In this module you will continue your development as a civil engineer with further study of structural design. The module will focus on advanced code-based design of structures in reinforced concrete and structural steel. You will cover the concept of structural stability and learn about common mechanisms for achieving it in large scale structures. The module will also cover the design of common structural forms such as RC flat slabs, walls, and frames. You will learn methods of analysis and design for steel structures such as plate girders, portal frames and trusses. In line with industry practice all of your design work will follow relevant industry Eurocodes.

This module aims to give you a grounding in methods of analysis for both linear elastic and plastic modes of behaviour, and to help you gain an understanding of how engineers apply these methods to the design of real structures. It focuses particularly on steel and reinforced concrete. You will learn how, for this reason, simplified but realistic engineering approaches are required for design purposes. In addition, the module aims to help you appreciate the limitations of these methods and to understand the underlying philosophies of current professional Codes of Practice.

Discipline and Module Intended Learning Outcomes:

On successful completion of this module you should be able to:ILO #1: Describe in detail a range of structural theories and methods of analysis, and comprehend their relevance to real structures fabricated in steel and/or concrete E1

ILO #2: Demonstrate knowledge of the roles of Codes of Practice in industry

ILO #3: Execute appropriate structural analyses in the context of design problems and understand the reasons behind the choices of methods of analysis

ILO #4: Appreciate design synthesis and the importance of engineering judgement in the context of design within the civil engineering discipline

ILO #5: generate detailed structural designs in accordance with Codes of Practice E1, C1, C2

ILO #6: Communicate design intent through presentation of well documented calculations and sketches

ILO #7: Demonstrate familiarity with the terminology of modern design codes (e.g. Eurocodes) and the limit state design approach

ILO #8: Undertake independent studies

ILO #9: Communicate effectively (written and verbal) to a level appropriate to a graduate engineer with a Masters level qualification

Structural Analysis

• Review basic assumptions for linear elastic analyses:
• Moment distribution:
• Influence lines:
• Finite element analysis:
• Plastic methods for limit analyses:
   

Non-linear behaviour

• Non-linear material behaviour:
• Slenderness effects:
• Various forms of buckling:
• Perry-Robertson curves:

Limit state design

• Serviceability and Ultimate Limit State concepts (SLS and ULS, respectively):
• partial safety factors and their significance in terms of stochastic behaviour:

Steel structures

• Design of structural elements, e.g. columns, plates:
• Buckling with consideration for ULS:
• Connection design:

Reinforced concrete structures

• Design of slabs:
• Design of columns:
   

Prestressed concrete beams

• Forms and methods of construction of prestressed concrete beams:
• Stress diagrams and design for SLS:
• Magnel diagrams for zero tension and/or limited tension:
• Tendon profiles and load balancing with post-tensioning:

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 50%.

Reading list for this module: