Advanced Structural Engineering - 2019 entry

In recent decades, the understanding of structural engineering came on in leaps and bounds, and the depth and breadth of knowledge in this field has continued to gather pace.

Using the case study method, you will further refine your knowledge of the most current and advanced concepts in designing and assessing safe structures. This module covers specific challenges, such as computational modelling, plate bending theory, limit analysis, buckling and twisting, thermal integrity, vibration, and earthquake design

The general aim of this module is to extend your understanding of structural behaviour, by teaching you about new advanced concepts in the context of design and/or assessment of structures.

This is a constituent module of one or more degree programmes which are accredited by a professional engineering institution under licence from the Engineering Council. The learning outcomes for this module have been mapped to the output standards required for an accredited programme, as listed in the current version of the Engineering Council’s ‘Accreditation of Higher Education Programmes’ document (AHEP-V3).

This module contributes to learning outcomes: SM1m, SM1fl, SM2m, SM4m, SM2fl, SM5m, EA1m, EA2m, EA3m, EA1fl,  EA5m, EA2fl, EA6m, EA3fl, D3m, D1fl, D4m, D6m, G1m, G1fl

A full list of the referenced outcomes is provided online: http://intranet.exeter.ac.uk/emps/subjects/engineering/accreditation/

The AHEP document can be viewed in full on the Engineering Council’s website, at http://www.engc.org.uk/

On successful completion of this module, you should be able to:

Module Specific Skills and Knowledge: SM1m, SM1fl, SM2m, SM4m, SM2fl, SM5m, EA1m, EA2m, D3m, D1fl

1 understand structural behaviour and appropriate tools for analysis.

Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge: EA3m, EA1fl, EA5m, EA2fl, EA6m, EA3fl, D4m

2 show developed appropriate mathematical skills necessary for complex structural analyses.

Personal and Key Transferable/ Employment Skills and  Knowledge: D6m, G1m, G1fl

3 demonstrate independent learning skills, and the ability to apply judgmental and critical skills in selecting appropriate methods of analysis.

The syllabus will be based on the following main themes:

- review linear methods of analysis;

- analyses based on matrix and finite element methods - particularly for frames and plates;

- significance of statical indeterminacy as regards thermal effects, lack of fit, and structural integrity;

- study of more general forms of structure

- plates/slabs,  and modelling with elastic theories such as Kirchhoff and Reissner-Mindlin and FE models for SLS;

- dynamic behaviour of structures

- dynamic behaviour of structures;

- dynamic behaviour, vibration characteristics of frames and plates;

- applications to seismic response and diagnostic tests of structural integrity;

- non-linear behaviour; 

- due to material due to material (eg plasticity)  geometric non-linearities;

- buckling and post-buckling of elastic structures, buckling of real columns; 

- limit analysis in design/or assessment;

- strut and tie models;

- yield line and equilibrium strip methods as limit analyses for ULS.

If a module is normally assessed entirely by coursework, all referred/deferred assessments will normally be by assignment.

If a module is normally assessed by examination or examinaton plus coursework, referred and deferred assessment will normally be by examination. For referrals, only the examination will count, a mark of 50% being awarded if the examination is passed. For deferrals, candidates will be awarded the higher of the deferred examination mark or the deferred examination mark combined with the original coursework mark.

ELE – http://vle.exeter.ac.uk

Reading list for this module:

MacGregor, J G.  Reinforced Concrete – Mechanics and Design, Prentice Hall 2009, ISBN: 000-0-132-33974-9

Cook; R.D. et al.  Concepts and Applications of Finite Element Analysis, 4th ed, Wiley 2002

Chopra AK.  Dynamics of Structures: theory and applications to earthquake engineering, 2nd ed, Prentice Hall 2001. ISBN: 000-0-130-86973-2

Bazant, Z. P. & Cedolin, L.  Stability of Structures, Oxford  University Press. Also available in paperback from Dover Publications 1991. ISBN: 000-0-195-05529-2

El Naschie M S.  Stress, Stability and Chaos in Structural Engineering: An energy approach, McGraw-Hill 1990. ISBN: 000-0-077-07310-X

Hillerborg, A,  Strip method Design handbook, Taylor and Francis. ISBN: 978-0419187400

Reading list for this module: