Far Eastern University May 2021

Institute of Architecture and Fine Arts

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LECTURE READING 2: COURSE INTRODUCTION

This course is an introduction to learning and applying the principles required to solve architectural and
engineering mechanics problems with emphasis to statics. Concepts will be applied in this course from previous
courses you have taken in basic math and physics. The course addresses the analysis of static equilibrium problems
with an emphasis on real world engineering applications and problem solving.

Let us start with the definition of MECHANICS.

Mechanics is the study of forces that act on bodies and the resultant motion that those bodies experience.
Mechanics subject involves the application of the principles of forces to solve real-time architecture and engineering
problems. Mechanics can be broadly classified into two types: statics and dynamics. Statics is a branch of
mechanics which studies the effects and distribution of forces of rigid bodies which are and remain at rest. In this
area of mechanics, the body in which forces are acting is assumed to be rigid. The deformation of non-rigid bodies is
treated in Strength of Materials. Dynamics is the branch of mechanics that deals with the study of objects in motion
and the forces causing such motion. Since our subject is SRIBOD or Study of Rigid Bodies, so we will be only
dealing with Statics.
In Statics of Rigid Bodies what do you mean by rigid bodies? Rigid bodies are bodies that does no deform.
Is there such thing as a material that does not deform or rigid? There is no material that does not deform even
diamond which is the hardest rock can be cut into pieces so diamond also deforms. Thus, Statics of Rigid Bodies is
not a realistic subject but the process and computation that you performed in this subject is so important when you
study the more realistic structural subjects.

In studying Statics of Rigid Bodies, you must have knowledge of the following basic structural mathematics.
 Far Eastern University May 2021
Institute of Architecture and Fine Arts
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BASIC STRUCTURAL MATHEMATICS

A. RIGHT TRIANGLE

where: a = altitude

c a b = base

c = hypothenuse

ϴ ϴ = angle

1) Area = ½ ba

2) Trigonometric functions

sin ϴ = a/c

cos ϴ = b/c

tan ϴ = a/b

3) Pythagorean Theorem

c2 = a2 + b2

c = √𝑎# + 𝑏#

4) center of gravity

x = b/3

y = a/3

B. RECTANGLE

a
b

1) Area = ba

2) Center of gravity

x = b/2

y = a/2
 Far Eastern University May 2021
Institute of Architecture and Fine Arts
___________________________________________________________________________

C. CIRCLE
r

1) Area = πr2 = πD2/4

VECTORS AND SCALARS

Scalars possess only magnitude and unit example are time, volume, density, speed, energy, mass. Vectors
possess magnitude, unit and direction examples are displacement, velocity, acceleration, force, moment,
momentum

Before we talk about forces, let us discuss first what systems of unit we will be using in this course.

I. SI Units (Systeme International d’Unites) – This is the system of units specified in

the Philippines.

A. SELECTED SI UNITS

QUANTITY Name SI Symbol

Force Newton N ( 1 N = 1 kg. m/s2 )

Length meter m
Mass kilogram kg
Moment Newton meter N.m
o
Plane angle degree
Radian rad
Rotational frequency revolution r/s
per second
Stress (pressure) pascal Pa ( 1 Pa = 1 N/m2 )
( 1 KPa = 1 KN/m2 )
( 1 MPa = 1 N/mm2 )
o
Temperature degree Celcius C
Time second s

B. COMMONLY USED SI PREFIXES

Multiplying Factor Prefix SI Symbol

109 giga G
106 mega M
103 kilo k
10-3 milli m
10-6 micro µ
10-9 nano n
 Far Eastern University May 2021
Institute of Architecture and Fine Arts
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C. SELECTED RULES FOR SI UNITS (to be followed for online assessment)

1. Care must be taken to use the correct case for symbols, units and prefixes (e.g., m for meter or milli, M
for mega).
2. For numbers having five or more digit, the digits should be placed in groups of three separated by a
space, counting both to the left and to the right of the decimal point (e,g., 82 345.678 09). The space is
not required for four-digit numbers. Spaces are used instead of commas to avoid confusion.
3. In compound units formed by multiplication, use the product dot (e.g., N.m).
4. Division may be indicated by a solidus (m/s) or a negative exponent with a product dot (e.g., m.s-1).
5. Avoid the use of prefixes in the denominator (e.g., km/s is preferred over m/ms). The exception to this
rule is the prefix k in the base unit kg (kilogram).

II. English Unit (US Customary Units) This system of units is used in USA.
QUANTITY Name USCU Symbol SI Equivalent

Force pounds lb 4.448 N

Kip kip 1000 lbs = 4.448 kN
Length foot ft 0.3048 m
Inch in 25.40 mm
mile mi 1.609 km
Stress (pressure) lb/ft2 psf 47.88 Pa
lb/in2 psi 6.895 kPa