Framework for structural mechanics learning

Learning for structural mechanics is somewhat different from learning for structural design because the processes involved are mainly determinate i.e. they tend to lead to unique outcomes.

Features of the framework include:

• Applications sheets: These are short examples of the use of structural mechanics in supporting engineering decision making. Applications have step by step calculations but do not contain in-depth commentary or explanation of theory. They can be used by teachers to introduce a topic and by learners for finding out how topics are used in practice.
• Key examples: worked examples that also give detailed explanations of the processes being used and definitions of the concepts.
• Videos to complement the written documents (only one presently availale – for Nodal Analysis).
• Explanations: pages explaining the theory/processes behind structural mechanics. These link to examples, application sheets or external resources.
• Exercises: Examples for practice that give solutions on a separate file.
• Dictionary providing concise definitions.
• Hyperlinking: extensive use is made of hyperlinks. This is demonstrated in the Nodal Analysis key example