Mid-term Examination #2 (11/03/16)
Final Examination
*
Class notes + anything written by yourself.

30%
15%
15%
40%

Open Notes*
Open Notes*
Open Notes*

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Exact cutoffs for specific grades will depend on the level of difficulty of exams and
homework assignments. These cutoffs will be determined once the final exam has
been graded. However, the cutoffs will not exceed the following:
Composite score Guaranteed grade
90%
A
80%
B
60%
C
50%
D
Grade I will be strictly limited to the circumstances for which the incomplete is
intended; namely, satisfactory work to date and legitimate inability to complete the
work
within
the
semester.
See
UB
policy
(http://undergradcatalog.buffalo.edu/policies/grading/explanation.shtml).

Academic Integrity: The University at Buffalo takes very seriously its commitment to principles of
academic integrity. Please review the UB policies regarding academic integrity regularly
(http://academicintegrity.buffalo.edu/policies/index.php). As an engineer, you have special ethical
obligations. As per the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE) Code of Ethics, engineers
shall avoid deceptive acts and shall conduct themselves honorably, responsibly, ethically, and lawfully
so as to enhance the honor, reputation, and usefulness of the profession. For additional information about
the procedures in place within the CSEE department, see the academic integrity section of the
departmental website (http://www.csee.buffalo.edu/undergraduate/current-students/academic-integrity/).
Accessibility Resources: If you require classroom or testing accommodations due to a disability, please
contact Accessibility Resources, located at 25 Capen Hall. Accessibility Resources can be reached by
phone at (716) 645-2608 or by email at stu-accessibility@buffalo.edu. Please inform me as soon as
possible about your needs so that we can coordinate your accommodations. For additional information, see
http://www.buffalo.edu/accessibility/index.php.
Individual and Group tutoring: The Instructor and Teaching Assistant provide individual tutoring five
times a week (for a total 8 hours per week) to assist students to understand the concepts involved and to
apply these concepts for solving engineering problems.
Prepared by: Prof. Filiatrault

Date: August 24th, 2016

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