This module aims to provide students with knowledge of modern structures and the necessary requirements of a careful design strategy to achieve efficiency and cost effectiveness, and avoid excessive material use. The module seeks to introduce students to the theory and practice in structural design and teach them how to deal with common design situations. The module further aims to emphasise the learning of structural design, safety considerations and environmental impact of structural decisions.

(LO1) At the end of the module, students will be able to use composite action to develop large span structural solutions

(LO2) With the class discussions, students will be able to optimise structural solutions to achieve efficiency and low cost

(LO3) On successful completion of the module, students will be able to demonstrate knowledge of the efficient use of arches, masted structures, portal frames and space structures in covering large spans

(LO4) On successful completion of the module, students will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the history of development of structural systems, advantages and limitations of cable supported structures, and methods to control the cost of structures impractical applications

(S1) Problem solving skills

(S2) Communication skills

(S3) International awareness

(S4) Adaptability

Overview of module including intended learning outcomes, teaching philosophy (concentration on conceptual design and structural behaviour rather than code-based design) and assessment.
Review of basics of structural engineering analysis and design including construction of bending moment and shear force diagrams, cross-sectional analysis, material properties and basic code requirements.
Fundamentals of analysis and design of composite systems made up of a concrete slab and a steel section.
Discussion covers elastic and plastic analysis, deflection calculations, moment capacity, number and distribution of shear connectors, structural efficiency.
Stub-girder system: discussion covers design principles, ability to span large distances, Vierendeel effects, size, number and distribution of shear connectors, and construction methods.
Parallel beam system: discussion covers suitable applications, construction methods, design principles, structural assessment against o ther solutions and specific composite action features.
Composite truss system: system introduced as a solution for fast assembly in low-demand applications.
Discussion covers design principles, application limits, structural forms and limited benefits of composite action.
Arch structures: discussion covers a graphical analysis method to determine the thrust line, distribution of bending moments on arch chord, implication of separation between arch chord and thrust line, structural efficiency of arches.
Portal frames: Discussion covers resistance of portal frames to loads in longitudinal and lateral directions, construction methods, design principles, main components and their functions.
Masted structures: These structures are introduced as examples of cable-supported systems to illustrate their efficiency relative to more traditional systems.
Discussion covers main structural problems observed in their behaviour and techniques to make them more efficient.
Th e module ends with a discussion on space structures to demonstrate how their behaviour, analysis and design differ from 2D systems. The classes cover the space structures’ fundamentals, main configurations, design procedures, lack of fit effects, progressive collapse, node connectors and composite action.

Teaching Method 1 - Lecture
Description: Discussion-based sessions to introduce main concepts
Attendance Recorded: Yes

Teaching Method 2 - Online MCQs
Description: Multiple choice test
Attendance Recorded: Yes
Notes: Short, weekly multiple choice tests intended to help with class revision
Unscheduled Directed Student Hours (time spent away from the timetabled sessions but directed by the teaching staff): 22