EPOKA UNIVERSITY
FACULTY OF ARCHITECTURE AND ENGINEERING
DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING
COURSE SYLLABUS
2025-2026 ACADEMIC YEAR
COURSE INFORMATIONCourse Title: ENGINEERING MECHANICS I |
| Code | Course Type | Regular Semester | Theory | Practice | Lab | Credits | ECTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CE 132 | B | 2 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 6 |
| Academic staff member responsible for the design of the course syllabus (name, surname, academic title/scientific degree, email address and signature) | Prof.Dr. Hüseyin Bilgin hbilgin@epoka.edu.al |
| Main Course Lecturer (name, surname, academic title/scientific degree, email address and signature) and Office Hours: | M.Sc. Bredli Plaku bplaku@epoka.edu.al , By appointment |
| Second Course Lecturer(s) (name, surname, academic title/scientific degree, email address and signature) and Office Hours: | NA |
| Language: | English |
| Compulsory/Elective: | Compulsory |
| Study program: (the study for which this course is offered) | Bachelor in Civil Engineering (3 years) |
| Classroom and Meeting Time: | |
| Teaching Assistant(s) and Office Hours: | NA |
| Code of Ethics: |
Code of Ethics of EPOKA University Regulation of EPOKA University "On Student Discipline" |
| Attendance Requirement: | 60% theoretical sessions and 75% practical sessions |
| Course Description: | Introduction to rigid body mechanics. Equivalent force systems: Concepts of moment, couple, resultant. Equilibrium: Free-body diagram; equations of equilibrium. Structural analysis: Trusses; beams. Shear force and bending moment diagrams by method of sections and by method of integration. Properties of surfaces: Area moment and centroid; moments and product of inertia; principal directions. |
| Course Objectives: | Provide students with a foundational understanding of rigid body mechanics. Students will learn to distinguish between scalar and vector quantities, applying vector operations to analyse equivalent force and couple systems in both two- and three-dimensional space. A central focus is placed on establishing static equilibrium through the rigorous use of free-body diagrams. Furthermore, the course aims to develop proficiency in structural analysis, specifically evaluating trusses using the methods of joints and sections, as well as determining internal shear forces and bending moments in beams. Finally, students will master the calculation of geometric surface properties, including centroids, area moments of inertia, and principal directions, which serve as essential prerequisites for subsequent engineering design courses. |
|
BASIC CONCEPTS OF THE COURSE
|
| 1 | Rigid Body Mechanics |
| 2 | Vectors and Force Resolution |
| 3 | Equivalent Force Systems |
| 4 | Moments and Couples |
| 5 | Free-Body Diagrams |
| 6 | Static Equilibrium |
| 7 | Structural Analysis (Trusses and Frames) |
| 8 | Internal Beam Forces |
| 9 | Centres of Gravity and Centroids |
| 10 | Moments of Inertia |
|
COURSE OUTLINE
|
| Week | Topics |
| 1 | Introduction to Rigid Body Mechanics: Fundamental concepts and principles of mechanics. Systems of units and problem-solving methods. Literature: Beer et al. 2015. Ch. 1, pp. 1–14. |
| 2 | Statics of Particles: Addition of planar forces and forces in space. Concepts of forces and equilibrium in both two-dimensional and three-dimensional space. Literature: Beer et al. 2015. Ch. 2, pp. 15–81. |
| 3 | Equivalent Force Systems: Introduction to rigid bodies. Understanding forces, resultant forces, and the concept of moments about an axis. Literature: Beer et al. 2015. Ch. 3, pp. 82–119. |
| 4 | Equivalent Force Systems: Couples and force-couple systems. Simplifying systems of forces to a single force and couple. Literature: Beer et al. 2015. Ch. 3, pp. 120–168. |
| 5 | Equilibrium of Rigid Bodies: The concept of the free-body diagram. Equations of equilibrium in two dimensions and special cases. Literature: Beer et al. 2015. Ch. 4, pp. 169–203. |
| 6 | Equilibrium of Rigid Bodies: Advanced applications of free-body diagrams. Equations of equilibrium in three dimensions. Literature: Beer et al. 2015. Ch. 4, pp. 204–229. |
| 7 | Properties of Surfaces (Centroids): Distributed forces. Calculating planar centres of gravity, centroids of areas, and further considerations of centroids. Literature: Beer et al. 2015. Ch. 5, pp. 230–272. |
| 8 | Structural Analysis (Trusses): Introduction to structural analysis. Analysing trusses using the method of joints and other truss analyses. Literature: Beer et al. 2015. Ch. 6, pp. 297–329. |
| 9 | Midterm Examination: Comprehensive assessment covering weeks 1 through 8. |
| 10 | Structural Analysis (Frames): Analysing frames and machines to determine internal and external forces. Literature: Beer et al. 2015. Ch. 6, pp. 330–366. |
| 11 | Internal Forces and Beams: Determining internal forces in members. Introduction to beams. Literature: Beer et al. 2015. Ch. 7, pp. 367–390. |
