Module Details
The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module.
Title STRUCTURAL BEHAVIOUR AND MODELLING
Code CIVE202
Coordinator Mr M Simpson
Civil Engineering and Industrial Design
Martin.Simpson@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2018-19 Level 5 FHEQ First Semester 7.5

Aims

This module prepares students to achieve an understanding of and be familiar with structural analysis. It will also encourage the appropriate use of computer software packages in structural analysis which when combined with a development of the students qualitative understanding of structures will consolidate their understanding of the principles of structural analysis.

Learning Outcomes

students should be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the theory used in computer programs for the analysis of frames.

students should be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of approximate methods and application of a qualitative understanding of structures for use in preliminary design and for checking software results.

students should be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the dangers of relying on software alone.

students should be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the role of analysis in the design process.

students should be able to apply, at a deeper level, the engineering principles used in structural analysis.

students should be able to estimate, without a computer, the magnitude of stresses in a simple structure.

students should be able to calculate bending moments, shear forces and axial forces in a structure.

students should be able to an analysis package to analyse a structure and effectively check output.

students should be able to show experience and enhancement of approximating the response of a structure due to gravity using quantitative methods.

students should be able to show experience and enhancement of the use of GSA (General Structural Analysis) industry-standard software for solving structural problems.

students should be able to show experience and enhancement of the ability to validate (by simple hand calculation) the output from a computer obtained structural analysis.

students should be able to show experience and enhancement of the use analysis results in the structural design of a system.

Syllabus
1 

Weeks 1-3:

Qualitative analysis of structures. Approximate methods for preliminary design. Visual appreciation of the behaviour of structures under the influence of external loads.

Weeks 4-10:

Introduction to Computer Modelling using GSA.

Application of GSA to assist in solving structural problems when combined with qualitative understan ding of structures.
The use of the computer package and the input of data.
Tutorials involving the solution of various problems, introducing various element types and boundary conditions.
Checking of computer output.
Stiffness matrix method for pin- jointed frames applying qualitative understanding and developed analysis skills to design problems.


Teaching and Learning Strategies

Lecture - Qualitative analysis of structures. Approximate methods for preliminary design. Visual appreciation of the behaviour of structures under the influence of external loads.

Weeks 1-3

Laboratory Work - Introduction to Computer Modelling using GSA, application of GSA to assist in solving structural problems when combined with qualitative understanding of structures, the use of the computer package and the input of data, tutorials involving the solution of various problems, introducing various element types and boundary conditions, checking of computer output, stiffness matrix method for pin-jointed frames applying qualitative understanding and developed analysis skills to design problems.

Weekly 2-hour PC room workshops

Teaching Schedule
  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours 6
Qualitative analysis of structures. Approximate methods for preliminary design. Visual appreciation of the behaviour of structures under the influence of external loads.
    14
Introduction to Computer Modelling using GSA, application of GSA to assist in solving structural problems when combined with qualitative understanding of structures, the use of the computer package and the input of data, tutorials involving the solution of various problems, introducing various element types and boundary conditions, checking of computer output, stiffness matrix method for pin-jointed frames applying qualitative understanding and developed analysis skills to design problems.
    20
Timetable (if known) Weeks 1-3
  		    Weekly 2-hour PC room workshops
  		     
Private Study 55
TOTAL HOURS 75

Assessment
EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
             
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
Coursework  Semester 1  Semester 1  45  Yes  Standard UoL penalty applies  Baseline understanding and qualitative analysis 
Coursework  Semester 1  Semester 1  55  Yes  Standard UoL penalty applies  Application and validation Notes (applying to all assessments) Two staged coursework assessments - The assessments take the form of reports, analysis of structures, case-studies and presentations. They are not anonymously marked. Each assessment will typically require 25-30 hrs of student effort.  

Recommended Texts
Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.
Explanation of Reading List:

A library based reading list is required. In the meantime the following is a comprehensive reading list:

Structural Analysis, by R.C. Hibbeler (ISBN-10: 9810687133 and ISBN-13: 9789810687137)

Examples in Structural Analysis, by William M. C. McKenzie (ISBN 9781466595262)

Structures, Theory and Analysis, by M S Williams & J D Todd (ISBN 9780333677605)

Understanding Structural Analysis, by David Brohn (ISBN 978-0-9556311-0-8)

The New Science of Strong Materials or Why You Don’t Fall Through the Floor, by J. E. Gordon (ISBN 9780141927701)

Structures or Why Things Don’t Fall Down, by J. E. Gordon (ISBN: 9780140136289

Peter Rice – An Engineer Imagines, by Peter Rice (ISBN: 978-1899858118)