Module overview
This module covers the advanced design of reinforced concrete structures, prestressed concrete structures, steel-concrete composite structures and timber structures. For each of these structural typologies, the fundamental principles of structural behaviour and design requirements in the context of the Eurocode design codes are covered. Both the serviceability limit state and ultimate limit state design requirements are taught and practiced. The module provides an overview of the latest design approaches for decarbonising structures, including the assessment of the relative upfront embodied carbon impacts of the design.
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Transferable and Generic Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Communication through written reports.
- Use practical and workshop skills.
- Solve complex problems via idealisation and analysis.
- Apply critical analysis to engineering problems.
Knowledge and Understanding
Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
- The concept of structural sufficiency (strength and stiffness) in order to decarbonise structures.
- The appreciation of the structural behaviour of mass timber products from experimental tests.
- The design of structural members made of reinforced concrete, prestressed concrete, timber and composite materials, under a variety of limit state loading conditions, such as axial load, flexure, shear and torsion.
Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Identify the underlying structural mechanics which are used in design codes
- Understand the behaviour and design aspects of reinforced concrete, prestressed concrete, composite, and timber structures
- Apply theoretical principles of structural mechanics to a wide range of design situations.
- Apply the basic hierarchy of carbon impact reductions and efficiency.
Subject Specific Practical Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Carry out design calculations for complex practical design situations.
- Identify failure modes in mass timber structures
- Undertake embodied carbon assessment using existing tools.
- Undertake ultimate limit state calculations of reinforced concrete, prestressed concrete and composite structural elements
Syllabus
Part 1: Decarbonising Structures
Embodied carbon basics and decarbonisation hierarchy; Net-zero roadmaps to reduce carbon emissions of concrete, steel and timber; Introduction to the design of timber structures.
Part 2: Prestressed Concrete Design
Prestressing systems and devices; Analysis for flexure; Losses in prestress; Ultimate strength and design for flexure; Shear behaviour and design.
Part 3: Advanced Reinforced Concrete Design
Strut and tie method; Design of slender columns; Design of two way flat slabs; Design for torsion; Design of shear walls; Serviceability, crack width and deflection calculations.
Part 4: Composite Construction
General concepts; Composite beams; Composite slabs; Composite columns.
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
Teaching methods include:
- Lectures
- Tutorials
Learning activities include:
- Worked examples
- Tutorial questions
- Coursework
- Problem assignments
- Private study
PowerPoint slides, tutorial sheets and solutions, worked examples and pre-recorded videos available from the module Blackboard site.
Type | Hours |
---|---|
Specialist Laboratory | 1 |
Preparation for scheduled sessions | 24 |
Tutorial | 12 |
Wider reading or practice | 15 |
Lecture | 24 |
Independent Study | 36 |
Revision | 38 |
Total study time | 150 |
Resources & Reading list
Internet Resources
The Structural carbon tool - version 2.
Textbooks
Mosley, W. H., Hulse, R., & Bungey, J. H. (2012). Reinforced Concrete Design to Eurocode 2. Macmillan International Higher Education.
Collings, David (2013). Steel–concrete Composite Bridges: Designing with Eurocodes. ICE Publishing.
Gilbert R.I, Mickleborough, N.C., Ranzi, G. (2017). Design of Prestrestressed Concrete to Eurocode 2. CRC Press.
Collings, David (2010). Steel-concrete composite buildings: Designing with Eurocodes. London: Thomas Telford Ltd.
Hewson, Nigel R.v (2003). Prestressed concrete bridges: design and construction. Thomas Telford Publishing.
Assessment
Summative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
Method | Percentage contribution |
---|---|
Continuous Assessment | 50% |
Final Assessment | 50% |
Referral
This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.
Method | Percentage contribution |
---|---|
Final Assessment | 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 |
---|---|
Final Assessment | 100% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal & External