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

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

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

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 in practical applications

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

Fundament als 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, de sign principles, structural assessment against other 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, struct ural 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.

The 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.

Lecture - Discussion-based sessions to introduce main concepts

Online MCQs - Multiple choice test

Short, weekly multiple choice tests intended to help with class revision