The module will introduce concepts of linear and nonlinear finite element theory for structural engineering.
Content will involve finite element formulation, i.e. bar, beam, plane stress, plane strain and plate/ shell elements as well as their implementation within the direct stiffness method. Aspects of material and geometrical nonlinearities will be examined and the particular cases of concentrated and distributed plasticity beam element formulations for skeletal structures will introduced.
Load, displacement, and general control nonlinear static analysis schemes will also be examined and implemented for the solution of finite element problems. Concepts will be practiced through two individual pieces of coursework on linear and non-linear finite element theory respectively. Coursework will involve both a theory implementation and an analysis aspect using software.
Method and Frequency of Class:
| Activity |
Number of Weeks |
Number of sessions |
Duration of a session |
| Lecture |
11 weeks |
2 week |
2 hours |
| Workshop |
11 weeks |
1 week |
2 hours |
Method of Assessment:
| Assessment Type |
Weight |
Requirements |
| Coursework 1 - Finite Element |
15.00 |
|
| Coursework 2- Non-linear analysis |
15.00 |
|
| 3 hr exam |
70.00 |
Students will be presented with a challenging design problem and will first review possible solutions using specialised structural engineering techniques such as composite beams and floors, portal frames, tubular trusses, and pre-stressed concrete beams and slabs. They will then select specific solutions to investigate in greater depth, considering how the systems can be modelled and how they are treated within design codes. They will then present their evaluation of the different options and propose a solution to be worked up in detail. The module will emphasise student centred learning.
Students will work in groups in design studios, which will feature regular critique sessions in which they present their ideas. Students will be encouraged to reflect on their learning and set targets for individual and group development
Method and Frequency of Class:
| Activity |
Number of weeks |
Number of sessions |
Duration of a session |
| Lecture |
11 weeks |
2 weeks |
3 hours |
Method of Assessment:
| Assessment Type |
Weight |
Requirements |
| Coursework 1 |
35.00 |
Group Design Coursework: 60 pages max plus drawings and group presentation |
| Exam 1 |
65.00 |
3 hour exam |
The module will look into the analysis and design of bridge structures, including definition of loading, structural analysis methods for deck and piers, and design of deck, piers and foundations of steel and concrete bridges.
A group project consists of the conceptual design of a bridge and the detailed design of key structural elements.
Method and Frequency of Class:
| Activity |
Number of Weeks |
Number of sessions |
Duration of a session |
| Lecture |
12 weeks |
2 week |
3 hours |
Method of Assessment:
| Assessment Type |
Weight |
Requirements |
| Coursework 1 |
35.00 |
Group design project |
| Exam 1 - 3 hr exam |
65.00 |
|
This is the major project element for all MSc plans in the Department of Civil Engineering. It will normally take the form of an in-depth investigation, whether it involves experimentation or an extensive review of work already completed by others. Typically, but not exclusively, it will include the following:
- Project definition and aim
- Literature review
- Practical experimentation / investigation
- Presentation of results
- Critical analysis of findings
The detailed technical content of the module will depend on the specific area under examination. Assessment is based on submission of a report (typically 10,000 to 20,000 words) which covers the above elements.
The project area is flexible and will be supervised by an academic member of staff.
Previous research projects have included:
- Weather impact on construction schedules
- Predicted future climate change trends
- The use and abuse of GPS in current UK survey practices
- The utilization of laser scanning system for examination and monitoring of tunnel deformation and structural integrity
- Life cycle assessment of the M25 highway widening scheme
This module introduces important aspects affecting the professional practice of Civil Engineering including sustainability, environmental impact, quality management, continuous improvement and management principles. It will also develop knowledge and skills that will be used in the summer project, including writing a literature review and how to critically review your own and others’ writing.
This is a compulsory course for all students studying an MSc in the Department of Civil Engineering. The course provides an introduction into important aspects affecting the professional practice of Civil Engineering and facilitates the development of knowledge and skills that will be used in the summer project, including literature review and writing skills, and developing a proposal for the activities to be conducted in the summer.
The module will incorporate a mixture of learning environments/resources, including one-on-one tuition with personal tutors to formulate ideas and plans related to the summer project, classroom activities focused on resources relating to writing a literature review and how to critically review others’ as well as one’s own writing, and three 2-week workshops which provide knowledge in aspects that are important within the context of the professional practice of Civil Engineering.
Under the umbrella of Building Information Modelling (BIM) this course (module) brings together Construction Management and Structural Design and makes students aware of the potential of emerging digital design technologies.
Students are introduced to fundamental concepts and applications of BIM. Following this, they work in groups on a design project that covers the following subject areas:
(1) Conceptual design
(2) The benefits of using BIM on construction projects
(3) Preparing a BIM Execution Plan (BEP)
(4) Detailed structural design and documentation
(5) Health and Safety considerations
(6) Project planning, risk management, quality management, and cost estimation
(7) Sustainability and Life Cycle Management
For students requiring reassessment, this will be limited to the components which have been failed and these will be in the same form as the original assessment, with any group-based components made suitable for completion by an individual.