Modules

Core Module Information
Module title: Structural Analysis and Design
SCQF level: 08:
SCQF credit value: 20.00
ECTS credit value: 10
Module code: CTR08101
Module leader: Bernardino D'Amico
School School of Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment
Subject area group: Built Environment
Prerequisites

Requisites: Pre-requisite: basic mathematics (linear algebra and calculus)
Description of module content:

This module aims to introduce the principles of structural mechanics, focusing on fundamental concepts and techniques relevant to statically determinate structures (such as truss systems and braced frames) and indeterminate structures (such as continuous floors and moment-resisting frames). It emphasizes the practical application of these principles in solving structural problems. Additionally, it involves employing mathematical and geometrical calculations to analyse and design simple structural systems in accordance with prevailing structural engineering practice. By the end of the module, students will be equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary for analysing most common structural systems. They will gain proficiency in using and applying theoretical principles to real-world engineering problems. Covered topics are: Indeterminacy of truss and frame structures; Method of section/Joint resolution; Unit load method; Euler-Bernoulli beam theory; Bending moment and shear force diagram; McCaulay's method; Moment distribution method – continuous beams; Moment distribution method – non-sway frame structures; Introduction to BS EN 1990; Floor loading. All topics will first be introduced via frontal lectures which are then followed by practical test sessions, so to enable students 'cementing' theoretical knowledge introduced during lectures to the practical engineering problems they are aimed at solving. The kind of exercises worked out and analysed during such formative practical sessions will be similar in nature (yet different in content) to those provided for the summative class test component of assessment – as to instil a high 'degree' of familiarity to students on the kind of problems they are expected to solve for the summative class test assessment (component 1) and final exam (component 2).
Learning Outcomes for module:

Upon completion of this module you will be able to

LO1: Analyse member forces and calculate deformations of truss structures, hence verify the system’s ability to function safely under the applied loading conditions.

LO2: Analyse member forces and calculate the structural deformation of frame structures, hence verify the system’s ability to function safely under the applied loading conditions.

LO3: Understand the structure of Eurocodes and the underpinning probabilistic approach to structural design.

LO4: Calculate the variable and permanent design floor loading for typical floor layouts.
Full Details of Teaching and Assessment
2024/5, Trimester 1, In Person,
VIEW FULL DETAILS
Occurrence: 001
Primary mode of delivery: In Person
Location of delivery: MERCHISTON
Partner:
Member of staff responsible for delivering module: Bernardino D'Amico
Module Organiser:


Student Activity (Notional Equivalent Study Hours (NESH))
Mode of activityLearning & Teaching ActivityNESH (Study Hours)NESH Description
Face To Face Lecture 18 Lectures are primarily focused on theoretical content, covering fundamental principles and concepts of structural analysis and design. They will include explanations and first principles to help students build a strong foundation in the subject.
Face To Face Tutorial 12 Tutorial sessions will be dedicated to applying the theoretical knowledge gained in lectures through weekly worked examples. They will help students practice problem-solving techniques and reinforce their understanding of key topics by working through relevant exercises.
Online Guided independent study 170 Guided independent study involves reviewing the provided lecture content, whether through lecture notes and/or via further reading as per the provided reference reading list, so to reinforce understanding of key concepts. Additionally, students are expected to practice worked examples outside tutorial class time to further develop their confidence in solving analysis and design exercises.
Total Study Hours200
Expected Total Study Hours for Module200


Assessment
Type of Assessment Weighting % LOs covered Week due Length in Hours/Words Description
Class Test 50 1~2~3~4 Week 7 HOURS= 3 Hours This module includes a class test conducted online via Moodle (so to facilitate attendance requirements). The test consists of questions with varying levels of difficulty. Some questions are designed to assess students' understanding of theoretical concepts covered in lectures, while the majority focus is on evaluating their ability to numerically solve practical structural analysis problems. This ensures that students not only are assessed on their grasp of theoretical foundations but also on how well they acquired the expected technical skills necessary for solving real-world structural design problems.
Centrally Time Tabled Examination 50 1~2~3~4 Exam Period HOURS= 3 Hours The centrally timetabled exam will assess both the critical understanding and practical skills acquired throughout the module. It will evaluate students' ability to apply fundamental principles of structural mechanics to numerically solve structural design problems by adopting the appropriate analytical approach learned during the module.
Component 1 subtotal: 50
Component 2 subtotal: 50
Module subtotal: 100

Indicative References and Reading List - URL:
CTR08101/CTR08901 - Structural Analysis and Design
 

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