| 12 | Shear and Bending Moment Diagrams: Evaluating relations among load, shear, and bending moment. Generating shear force and bending moment diagrams by method of sections and method of integration. Literature: Beer et al. 2015. Ch. 7, pp. 391–428. |
| 13 | Properties of Surfaces (Area Moments of Inertia): Distributed forces. Calculating moments of inertia of areas and applying the parallel-axis theorem for composite areas. Literature: Beer et al. 2015. Ch. 9, pp. 485–512. |
| 14 | Properties of Surfaces (Principal Directions): Understanding the transformation of moments of inertia and determining principal directions using Mohr's Circle for moments of inertia. Literature: Beer et al. 2015. Ch. 9, pp. 513–528. |
| Prerequisite(s): | Calculus I • General Physics I |
| Textbook(s): | Beer FP, Johnston ER, Mazurek DF, Eisenberg ER, Cornwell PJ. Vector Mechanics for Engineers: Statics and Dynamics. 11th ed. New York (NY): McGraw Hill; 2015. ISBN: 978-0073398242. |
| Additional Literature: | Hibbeler RC. Engineering Mechanics: Statics in SI Units. 14th ed. Harlow (UK): Pearson; 2016. ISBN: 978-1292089232. |
| Laboratory Work: | |
| Computer Usage: | Students may use standard spreadsheet software to assist with tabular calculations. |
| Others: | No |
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COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES
|
| 1 | Define the fundamental concepts of rigid body mechanics, including Newton's laws of motion and standard systems of units. |
| 2 | Apply trigonometric laws and vector operations to perform the addition, resolution, and equilibrium analysis of two- and three-dimensional force systems. |
| 3 | Calculate the moment of a force about a specified point and axis and define the characteristics and moment of a couple. |
| 4 | Determine equivalent force systems by simplifying complex systems of forces and couples acting on a rigid body into a single resultant force and couple moment. |
| 5 | Construct accurate free-body diagrams of real-world structural problems to evaluate the static equilibrium of rigid bodies in both two and three dimensions. |
| 6 | Analyse the internal forces in planar truss structures using the method of joints and the method of sections. |
| 7 | Evaluate the internal and external reactive forces in frames and multi-part machines using the principles of static equilibrium. |
| 8 | Compute the location of the centre of gravity and centroids for arbitrary and composite areas, including applications to generally distributed loadings. |
| 9 | Determine internal forces in beams and construct comprehensive shear force and bending moment diagrams using both the method of sections and the method of integration. |
| 10 | Calculate area moments of inertia and products of inertia for composite surfaces, apply the parallel-axis theorem, and determine principal directions using Mohr's Circle. |
|
COURSE CONTRIBUTION TO... PROGRAM COMPETENCIES
(Blank : no contribution, 1: least contribution ... 5: highest contribution) |
| No | Program Competencies | Cont. |
| Bachelor in Civil Engineering (3 years) Program | ||
| 1 | an ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering | 5 |
| 2 | an ability to design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs | - |
| 3 | an ability to function on multidisciplinary teams | 3 |
| 4 | an ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems | 4 |
| 5 | an understanding of professional and ethical responsibility | 2 |
| 6 | an ability to communicate effectively | 4 |
| 7 | the broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global and societal context | 4 |
| 8 | a recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in life long learning | 3 |
| 9 | a knowledge of contemporary issues | - |
| 10 | an ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice | 3 |
| 11 | skills in project management and recognition of international standards and methodologies | - |
|
COURSE EVALUATION METHOD
|
| Method | Quantity | Percentage |
| Midterm Exam(s) |
1
|
30
|
| Quiz |
2
|
10
|
| Laboratory |
1
|
20
|
| Final Exam |
1
|
30
|
| Total Percent: | 100% |
|
ECTS (ALLOCATED BASED ON STUDENT WORKLOAD)
|
| Activities | Quantity | Duration(Hours) | Total Workload(Hours) |
| Course Duration (Including the exam week: 16x Total course hours) | 16 | 4 | 64 |
| Hours for off-the-classroom study (Pre-study, practice) | 16 | 4.875 | 78 |
| Mid-terms | 1 | 2 | 2 |
| Assignments | 2 | 2 | 4 |
| Final examination | 1 | 2 | 2 |
| Other | 0 | ||
|
Total Work Load:
|
150 | ||
|
Total Work Load/25(h):
|
6 | ||
|
ECTS Credit of the Course:
|
6 | ||
|
CONCLUDING REMARKS BY THE COURSE LECTURER
|
|
As your lecturer, my most practical advice is to engage consistently with the practice problems. Please keep in mind that the real-world structures you will analyse are never as perfectly idealised as they are on paper. The analytical methods we use are vital tools, but they are no substitute for developing sound engineering judgement. Finally, I expect strict adherence to the Code of Ethics. Your submitted work must be entirely your own. |