Module Catalogue 2024/25

Pre Requisite Comment

English Language to IELTS 6.0 or Pearsons 54 or equivalent. Satisfy progression or admission requirement for entry to Stage 2 on engineering degree programme by satisfactory completion of Stage 1 or equivalent at Level 4 normally with one year of prior study related to this topic.

Co Requisite Comment

None

Aims

To provide an understanding of the properties of timber, steel and concrete materials and their application in design and construction.
To introduce students to limit states design with special emphasis on the design of timber, steel and concrete structural elements.
To provide students with the essential theories and concepts that enables them to design simple structural elements in structural timber, steel, and reinforced concrete.
To introduce students to appropriate Codes of Practice (such as Eurocodes).

Summary:
Put simply, structural engineers design buildings and infrastructure for structural sufficiency. This module is the first in a series of structural design modules where students learn to do this. The module introduces students to the principles of limit states design and discusses the relevant limiting states and how these are derived. The module then describes the theory behind the structural models used to determine if a structure is structurally sound. In this module, design is limited to simple element design; however the relationship between element design and building system design is introduced. Construction issues are also discussed and some of these are demonstrated with a series of practical classes where full sized steel beams, concrete beams and steel columns are tested to destruction. Analyses of test results help to reinforce the theory. Finally, students are introduced to relevant Codes of Practice for designing structures.

Outline Of Syllabus

Material science, technology, and behaviour of timber, steel and concrete, introduction to reliability theory and the principles of limit state design, limiting states relevant for structural design of timber, steel and concrete structures, bending of reinforced concrete beams at service loads, bending of reinforced concrete at ultimate limit state, shear in reinforced concrete beams, concrete compression members. Steel tension members, steel compression members, steel members subjected to bending. Timber subjected to compression and timber subjected to bending

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

At the end of this module, students should:
- be able to describe the key concepts of materials science and technology in relation to timber, concrete and steel. C1
- identify the relevant limiting states and the load factors applicable to each limiting state. C1, C5
- be able to design an isolated timber beam in both shear and bending. C2, C3
- be able to design an isolated timber compression member C2, C3
- be able to design an isolated reinforced concrete beam in both shear and bending. C2, C3
- be able to draw the interaction diagram for an isolated reinforced concrete column. C2, C3
- be familiar with the method to calculate the deflection of reinforced concrete beams. C2,C3
- be able to identify the “class” (as described by Eurocode) of cross section and be able to describe the implication that this has on the use of such a section. C1, C5
- students will also be able to assess the influence of the distribution of bending moments on bending capacity of a beam. C1
- be able to select design solutions In timber, steel and reinforced concrete. C1, C2, C3
- obtain the fundamental parameters, method and process to perform basic structural design C1, C2, C3
- distinguish between the appropriate concepts and theories necessary to perform structural design C3

Intended Skill Outcomes

At the end of the modules, students will be able to:
- use Eurocode for the assessment of loadings and the design of timber, structural steelwork and reinforced concrete members C5
- design an isolated steel tension member, an isolated steel compression member and will be able to determine its effective length.
-be able to determine the effective length of a beam subjected to bending and will be able to design an appropriate section for a given moment
Be able to safely visit an engineering site with appropriate PPE and conduct themselves safely during the visit. C5, C12
Be able to conduct themselves safely in a laboratory situation, and to use the experience to understand engineering models for steel and concrete and the differences between theory and practice. C5, C12

In line with the requirements of the accrediting body students are expected to develop a professional attitude. To meet this skills outcome, participation will be required in core elements of this module.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

This subject is a professional, design type subject and as such the teaching tries to simulate a work environment as closely as possible. Teaching and learning is mainly through lectures and design examples. Students are encouraged to practise example problems at home and to do further reading. Solutions to these problems are given in the lectures. Practical classes help to introduce practical aspects of structural design and analyses of test results from these practical classes help to reinforce the theory. Small group teaching activities are run to give students the opportunity to further their understanding and solve examples.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The learning outcomes from this module are essential if students are to become chartered structural engineers. As such it is important that the material is not only understood, but can be quickly applied in a variety of situations. An exam is the best way of assessing if the students have achieved this. The practical work is meant to help students link the simplifying assumptions used in the design of steel and concrete elements with the real phenomena. Students are given time to do this then tested with formative feedback in practical session before being assessed via digital examination based on practical results.

The resit will be a 3 hour exam covering all elements of the module.

General Notes

N/A