Study information

Structural Behaviour - 2023 entry

MODULE TITLEStructural Behaviour CREDIT VALUE15
MODULE CODEENG2012 MODULE CONVENERDr Andres Felipe Alonso Rodriguez (Coordinator)
DURATION: TERM 1 2 3
DURATION: WEEKS 11
Number of Students Taking Module (anticipated) 160
DESCRIPTION - summary of the module content

This module builds on the mechanics component of Fundamentals of Mechanics, Materials and Electronics in first year and Solid Mechanics in second year. You will further your understanding of structural analysis and its importance to engineering design. You will develop cornerstone skills, essential for civil, structural and mechanical engineers. You will enhance your mathematical analysis skills and develop ability to perform linear elastic analysis of beams and 2D frame structures both quantitatively and qualitatively. You will explore techniques underpinning structural analysis including strain energy, virtual work, and flexibility methods. You will also investigate instability and plastic collapse mechanisms of simple structures. You will further develop your experimental skills and awareness of health and safety practice within engineering.

AIMS - intentions of the module

This module addresses topics that are essential to the design and understanding of the behaviour of engineering structures under static loading. The module will provide a mathematical basis for quantitative analysis (including calculating internal forces, reactions, deflections, rotations, buckling capacity and plastic collapse) as well as qualitative analysis of beams and frames. It will lay the foundations for more advanced structure design modules.

INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES (ILOs) (see assessment section below for how ILOs will be assessed)

Discipline and Module Intended Learning Outcomes:
On successful completion of this module, you should be able to:

ILO.1 - Explain and utilise strain energy methods

ILO.2 - Calculate the critical buckling load for struts under compression

ILO.3 - Evaluate the maximum plastic moment of beams with simple cross sections (rectangular or I-beams)

ILO.4 - Estimate the plastic collapse load of simple 2D structures

ILO.5 - Perform qualitative structural analysis of beams and 2D frame structures

ILO.6 - Calculate the deflection in statically determinate and indeterminate prismatic and non-prismatic beams

ILO.7 - Use virtual work to find unknown reactions, bending moments, deflections and rotations in statically determinate 2D structures

ILO.8 - Employ the flexibility method to find bending moments in statically indeterminate 2D structures

ILO.9 - Demonstrate an ability to make appropriate assumptions to model real-life engineering problems

ILO.10 - Demonstrate improved experimental skills and awareness of health and safety practice in laboratory classes

ILO.11 - Show increased ability with mathematical analysis and in particular its application to solving problems

ILO.12 - Illustrate developed problem solving and presentation skills
 

 


 

SYLLABUS PLAN - summary of the structure and academic content of the module

1: Static (in)determinacy:
 
Linear elastic analysis of statically (in)determinate beams and 2D frames
 
2: Qualitative structural analysis of beams and 2D frames:
 
Linear elastic analysis of statically (in)determinate beams and 2D frames
 
3: The flexibility method for solving bending moment diagrams:
 
Linear elastic analysis of statically (in)determinate beams and 2D frames
 
4: Calculating deflections of prismatic and non-prismatic beams: use of direct integration method (including Macaulay’s notation)  and virtual work method
 
Linear elastic analysis of statically (in)determinate beams and 2D frames
 
5: Strain energy methods and Castigliano’s theorem:
 
Linear elastic analysis of statically (in)determinate beams and 2D frames
 
6: Virtual work:
 
Linear elastic analysis of statically (in)determinate beams and 2D frames
 
7: Yielding:
 
Plasticity analysis
 
8: Elasto-plastic analysis (yield moment, plastic moment, plastic modulus):
 
Plasticity analysis
 
9: Plastic hinges and plastic collapse of beams:
 
Plasticity analysis
 
10: The uniqueness, the lower bound and the upper bund theorems:
 
Plasticity analysis
 
11: Plastic collapse of 2D frame structures:
 
Plasticity analysis
 
12: Stable and unstable equilibria:
 
Instability and buckling analysis
 
13: Euler’s buckling of a pin-ended strut:
 
Instability and buckling analysis
 
14: Buckling of struts with other end conditions:
 
Instability and buckling analysis
 
15: Effective length concept:
 
Instability and buckling analysis
 
16: Effect of initial imperfections:
 
Instability and buckling analysis
 
17: Introduction to other forms of buckling such as lateral-torsional buckling of beams:
 
Instability and buckling analysis
LEARNING AND TEACHING
LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS (given in hours of study time)
Scheduled Learning & Teaching Activities 39 Guided Independent Study 111 Placement / Study Abroad
DETAILS OF LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS
Category Hours of study time Description
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities 27 Lectures
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities 10 Tutorials
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities 2 Laboratory
Guided Independent Study 111 Reading lecture notes; working exercises

 

ASSESSMENT
FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT - for feedback and development purposes; does not count towards module grade

Non-compulsory Progress Tests (5-8 in total) will be issued at various points during the module delivery, to complete in own time shortly after issuing. Written feedback will be provided for each submission.

SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT (% of credit)
Coursework 15 Written Exams 85 Practical Exams
DETAILS OF SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT
Form of Assessment % of Credit Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) ILOs Assessed Feedback Method
Exam 85 2.5 hours (Summer) 1-9, 11  
Coursework - laboratory report 15 6 hours 3, 4, 9-12  

 

DETAILS OF RE-ASSESSMENT (where required by referral or deferral)
Original Form of Assessment Form of Re-assessment ILOs Re-assessed Time Scale for Re-reassessment
All above Exam (100% - 2.5 hours) All Referral/deferral period

 

RE-ASSESSMENT NOTES

Reassessment will be by a single written exam only worth 100% of the module. For deferred candidates, the mark will be uncapped. For referred candidates, the mark will be capped at 40%.

RESOURCES
INDICATIVE LEARNING RESOURCES - The following list is offered as an indication of the type & level of
information that you are expected to consult. Further guidance will be provided by the Module Convener

Reading list for this module:

There are currently no reading list entries found for this module.

CREDIT VALUE 15 ECTS VALUE 7.5
PRE-REQUISITE MODULES None
CO-REQUISITE MODULES None
NQF LEVEL (FHEQ) 5 AVAILABLE AS DISTANCE LEARNING No
ORIGIN DATE Friday 27th January 2023 LAST REVISION DATE Wednesday 4th October 2023
KEY WORDS SEARCH structural analysis, elastic behaviour, elasto-plastic behaviour, buckling, virtual work, strain energy, flexibility method

Please note that all modules are subject to change, please get in touch if you have any questions about this module.