VALUE ADDED COURSE (VAC)
COURSE TITLE: MATLAB for Civil Engineering Applications
PREREQUISITES:
Basic knowledge of Structural Mechanics, Strength of Materials, and Structural
Analysis.
Familiarity with numerical methods and linear algebra.
COURSE DURATION:
30 Hours (Including Lectures, Practical Sessions, and Assessments)
COURSE OVERVIEW:
The “MATLAB for Structural Engineering Applications” value added course is
specifically designed for final year undergraduate students specializing in Structural
Engineering. MATLAB is a powerful computational and programming platform widely used
in engineering analysis, research, and design. This course introduces students to the
MATLAB environment and equips them with essential programming skills to solve structural
engineering problems efficiently.
The course focuses on developing practical understanding and problem-solving capabilities
through applications in structural analysis, finite element modeling, and basic structural
dynamics. Through hands-on sessions, students will simulate real-world problems such as
beam deflection, truss and frame analysis, and dynamic response of structures using
MATLAB. Emphasis is placed on matrix-based computation methods, numerical modeling,
and user-defined function development.
BENEFITS OF COURSE:
The program bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and computational application,
enabling students to model and analyze structures, perform simulations, and create custom
scripts for specialized tasks. By the end of the course, participants will gain a solid
foundation in MATLAB programming tailored to structural engineering, enhancing their
readiness for higher studies, competitive exams, and industry roles in structural design and
analysis. Following are specific benefits after successful completion of the course:
Industry-Relevant Skills
Gain hands-on experience with MATLAB, a widely used software tool in structural
design, research, and consultancy firms.
Application-Oriented Learning
Learn how to model, analyze, and simulate real-world structural problems such as
beams, trusses, and frames.
Enhanced Computational Skills
Strengthen numerical and matrix-based problem-solving skills critical for modern
structural engineering tasks.
Foundation for Finite Element Analysis (FEA)
Get introduced to the basics of FEM, laying the groundwork for advanced courses and
professional tools like ANSYS, ETABS, and SAP2000.
Support for Research and Projects
Develop coding capabilities to assist in project work, mini-thesis, or research-based
activities.
Boost for Higher Studies and Competitive Exams
MATLAB knowledge is advantageous for GATE, GRE, and postgraduate coursework
in computational mechanics and structural engineering.
Custom Script Development
Learn to write reusable and adaptable MATLAB scripts/functions for various
structural analysis problems.
Certification for Value Addition
Receive a course completion certificate to enhance your resume and academic
credentials.
Bridges Theory and Software Use
Connect textbook knowledge to practical software-based problem solving, aligning
with current industry expectations.
Improved Employability
Increases your chances of selection in design and consultancy roles that demand
knowledge of structural analysis tools and scripting.
OBJECTIVES:
1. To introduce MATLAB as a computational platform for solving structural engineering
problems.
2. To provide hands-on experience in matrix methods, numerical modelling, and
structural simulation using MATLAB.
3. To build student capability in developing user-defined scripts for analysis and design
of structural elements.
4. To enhance problem-solving skills relevant to structural analysis, design, and research
projects.
TARGET AUDIENCE:
This course is specifically designed for Final Year B.E. Civil Engineering Students
with a specialization in Structural Engineering
COURSE STRUCTURE AND COURSE PLAN:
Day wise schedule:
(Lecture Topic Name (Major Sub-Topic Name Reading Material or No. of
Number) Topic) Reference Hours
Lecture 1 Introduction to MATLAB Instructor-provided 1
interface, windows, and materials
command prompt
Lecture 2 Basic syntax, variables, data Instructor-provided 1
Module 1: types, and operations materials
Lecture 3 MATLAB Basics Matrix creation, indexing Instructor-provided 1
materials
Lecture 4 Plotting and visualization: 2D Instructor-provided 1
graphs materials
Lecture 5 Script files, live scripts, and basic Instructor-provided 1
programming structure materials
Lecture 6 Control statements: if-else, Instructor-provided 1
switch, loops materials
Lecture 7 User-defined functions and Instructor-provided 1
Module 2: function handles materials
Lecture 8 Programming in Solving equations and linear Instructor-provided 1
MATLAB systems materials
Lecture 9 Curve fitting using polynomial Instructor-provided 1
and custom models materials
Lecture 10 Numerical differentiation and Instructor-provided 1
