module specification

Structural Design is an essential skill for Civil Engineers, ensuring the safety, stability, and long-term performance of buildings and infrastructure. It also addresses key challenges, including environmental impact and the efficient use of resources.

This module is a core module for the MSc Civil Engineering with Project Management, concentrating on the design and detailing of reinforced concrete and steel-framed structures in accordance with UK standards. You will explore the analysis and design of both steel and concrete structural frames and elements, integrating fundamental and advanced design concepts. You will also learn how to apply relevant Eurocode principles to your designs.

Throughout the module, you will develop the skills required to design safe, resilient, and sustainable structures. You will gain a thorough understanding of the design lifecycle, from conceptualisation to detailed design, while addressing key considerations such as structural integrity, safety, sustainability, constructability, and health and safety.

Topics covered in this module include:
Steel and concrete construction and design (LO1)
High-rise building systems (LO1, LO2, LO4)
Steel portal frame systems (LO1, LO2, LO4)
Structural stability (LO1, LO2)
Structural robustness (LO1, LO2)
Fire resistance requirements (LO1, LO2)
Case studies of structural failure (LO1, LO2, LO4)
Sustainable design (LO1, LO2, LO4)
Constructability, construction technology and health and safety implications, CDM (LO1, LO2, LO4)
Steel frame design: actions, floor systems, the behaviour of bracing systems, beams, columns, beam-column behaviour, connections (LO1, LO3, LO5)
Composite floors (LO1, LO3, LO5)
Principles of RC design, concrete slabs (LO1, LO3, LO5)
Innovative and sustainable material choice, specifying innovative and sustainable concrete technologies (LO1, LO4, LO6)
Introduction to the applications of AI/ML in the structural design process (LO3, LO4)

The Advanced Structural Design module will be delivered through a combination of lectures, tutorials, workshops, site visits, and guided online activities. Some of these sessions will be recorded and available for you to access at your convenience, allowing you to explore topics beyond the classroom. This blended learning approach encourages interaction with your peers, fostering meaningful discussions.

The Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) will also serve as a platform for ongoing communication between students and tutors, offering discussion boards and other tools to enhance collaboration.

Lectures will focus on advanced structural design, building upon concepts you have studied at undergraduate level. Workshops, tutorials, and practical activities will provide you with opportunities to enhance your understanding and apply your knowledge to the design of structural forms and structural elements, with guidance from both your peers and tutors.

You will receive regular formative feedback to help you develop a deeper understanding of core concepts, improve your technical report writing, and enhance your critical thinking abilities. Although this feedback will not contribute to your final grade, it will enable you to monitor your progress and make continuous improvements.

Your learning will be further supported by both independent and guided reading and research, enhancing your understanding of structural design principles. By engaging with a variety of academic resources, including textbooks, research papers, and industry reports, you will deepen your knowledge and stay updated on the latest innovations, advancements, and emerging technologies in the field. This will not only allow you to connect theory to practice but also help you develop the skills needed to innovate and tackle complex design challenges in real-world scenarios.

On completion of the module, the learner, operating independently and applying their knowledge and skills, should be able to:

1. apply advanced mathematics, scientific methods, and engineering principles to critically analyse and evaluate complex structural design problems involving steel and concrete, ensuring safe and efficient solutions.

2. develop and evaluate conceptual design solutions for complex problems, considering various loading conditions and scenarios, while integrating key design principles such as structural stability, structural robustness, and fire safety considerations.

3. formulate advanced structural design solutions that comply with UK design standards, including the calculation of actions, specifying appropriate materials, and providing detailed design of relevant structural elements.

4. critically appraise the sustainability, constructability, construction technology, and health and safety implications of structural designs, incorporating strategies to minimise environmental impact, reduce construction risks, and enhance the safety and resilience of structures.

5. utilise industry-relevant software to design and model structures.

6. Communicate effectively on complex engineering matters.

CO7012 - Advanced Structural Design | London Metropolitan University
EN 1990 Eurocode: Basis of structural design
EN 1991 Eurocode 1: Actions on structures
EN 1992 Eurocode 2: Design of concrete structures
EN 1993 Eurocode 3: Design of steel structures
EN 1994 Eurocode 4: Design of composite steel and concrete structures
EN 1998 Eurocode 8: Design of structures for earthquake resistance