Module Catalogue 2024/25

Pre Requisite Comment

None

Co Requisite Comment

None

Aims

The aim of this module is to:
develop skills in problem solving, with special emphasis on the design of earthquake resistant
structures.
develop the ability to choose efficient structural systems and structural layouts.
design structures to resist extreme loadings such as earthquake loadings.
Summary:
Designing structures to resist seismic loads is probably the most challenging area of structural
engineering. Not only is the magnitude of the forces generated by an earthquake the largest that
the building is likely to experience, but they are also much more destructive, much more
unpredictable and much more difficult to characterize. For these reasons earthquakes cause
tremendous damage to life and infrastructure even in countries that have modern construction codes
and practices. This module introduces students to seismicity and to the dynamics that are relevant
to the design of buildings.

Outline Of Syllabus

Lectures, project based learning, example classes and design exercises will be used to cover the
following areas:
Introduction to earthquake engineering, case studies of previous earthquakes, seismicity, introduction
to structural dynamics, principles of earthquake resistant design, introduction to Eurocode 8 and
earthquake loadings, quasi static load approach, response spectrum methods, response history
analysis, serviceability and ultimate limit states for structures in seismic regions, soil characterisation
for seismic design, liquefaction and response of granular materials to dynamic forces, amplification of
ground motions and response of cohesive materials to dynamic forces, introduction to high-rise
building design, financial considerations for high-rise buildings, influence of other consultants on the
design process, structural systems for high-rise buildings, structural engineering software, computer
modelling of high-rise buildings and presentation of results, Design and detailing of seismic resistant
members and connections for reinforced concrete and steel structures, tsunami.

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

The module provides opportunities for students to be able to:
Extend knowledge in the design of advanced engineering structures
develop knowledge of earthquakes relevant to structural design
develop knowledge of structural dynamics
Assess seismic loadings
Idealize structures and perform computer analysis
appreciate soil properties and soil behaviours relevant for earthquake engineering
appreciate structural detailing for seismic resistant structures
Appreciate the interaction of design with finance
Appreciate the interaction of design and its interaction with construction
Appreciate tsunami and their effects

Intended Skill Outcomes

The module should enable the student to become proficient in computer literacy and presentation of
computer analysis, teamwork skills, initiative, planning and organisation, and problem solving

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Teaching and learning is enabled through a project based learning approach. The fundamentals of seismic resistant design are introduced and developed through a design exercise. Problem solving and design based skills are developed through small group teaching exercises and computer practical classes. These computer classes develop the student's computer abilities in specialist engineering software and in self-learning and validation of software as well as verification of computer solutions. Initiative is developed through directed self-learning and reading. Extra lectures are presented to fill in gaps that may not be covered by the design exercise.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The assessment is by means of coursework and exam. The coursework requires students to design a structure to
resist earthquake forces and is intended to develop students' skill in the practical aspects of seismic resistant design.
The exam is designed to check that all learning outcomes associated with the module have been achieved.

General Notes

Software used: Etabs - EERA