Module overview
You will learn how to apply the theoretical principles of structural mechanics learnt during your first year to the design of real life structures. You will learn the fundamental aspects of steelwork design with an emphasis on buckling. The design of reinforced concrete beams will be covered, as well as the design of timber and masonry structures. The selection of appropriate materials is vital skill for practicing civil/structural engineers and you will learn the underlying science behind the structural performance and durability of the main materials used in the built environment. This will include an emphasis on steel metallurgy and welding.
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge and Understanding
Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
- The failure mechanisms that affect the design of individual structural components and frames
- Load types and load combinations applied during the design of structural members
- How materials function in service conditions in civil engineering
- The interaction between material properties and element performance in service
Subject Specific Practical Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Select materials for construction
- Recognise key failure mechanisms for steel, reinforced concrete, timber and masonry structural elements
- Discuss the use of common construction materials, including advantages and disadvantages
- Perform routine calculations to design structural elements
Transferable and Generic Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Accuracy of problem analysis and solving
- Ability to learn
Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Acquire the theory that underpins the design of the basic structural components
- Acquire ability to use learned information in a wide range of design situations
Syllabus
Materials in construction:
o Embodied energy and recycling of materials.
o The micro-structure of iron-carbon alloys .
o Engineering properties of steel.
o Selection of appropriate steel grades for different applications.
o Weldability of structural steels .
o Timber: sources, sustainability, soft and hard woods, structure of wood, properties and durability issues.
o Masonry - bricks and blocks, mortar.
o Bituminous materials - types, properties and uses.
o Material properties of polymers and fibre composites.
Calculation of design loads, moments and forces:
o Types of loading, load combinations and load paths.
o Limit state design and the use of partial safety factors.
o Quantification of design loads, moments and shear forces.
Design of steel structures:
o Introduction to basic modes of failure for steel structures.
o Elastic and plastic section moduli, classification of cross-sections and corresponding moment rotation behaviour.
o Calculation of the moment capacity of laterally restrained and laterally unrestrained beams from first principles.
o Steel members subjected to axial compression and bending moments.
Design of reinforced concrete structures:
o Design of members in bending, including doubly reinforced beams.
o Design of members in bending and compression.
o Design of shear reinforcement and calculation of the minimum area of steel.
o Bond and anchorage, and curtailment of reinforcement.
Design of timber structures:
o Design for flexure including bending, deflection, bearing and shear.
o Design of timber floor joists.
o Design of timber columns subjected to axial load and bending.
o Design of timber trusses, built-up timber members and flitch beams.
Design of masonry structures:
o Design of walls subjected to concentrated loads.
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
The module will include 3 lectures per week for 12 weeks. A range of design examples will be presented to explain the application of the theory to real design situations. An extensive range of tutorial questions will be provided for each topic and these will be accompanies with solution sheets which will enable you to practice and develop your understanding during your own private study time in preparation for the examination.
| Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Follow-up work | 9 |
| Lecture | 36 |
| Revision | 54 |
| Preparation for scheduled sessions | 60 |
| Total study time | 159 |
Assessment
Assessment strategy
Repeat year method - as per Referral Method.
Summative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Final Assessment | 50% |
| Continuous Assessment | 50% |
Referral
This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Set Task | 100% |
Repeat
An internal repeat is where you take all of your modules again, including any you passed. An external repeat is where you only re-take the modules you failed.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Set Task | 100% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal & External