The main aim of the course is to educate students on basic topics of structural mechanics - statics, whose understanding is also necessary for subsequent courses, such as strength of materials, analysis of structures, etc.

The subject matter of the course is to study the behavior of rigid solid bodies under various loading and support conditions, to understand the basic principles of design and analysis of simple structures and to analyze simple problems mainly analytically, but also utilizing simple engineering software.

Upon successful completion of the course, the student will be able to:

• Understand the basic principles of mechanics of rigid solid bodies.
• Analyze and deal with the basic issues and problems of structural mechanics in a simple and effective manner.
• Use experimental devices to measure the basic parameters (loads, stresses, etc) of simple beam and truss structures.

• Search, analyze and synthesize data and information, using the necessary technologies
• Adaptation to new circumstances and challenges
• Decision making
• Work autonomously
• Work in teams
• Design and manage projects
• Advanced, free, creative  and causative thinking

1. General principles  of  mechanics  of  structures. 
2. Force  and  moment  vectors. 
3. Equilibrium  of  a  particle.
4. Equilibrium of a rigid body.
5. Types of loads and supports.
6. Free body diagram.
7. Analysis of 2-D simple trusses, beams, frames and cables. 
8. Diagrams of internal forces and moments. 
9. Center of gravity and centroid. 
10. Friction and structural stability.
11. Analytical, experimental and computational case studies.

• Extensive use of Information & Communication Technology in teaching procedure
• Power point presentations
• E-class support (for teaching and students communication)
• Specialized software for simple structures.

Assessment Method

Ι. Written final examination (70%): Solution of characteristic problems related to lesson themes.

ΙΙ. Individual Projects (20%).

III. Laboratory exercises (10%).

• F.P. Beer, R.E. Johnston, D. Mazurek, E.R. Eisenberg, Statics, 11th  Edition, 2012. (Eudoxus code: 22694253)
• R.C. Hibbeler, Statics, 2010. (Eudoxus code: 4321)
• M. Kraige, Technical Mechanics,2013. (Eudoxus code: 33074320)