| Unit name | Advanced Structural Analysis |
|---|---|
| Unit code | CENG30010 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | H/6 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 4 (weeks 1-24) |
| Unit director | Professor. De Luca |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Units you must take before you take this one (pre-requisite units) |
CENG20019 Methods of Structural Analysis (or equivalent) |
| Units you must take alongside this one (co-requisite units) |
None |
| Units you may not take alongside this one |
None |
| School/department | School of Civil, Aerospace and Design Engineering |
| Faculty | Faculty of Engineering |
Why is this unit important?
This is a fundamental structural unit in which students will appreciate complexity of structural analysis beyond static analysis and elastic behaviour. The component of dynamics will equip students to handle loading conditions beyond conventional static scenarios (e.g., wind, earthquakes, human-induced vibrations) and the component of plasticity will provide understanding of structural behaviour beyond the elastic hypothesis. The finite element analysis aspect is contextualised as tool to interpret static, dynamic and elastic behaviour of structures within the computational environment of a Finite Element software package.
How does this unit fit into your programme of study
Structural engineering is a sub-discipline of civil engineering concerned with the stability, rigidity and strength of buildings, bridges and other structures. In our Civil Engineering programme, structures are taught across all years of study, including Engineering Science (delivered in Year 1), Methods of Structural Analysis and Structural Materials and Design (in Year 2), Advanced Structural Analysis (this unit, in Year 3), as well as several optional M/level units, including this one. Practical applications of Structural Engineering are also embedded in the Design units of the programme.
An overview of content
Analysis of complex engineering problems requires a variety of different tools. In this unit we will develop two different analysis approaches – plastic analysis and finite element analysis – and show how they can be applied to the analysis of simple and complex structures. Also, in some situations dynamic behaviour is important. The unit will introduce methods of how to analyse the dynamic response of structures.
The unit aims are:
How will students, personally, be different as a result of the unit
Throughout this unit there is a focus on students developing their skills in structural dynamics, finite element analysis and theory of plasticity. The content of the unit covers the theoretical basis of the discipline with practical applications.
Learning outcomes
Analysis of complex engineering problems requires a variety of different tools. In this unit we will develop two different analysis approaches – plastic analysis and finite element analysis – and show how they can be applied to the analysis of simple and complex structures. Also, in some situations dynamic behaviour is important. The unit will introduce methods of how to analyse the dynamic response of structures.
By the end of the course, successful students will be able to:
Teaching will be delivered through a combination of synchronous and asynchronous sessions, such as -on-campus lecture/Q&A sessions, and formative self-directed exercises. The unit will be supported by regular computer laboratories; these will provide student-centred on-campus learning through practical problem solving and will create a supportive environment where students apply for themselves the theory and methods discussed in the unit. Students will be expected to actively participate in the lectures and laboratories and to engage with videos, readings, self-directed exercises, and problem-solving activities.
Tasks which help you learn and prepare you for summative tasks (formative):
For each topic a number of worked examples will be proposed with written detailed solution available. Q/A sessions in person and online are employed to integrate the self-assessment through worked examples.
Tasks which count towards your unit mark (summative):
When assessment does not go to plan:
Re-assessment takes the same form as the original summative assessment for all three components. If a single student needs to be reassessed on any of the group submissions, each group submission is treated as individual submission.
For the laboratory report, when the built structure has been damaged in the shaking table test in TB1, a sample structure is used to take measurements and the re-assessment laboratory report is prepared on data captured from the sample structure.
If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.
If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. CENG30010).
How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours
of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks,
independent learning and assessment activity.
See the University Workload statement relating to this unit for more information.
Assessment
The assessment methods listed in this unit specification are designed to enable students to demonstrate the named learning outcomes (LOs). Where a disability prevents a student from undertaking a specific method of assessment, schools will make reasonable adjustments to support a student to demonstrate the LO by an alternative method or with additional resources.
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit.
The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. For appropriate assessments, if you have self-certificated your absence, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (for assessments at the end of TB1 and TB2 this is usually in the next re-assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any exceptional circumstances and operates
within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.
