Structural Engineering - 2023 entry

A good knowledge of the philosophies and techniques of structural design and analysis are essential elements of the training of civil engineers. In this module you will learn about these philosophies and techniques, and their application to the design of steel and reinforced concrete structures. In hands-on laboratory sessions, you will learn about factors such as elasticity, cracking, tensile strength, shear and flexure, through observation and analysis. You will get the opportunity to hone your skills in methods of structural analyses, technical report writing and presentation. In addition, the module emphasises the role of the Engineering Council's Code of Practice, the application of engineering judgment, and the execution of appropriate structural analyses in the context of design problems.

This module aims to introduce the design philosophies that underpin current professional codes of practice. It will consolidate and build on methods of analysis for linear elastic and plastic modes of behaviour, and illustrate how to utilise these methods for the design of simple structures using structural steel and reinforced concrete – the two materials that are common for civil/structural engineering applications despite their complex properties.

Discipline and Module Intended Learning Outcomes:

On successful completion of this module you should be able to:

ILO1: Demonstrate understanding of a range of structural theories and methods of analysis, and their relevance to real structures fabricated in steel and/or concrete and the roles of Codes of Practice.

ILO2: Execute appropriate structural analyses in the context of design problems and understand the reasons behind the choices of methods of analysis

ILO3: Design steel, concrete and composite (steel-concrete) structural elements according to limit state design principles of Eurocodes

ILO4: Appreciate design synthesis and the importance of engineering judgement in the context of design within the civil engineering discipline.

ILO5: explain the underpinning principles of the codes of practice and apply them to design steel and concrete structural elements

ILO6: design simple structural elements to appropriate technical detail offering relevant supporting calculations and drawings to support manufacture of the designed element.

ILO7: Undertake independent studies

ILO8: Communicate effectively through reports and detailed drawings

Whilst the precise content may vary from year to year, it is envisaged that the syllabus will cover all or some of the following topics:

Structural analysis

• Moment distribution as a simple iterative technique for carrying out a stiffness method:
• Plastic methods for limit analyses
• Non-linear aspects of material behaviour and slenderness effects:
• Perry-Robertson curves:

Limit state design

• SLS and ULS concepts:
• Partial safety factors and their significance in terms of stochastic behaviour:
• Steel plate girders:
• Stiffeners:
• Buckling with consideration for ULS
   

Reinforced concrete design

• Cracked elastic behaviour for SLS:
• Deflections & creep effects:
• Flexural and shear modes of failure for ULS:
• Plastic hinges & moment redistribution:
• Reinforcement detailing:

Steel-concrete composite design

• Flexural and shear behaviour:
• Shear connectors:
• Design for SLS and ULS

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

Reading list for this module: