Introductory description

ES2C3-15 Civil Engineering Materials and Structural Analysis

Module web page

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

Structures:
o Stress and Strain: combination and failure criteria
o Elastic theory of bending and torsion
o Linear elastic analysis of statically determinate and indeterminate structures
o Qualitative structural analysis
Materials:
o Introduction
o Portland Cement: Manufacture, Composition and Hydration
o Other Cements: Classification, Modified PC, CRMs, non-Portland cements
o Aggregates and admixtures
o Fresh Concrete and Curing
o Hardened concrete: Strength, testing and variation
o Durability of Concrete
o Sustainability and Concrete
o Introduction to Timber, Masonry and Fibre Reinforced Polymers

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• Show knowledge and understanding of how concrete samples can be cast, moulded and cured to assess the property and quality of concrete.
• Demonstrate detailed understanding of stress and strain states in structural elements
• Perform qualitative and quantitative structural analysis.
• Analyse the effects of material and process variables on the mechanical properties of concrete.
• Appreciate the sustainability issues and latest UK regulatory framework surrounding the manufacture and use of cement and concrete.
• Evaluate the structural behaviour of a range of civil engineering materials such as concrete, timber, masonry and fibre reinforced polymers.

Indicative reading list

Megson, T. H. G., Structural and Stress Analysis, Elsevier, 3rd Ed., Oxford, 2014.
Millais, M., Building Structures: from Concepts to Design, 2nd Ed., Routledge, 2005.
Domone, P. and Illston, J (Eds.), Construction Materials: Their Nature and Behaviour, 4th Ed., T & F Books, London, New York, 2010.
Neville, A. M., Concrete Technology, 2nd Ed., Prentice Hall, 2010.
Internet based sites (such as MPA and UK government) for up-to-date sources on sustainable cements and concretes.

Subject specific skills

 Ability to apply basic principles and different methods to carry out the qualitative and quantitative analysis of structures.
 Understand the need of reading technical literature (textbooks, articles) to solve structural problems.
 Ability to apply practical skills in the design of concrete mixes, as well as the H&S risks associated with it.
 Knowledge and understanding of risk issues, including health & safety, and environmental aspects of materials in civil engineering.

Transferable skills

 Apply mathematical and problem-solving skills to analyse civil engineering structures.
 Plan self-learning and work-load prioritisation.
 Overcome difficulties by employing skills developed in Year 1.
 Develop team-working skills in concrete mixing/testing laboratories.