Module Details

Module Code: CIVL8034
Title: Structural Modelling
Long Title: Structural Modelling
NFQ Level: Advanced
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2019/20 ( September 2019 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 5822 - Civil Engineering
Module Delivered in: 3 programme(s)
Module Description: This module addresses advanced topics in structural engineering. In terms of structural analysis, influence lines, plastic analysis and the stiffness method are considered. The modelling of real structures is also considered, with a particular focus on using computer analysis to undertake sensitivity analyses for key model parameters. In relation to computer analysis, a reflective approach is adopted to identify and complete appropriate results verification and model validation.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Model, analyse and evaluate structural engineering systems using a reflective approach to computer analysis which incorporates appropriate results verification and model validation.
LO2 Model and analyse structural elements/systems (e.g. beams, trusses) in order to draw influence lines for various effects (e.g. reactions, forces, bending moments, deflections) and evaluate the influence of such analysis on the design of the structural element/system.
LO3 Model and analyse structures using the stiffness method.
LO4 Analyse and evaluate indeterminate beams, frames and slabs using plastic analysis.
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named MTU module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module. You may not earn additional credit for the same learning and therefore you may not enrol in this module if you have successfully completed any modules in the incompatible list.
No incompatible modules listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed. You may not enrol on this module if you have not acquired the learning specified in this section.
No requirements listed
 
Indicative Content
Principles of modelling for computer analysis
Model, analyse and evaluate statically indeterminate structural engineering systems using computer analysis with a reflective methodology; Sensitivity analysis of variance in key model parameters and overarching assumptions; Approximate quantitative analysis; Qualitative analysis techniques; Verification of output from computer analysis; Model validation.
Influence Lines
Moving loads; Indeterminate structures; Muller Breslau principle; Applications to beams, frames, arches, trusses.
Stiffness Method
Element stiffness; Derivation of stiffness matrix; Applications to beams, frames, trusses and grillages.
Plastic Analysis
Plastic hinge; Mechanism; Yield condition; Upper bound theorem; Lower bound theorem; Virtual work; Yield lines; Applications to beams, frames and slabs.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework50.00%
End of Module Formal Examination50.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Project % of Total Mark 25
Timing Week 4 Learning Outcomes 1
Assessment Description
Model, analyse and evaluate a structural engineering system(s) which uses computer analysis and a reflective approach. Such an approach should include sensitivity analysis of variance in key model parameters, approximate analysis and qualitative analysis in achieving appropriate results verification and model validation.
Assessment Type Project % of Total Mark 25
Timing Week 7 Learning Outcomes 2
Assessment Description
Use a combination of manual calculations and computer analysis to analyse beams and/or trusses in order to draw influence lines for reactions, forces, bending moments and/or deflections. Evaluate the outcomes on the analysis in terms of influencing the design of the system.
End of Module Formal Examination
Assessment Type Formal Exam % of Total Mark 50
Timing End-of-Semester Learning Outcomes 3,4
Assessment Description
End of semester formal examination.
Reassessment Requirement
Repeat examination
Reassessment of this module will consist of a repeat examination. It is possible that there will also be a requirement to be reassessed in a coursework element.

The University reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Presentation of theory and examples Every Week 2.50 2.5
Tutorial Contact Problem framing; Problem solving Every Week 1.00 1
Lab Contact Computer based lab; Project work Every Week 1.00 1
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Self directed study Every Week 2.50 2.5
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 4.50
Workload: Part Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Presentation of theory and examples Every Week 2.50 2.5
Tutorial Contact Problem framing; Problem solving Every Week 1.00 1
Lab Contact Computer based lab; Practical based lab Every Week 1.00 1
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Self directed study Every Week 2.50 2.5
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 4.50
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Amin Ghali, Adam Neville. (2017), Structural Analysis: A Unified Classical and Matrix Approach, 7th. CRC Press, [ISBN: 9781498725064].
  • Iain MacLeod. (2005), Modern Structural Analysis - Modelling Process and Guidance, 1st. Thomas Telford Ltd, [ISBN: 9780727732798].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • T.H.G. Megson. (2019), Structural and Stress Analysis, 4th. Butterworth-Heinemann, [ISBN: 9780081025864].
  • R. C. Coates, M. G. Coutie, F. K. Kong. (1988), Structural analysis, 3rd. Chapman & Hall, [ISBN: 9780412379802].
  • Martin S. Williams, J D Todd. (2000), Structures: Theory and analysis, 1st. Palgrave, [ISBN: 9780333677605].
  • David Johnson. (2004), Linear analysis of skeletal structures, 1st. Thomas Telford, [ISBN: 9780727732767].
  • David Johnson. (2000), Advanced structural mechanics: An introduction to continuum mechanics and structural mechanics, 2nd. Thomas Telford, [ISBN: 0727740953].
  • David Brohn. (2005), Understanding Structural Analysis, 3rd. New Paradigm Solutions, [ISBN: 9780955631108].
  • Hugh Morrison. (2017), Structural Engineering Art and Approximation, 4th. Paragon Publishing, [ISBN: 9781782223160].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_CSTRU_8 Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Structural Engineering 5 Mandatory
CR_CCEEE_9 Master of Engineering in Civil Engineering (Environment and Energy) 5 Mandatory
CR_CSTEN_9 Master of Engineering in Structural Engineering 5 Mandatory