Study information

Structural Behaviour - 2024 entry

MODULE TITLEStructural Behaviour CREDIT VALUE15
MODULE CODEENG2012 MODULE CONVENERDr Ki Young Koo (Coordinator)
DURATION: TERM 1 2 3
DURATION: WEEKS 11
Number of Students Taking Module (anticipated) 160
DESCRIPTION - summary of the module content

This module builds on the mechanics component of Fundamentals of Mechanics, Materials and Electronics in first year and Solid Mechanics in second year. You will further your understanding of structural analysis and its importance to engineering design. You will develop cornerstone skills, essential for civil, structural and mechanical engineers. You will enhance your mathematical analysis skills and develop ability to perform linear elastic analysis of beams and 2D frame structures both quantitatively and qualitatively. You will explore techniques underpinning structural analysis including strain energy, virtual work, and flexibility methods. You will also investigate instability and plastic collapse mechanisms of simple structures. You will further develop your experimental skills and awareness of health and safety practice within engineering.

AIMS - intentions of the module

This module addresses topics that are essential to the design and understanding of the behaviour of engineering structures under static loading. The module will provide a mathematical basis for quantitative analysis (including calculating internal forces, reactions, deflections, rotations, buckling capacity and plastic collapse) as well as qualitative analysis of beams and frames. It will lay the foundations for more advanced structure design modules.

INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES (ILOs) (see assessment section below for how ILOs will be assessed)
Programmes that are accredited by the Engineering Council are required to meet Accreditation of Higher Education Programmes (AHEP4) Learning Outcomes. The Engineering Council AHEP4 Learning Outcomes are taught and assessed on this module and identified in brackets below.’
 
Module Specific Skills and Knowledge
1. Apply a comprehensive knowledge of mathematics, statistics, natural science and engineering principles to the solution of 
complex problems. Much of the knowledge will be at the forefront of the particular subject of study and informed by a critical 
awareness of new developments and the wider context of engineering.
 
Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge
2. Select and apply appropriate computational and analytical techniques to model complex problems, discussing the 
limitations of the techniques employed.
 
Personal and Key Transferable/Employment Skills and Knowledge
3. Use practical laboratory and workshop skills to investigate complex problems.
 
SYLLABUS PLAN - summary of the structure and academic content of the module

1: Static (in)determinacy:
 
Linear elastic analysis of statically (in)determinate beams and 2D frames
 
2: Qualitative structural analysis of beams and 2D frames:
 
Linear elastic analysis of statically (in)determinate beams and 2D frames
 
3: The flexibility method for solving bending moment diagrams:
 
Linear elastic analysis of statically (in)determinate beams and 2D frames
 
4: Calculating deflections of prismatic and non-prismatic beams: use of direct integration method (including Macaulay’s notation)  and virtual work method
 
Linear elastic analysis of statically (in)determinate beams and 2D frames
 
5: Strain energy methods and Castigliano’s theorem:
 
Linear elastic analysis of statically (in)determinate beams and 2D frames
 
6: Virtual work:
 
Linear elastic analysis of statically (in)determinate beams and 2D frames
 
7: Yielding:
 
Plasticity analysis
 
8: Elasto-plastic analysis (yield moment, plastic moment, plastic modulus):
 
Plasticity analysis
 
9: Plastic hinges and plastic collapse of beams:
 
Plasticity analysis
 
10: The uniqueness, the lower bound and the upper bund theorems:
 
Plasticity analysis
 
11: Plastic collapse of 2D frame structures:
 
Plasticity analysis
 
12: Stable and unstable equilibria:
 
Instability and buckling analysis
 
13: Euler’s buckling of a pin-ended strut:
 
Instability and buckling analysis
 
14: Buckling of struts with other end conditions:
 
Instability and buckling analysis
 
15: Effective length concept:
 
Instability and buckling analysis
 
16: Effect of initial imperfections:
 
Instability and buckling analysis
 
17: Introduction to other forms of buckling such as lateral-torsional buckling of beams:
 
Instability and buckling analysis
LEARNING AND TEACHING
LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS (given in hours of study time)
Scheduled Learning & Teaching Activities 39 Guided Independent Study 111 Placement / Study Abroad 0
DETAILS OF LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS
Category Hours of study time Description
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities 27 Lectures
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities 10 Tutorials
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities 2 Laboratory
Guided Independent Study 111 Reading lecture notes; working exercises

 

ASSESSMENT
FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT - for feedback and development purposes; does not count towards module grade

Non-compulsory Progress Tests (5-8 in total) will be issued at various points during the module delivery, to complete in own time shortly after issuing. Written feedback will be provided for each submission.

SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT (% of credit)
Coursework 25 Written Exams 75 Practical Exams
DETAILS OF SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT
Form of Assessment % of Credit Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) ILOs Assessed Feedback Method
Exam 75 2 hours (Summer) 1, 2 (C1,M1, C3, M3) Written
Coursework - laboratory report 25 6 hours 1-3 (C1, M1, C3, M3, C12, M12) Written

 

DETAILS OF RE-ASSESSMENT (where required by referral or deferral)
Original Form of Assessment Form of Re-assessment ILOs Re-assessed Time Scale for Re-reassessment
All above Exam (100% - 2.0 hours) 1-3 (C1, M1, C3, M3, C12, M12) Referral/Deferral Period

 

RE-ASSESSMENT NOTES
Deferrals: Reassessment will be by coursework and/or exam in the deferred element only. For deferred candidates, the module mark will be uncapped.
 
Referrals: Reassessment will be by a single written exam worth 100% of the module. As it is a referral, the mark will be capped at 40%.
 
RESOURCES
INDICATIVE LEARNING RESOURCES - The following list is offered as an indication of the type & level of
information that you are expected to consult. Further guidance will be provided by the Module Convener

Gere, J. M., Goodno, B. J.  Mechanics of Materials  Cengage Learning  2013  978-0495438076

Williams, M., Todd, J. D. Structures: Theory and Analysis Macmillan  2000 9781349907892

Megson, T. H. G.  Structural and Stress Analysis Butterworth-Heinemann 2019 9780081025871

Brohn, D.   Understanding Structural Analysis New Paradigm Solutions 2005 0951745751

 

Reading list for this module:

There are currently no reading list entries found for this module.

CREDIT VALUE 15 ECTS VALUE
PRE-REQUISITE MODULES None
CO-REQUISITE MODULES None
NQF LEVEL (FHEQ) 5 AVAILABLE AS DISTANCE LEARNING No
ORIGIN DATE Thursday 25th January 2024 LAST REVISION DATE Monday 30th September 2024
KEY WORDS SEARCH structural analysis, elastic behaviour, elasto-plastic behaviour, buckling, virtual work, strain energy, flexibility method

Please note that all modules are subject to change, please get in touch if you have any questions about this module.