Academic Catalogs

ARCH A280: Structures I

Course Outline of Record
Item Value
Eff Term Fall 2026
Curriculum Committee Approval Date 02/25/2026
Top Code 090100 - Engineering, General (requires Calculus) (Transfer)
Units 3 Total Units (Lecture Units 3)
Hours 54 Total Hours (Lecture Hours 54)
Total Outside of Class Hours 108
Total Student Learning Hours 162
Course Credit Status Credit: Degree Applicable (D)
Material Fee No
Basic Skills Not Basic Skills (N)
Repeatable No
Open Entry/Open Exit No
Grading Policy Standard Letter (S)

Course Description

This course provides students with an understanding of structural design and the relationship of structure to form, function and economics. Analysis of structural systems is used to compute static forces and stresses as well as the mechanical properties of materials. It introduces properties of structural members and truss design principles. PREREQUISITE: MATH A120 or MATH A170 or equivalent and PHYS A120 or PHYS A185 or PHYS A130 or equivalent. Transfer Credit: CSU; UC.

Course Level Student Learning Outcome(s)

  1. Demonstrate the ability to determine the internal and external forces and stresses acting on a structural system in static equilibrium.
  2. Demonstrate the ability to evaluate and select structural systems based on structural performance and economics.
  3. Demonstrate the ability to calculate reactions for beam/column/wall structural assemblies under different loading conditions.

Course Objectives

  • Demonstrate understanding of forces, loads on structures and structural members.
  • Demonstrate understanding of the magnitude and direction requirements for force-vectors and demonstrate ability to determine/calculate resultant force-vectors of multiple force vectors originating from a single point in 2D.
  • Demonstrate ability to recall various structural systems and demonstrate ability to select an appropriate structural system based on structural performance and economics.\\n
  • Demonstrate understanding of structural stability of the static equilibrium of a structure.
  • Demonstrate ability to determine forces in truss members.
  • Demonstrate understanding and ability to calculate reactions for beam/column/wall structural combinations based on load location and load types.\\n

Lecture Content

Fundamental Concepts

1.1.   Structural Systems

1.2.   Loading Conditions

1.3.   Center of Gravity

1.4.   Gravity as a Loading Condition


Statics

2.1.   Vectors and Forces

2.2.   Equilibrium involving only Forces

2.3.   Equilibrium involving Forces and Moments


Beams

3.1.   Simple Beam

3.2.   Internal Forces in Beams

3.3.   Analysis with Shear and Moment Diagrams

3.4.   Analysis with Graphical Method

3.5.   Continuous Beams

3.6.   Fundamentals of Cross-Sectional Properties


Trusses

4.1.   Fundamentals of Trusses

4.2.   Stability and Determinacy

4.3.   Analysis with Method of Joints

4.4.   Analysis with Method of Sections

4.5.   Analysis with Graphical Method


Mechanics of Materials

5.1.   Fundamentals of Mechanics of Materials

5.2.   Mechanical Stress and Strain

5.3.   Failure Mechanisms


Design Development

6.1.   Lateral Loads

6.2.   Lateral-Force-Resisting Systems

6.3.   Structural Materials

6.4.   Economics of Structures

Method(s) of Instruction

  • Lecture (02)
  • DE Delayed Lecture (02D)
  • DE Live Online Lecture (02S)
  • DE Online Lecture (02X)

Instructional Techniques

The instruction is done in face-to-face, synchronous or asynchronous format and include lecturing as well as coaching student groups through their various assignments and projects. Hands-on approach is emphasized throughout the course. Students can be asked to use computers and supplies during instruction times. Assignments and projects will be required throughout the semester.

Reading Assignments

Regular textbook reading assignments 1hour/week

Writing Assignments

Project Reports 1hour/week

Out-of-class Assignments

Problem Solving 4hours/week Group work Research Assignments

Study Non-Contact Hours Recommended

108

Methods of Student Evaluation

  • Midterm Exam
  • Final Exam
  • Projects (Individual/Group)
  • Problem Solving Exercises

Demonstration of Critical Thinking

- regular structures problems coordinated with lecture and textbook - analysis project - group work

Required Writing, Problem Solving, Skills Demonstration

- regular structures problems coordinated with lecture and textbook. - analysis project - group work

Resources Subscreen

  • Textbook: Anouye, B., Kane, K.. Statics & Strength of Materials for Architecture and Building Construction. Pearson (2012).

Eligible Discipline(s)

  • Architecture: Any bachelor’s degree and two years of professional experience, or any associate degree and six years of professional experience.