Skip to main content
Unit of study_

CIVL6268: Structural Dynamics

This unit introduces the fundamental concepts and theory of dynamic analysis. In a first step, free vibrations are studied and the problem of determining the natural frequency of a system is addressed. This is followed by the study of harmonically excited vibrations. While initially systems with a single degree of freedom (SDOF) are considered, the theory is generalized to cover multi-degree of freedom systems. The theory is applied to explain how structures are designed against earthquake actions with specific reference to Parts 4 of the Australian loading standard AS1170 for determining earthquake loads. This unit will provide students with the following knowledge and skills: Understanding of the fundamental concepts and definitions used in structural dynamics; Ability to calculate the natural frequency of a system using equilibrium or energy methods; Ability to determine the effect of viscous damping on the response of a freely vibrating system; Ability to determine the response of a system to a harmonic excitation; Ability to apply AS1170 Part 4 in structural design against earthquake actions; Understanding of the fundamental concepts of earthquake engineering

Code CIVL6268
Academic unit Civil Engineering
Credit points 6
Prerequisites:
? 
None
Corequisites:
? 
None
Prohibitions:
? 
CIVL5268
Assumed knowledge:
? 
Students are assumed to have a good knowledge of fundamental structural analysis, which is covered in the courses of Structural Mechanics, Introduction to Structural Concepts and Design, Structural Analysis, and Finite Element Analysis

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. calculate the natural frequency of a system using equilibrium or energy methods
  • LO2. determine the effect of viscous damping on the response of a freely vibrating system
  • LO3. determine the response of a system to a harmonic excitation
  • LO4. apply AS1170 Part 4 in structural design against earthquake actions
  • LO5. demonstrate understanding of the fundamental concepts and definitions used in structural dynamics
  • LO6. demonstrate understanding of the fundamental concepts of earthquake engineering.