Section outline

  • This unit I focuses on the introduction to Mechanics, force systems, equilibrium of particles and bodies, truss analysis, friction and its application in engineering, properties of areas and the importance of geometry and positioning in Civil Engineering including Transportation Engineering.

     

    ILOs:

    At the end of this unit, you will be able to:

    1. Describe a force, a particle and a structure such as plane truss. In addition,

        you will be able to describe the effects of a force on particles, rigid bodies

        and different force systems

    2. Understand the basic principles of Mechanics and the basics of equilibrium

        in Mechanics

    3. Apply data to the solution of Mechanics of Materials problems

    4. Understand the importance of positioning and referencing in Mechanics,

        apply various theorems and principles involved in solving problems related

        to plane surfaces, understand the concept of friction, analyse a given

        scenario and produce a free body diagram (FBD), and understand  

        different methods used for solving problems related to plane truss analysis

     

    Learning resources

    1. Read carefully the attached lecture notes

    2. Read the relevant parts of various reference books attached on this course

    3. Re-do yourself various solved examples available in the attached lecture notes

    4. Solve different relevant tutorials attached on this course

    • Lecture 1 - 7 Folder
      Students must
      Mark as done
    • Assignment 1
      Students must
      Mark as done


      Instructions:

       1. You should work in small groups of students, and please do not exceed

          the maximum number of 7 students for each group.

      2. The report should be simple, concise and clean.

      3. Present your work in a legible writing and organized format.

      4. Submit the soft copies on phabimana@ur.ac.rw by 10:59 AM on

          03/03/2025.

      5. Under no circumstances a late submission can be accepted.

      6. Submit the hard copies by 10:59 AM in class (Muhazi – 0R05).