FAB2010 Structural Engineering
Intermediate · 1 credit · TMT - Trades, Manufacturing and Transportation
- Description
- Students investigate the nature of forces and structural materials and apply their findings to design and fabrication activities.
- Prerequisite
- FAB1010: Fabrication Tools & Materials
- Parameters
- Access to a fabrication work centre, complete with basic hand tools.
- Supporting courses
- FAB1100: Fabrication Principles
Outcomes The student will:
1 list and describe the principal characteristics of all structures
1.1 through the analysis of natural and fabricated (synthetic) forms, explain how:
1.1.1 structural elements provide both shape and support
1.1.2 structures are built to withstand forces of nature, applied loads and the weights of the structural components
1.1.3 loads applied to a structure generate forces that must be kept in balance
1.1.4 most structures are built with a margin of safety
1.2 identify, from natural and synthetic structures, examples of:
1.2.1 frame
1.2.2 shell
1.2.3 non-rigid structures
1.3 identify natural and synthetic structural materials that have good:
1.3.1 tensile strength
1.3.2 compressive strength
1.3.3 elasticity
1.4 list typical structural components that are used as:
1.4.1 linear elements, such as a beam
1.4.2 vertical elements, such as a column
1.4.3 non-rigid elements, such as a cable
1.5 explain the purpose of rigid and non-rigid materials that are used between linear and vertical elements; e.g., plywood and canvas
1.6 describe the advantages and disadvantages of non-rigid structures
2 identify strategies to improve the efficiency of a structure
2.1 show how triangulation is used to stabilize a truss and rectangular frame
2.2 show how internal forces are created to balance external loads
2.3 analyze an existing structure and redesign it to increase its efficiency by:
2.3.1 reducing weight yet maintaining strength
2.3.2 enhancing its durability and usefulness
2.3.3 reducing material and construction costs
3 apply principles of structural design to fabrication and construction activities
3.1 demonstrate the effects of moving a load close to or away from the neutral axis of a beam
3.2 compare the connecting limits of adhesive and cohesive materials and rigid fasteners
3.3 describe the effects of the following forces on a simple rigid structure:
3.3.1 compression
3.3.2 tension
3.3.3 shear
3.3.4 bending
3.3.5 twisting
3.4 demonstrate the effects one element has on another when it fails
3.5 fabricate a structure or component using common materials, tools and contemporary design principles
3.6 analyze and test a structure or component to determine its:
3.6.1 strength-to-weight ratio
3.6.2 cost efficiency
3.6.3 service and construction limitations
4 demonstrate basic competencies
4.1 demonstrate fundamental skills to:
4.1.1 communicate
4.1.2 manage information
4.1.3 use numbers
4.1.4 think and solve problems
4.2 demonstrate personal management skills to:
4.2.1 demonstrate positive attitudes and behaviours
4.2.2 be responsible
4.2.3 be adaptable
4.2.4 learn continuously
4.2.5 work safely
4.3 demonstrate teamwork skills to:
4.3.1 work with others
4.3.2 participate in projects and tasks
5 identify possible life roles related to the skills and content of this cluster
5.1 recognize and then analyze the opportunities and barriers in the immediate environment
5.2 identify potential resources to minimize barriers and maximize opportunities
Program of Studies 2009. Source document, © Alberta Education.