integration materials
Lecture 11 Overview of structural modeling, Instructor-provided 1
DOF, supports materials
Lecture 12 Axial bar element and local Instructor-provided 1
stiffness matrix materials
Lecture 13 Global stiffness matrix assembly Instructor-provided 1
materials
Lecture 14 Module 3: 2D truss system coding and Instructor-provided 1
Structural Analysis analysis materials
Lecture 15 Fundamentals Plotting and visualization of Instructor-provided 1
trusses materials
Lecture 16 Beam element stiffness Instructor-provided 1
formulation materials
Lecture 17 Fixed and simply supported beam Instructor-provided 1
analysis in MATLAB materials
Lecture 18 2D frame modeling: nodes, Instructor-provided 1
elements, supports materials
Lecture 19 Frame analysis using MATLAB Instructor-provided 1
coding materials
Lecture 20 Load application: point loads, Instructor-provided 1
UDLs in MATLAB materials
Lecture 21 1D finite elements: bar and beam, Instructor-provided 1
shape functions materials
Lecture 22 Module 4: Finite Element matrix formulation and Instructor-provided 1
Element Method coding materials
Lecture 23 Basics Global assembly and applying Instructor-provided 1
boundary conditions materials
Lecture 24 Post-processing: displacement, Instructor-provided 1
stress, reactions materials
Lecture 25 SDOF systems: damping, free Instructor-provided 1
Module 5: and forced vibration materials
Lecture 26 Structural Time history analysis using Instructor-provided 1
Dynamics MATLAB materials
Lecture 27 Modal analysis: eigenvalues and Instructor-provided 1
mode shapes materials
Lecture 28 Group mini-project Instructor-provided 1
Module 6: implementation materials
Lecture 29 Applications and Code development and result Instructor-provided 1
Projects interpretation materials
Lecture 30 Presentation, feedback, and Instructor-provided 1
assessment materials
EXPECTED OUTCOME:
After completing this value-added course on MATLAB for Structural Engineering
Applications, students are expected to achieve the following outcomes:
1. Fundamental MATLAB Proficiency:
Gain a solid foundation in MATLAB programming, including syntax, matrix
operations, plotting, and script development tailored for engineering computations.
2. Understanding of Structural Analysis Concepts:
Develop a clear understanding of the stiffness matrix method, element formulation,
boundary conditions, and assembly of global systems.
3. Application of Programming in Structural Problems:
Apply MATLAB to solve structural engineering problems including axial force
members, trusses, beams, and 2D frames.
4. Dynamic Analysis Foundations:
Perform structural dynamic analysis such as time history and modal analysis for
SDOF systems using MATLAB functions.
5. Problem-Solving and Logical Thinking:
Enhance computational thinking and algorithm development skills by translating
structural engineering principles into working MATLAB scripts.
6. Project Development and Technical Presentation:
Work on mini-projects to model, analyse, and present structural systems using
MATLAB.
7. Readiness for Research and Industry Tools:
Build a strong foundation for advanced courses, research work, and application of
numerical tools in structural design and analysis tasks in industry.
8. Independent Learning and Lifelong Skill:
Acquire self-learning skills through coding, debugging, and visualizing, empowering
students to continue exploring computational tools in their professional careers.
ASSESSMENT METHODS:
1. In-Class Assessments:
Quizzes and hands-on MATLAB exercises during sessions to evaluate theoretical
understanding and programming skills, with immediate feedback and guidance.
2. Practical Assignments:
Application-based tasks involving MATLAB code development for structural analysis
problems such as trusses, beams, and frames, focusing on accuracy, logic, and code
structure.
3. Detailed Report and Presentation:
Submission of a comprehensive mini-project report along with a presentation
demonstrating the modeling, analysis, and interpretation of a structural engineering
problem using MATLAB.
COURSE MATERIALS:
Lecture notes and slide presentations
MATLAB software tutorials and user manuals
Access to case studies and real-world examples
Supplementary reading materials and relevant research papers
Enrolment:
This course is specifically designed for Final Year B.E. Civil Engineering Students
with a specialization in Structural Engineering
Certification:
Participants who successfully complete the course will receive a certificate of completion,
demonstrating their proficiency in using MATLAB for Civil Engineering Application
Certificate Template
Profile of Experts: Dr. Pankaj Kumar, an Assistant Professor at Chandigarh University,
having PhD in Structural Engineering from IIT Delhi. His research interests in Nonlinear
Mechanics including Seismic analysis. He also has expertise in MATLAB for computational
work in structural dynamics.
