Introductory description

ES4F4-15 Advanced Structural Engineering

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.

PART 1 – Fibre Reinforced Polymers for New Build Structures

• Composite processing methods for structural shapes and systems
• Framework for using Eurocode design philosophy with FRPs
• Ultimate limit state design of members, and connections and joints (bolted and adhesively bonded)
• Serviceability limit state design for FRP structures
• Design for durability (temperature, moisture, creep, fatigue)
• Construction and maintenance
• Whole life costings and sustainability context

PART 2 – Fibre Reinforced Polymer composites in Concrete

• Introduction to FRPs in concrete
• Materials and constitutive relationships
• Flexural behaviour
• Shear behaviour
• Fibre Reinforced Concrete

PART 3 – Cold-formed steel design

• Introduction (manufacturing methods, modular construction, connections)
• Behaviour of thin-walled components (local, distortional, global buckling, web-crippling, flange curling)
• Design of cross-sections
• Design of members

Learning outcomes

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

• Critically assess the suitability of different structural solutions for new structures based on the desired performance
• Demonstrate forefront knowledge and understanding of theory and concepts used to design structures of FRP composites, FRP RC or cold-formed steel.
• Design advanced composite structural systems of either FRP composites, FRP RC or cold formed steel.
• Interpret and systematically apply international design guidelines for composite construction with FRPs and cold formed steel.
• Demonstrate advanced knowledge and sound understanding on materials, composite processing methods, design, execution, maintenance and sustainability of all-FRP structures.

Indicative reading list

1. J. T. MOTTRAM and J. Henderson (Eds.), 'FRP Bridges - Guidance for Designers', prepared by Composites UK: Construction Sector Group, CIRIA C779, London, 2018. ISBN 978-0-86017-794-4 (free download)
   https://www.ciria.org/Resources/Free_publications/Fibre_reinforced_polymer_bridges.aspx

FRP reinforcement in RC structures, fib Bulletin 40, 2007. Latest edition of international design guidelines on FRP RC: Model Code 2010, ACI 440.1, fib Bulletin 14.

Design of cold-formed steel structures, ECCS, 2012. Designers' Guide to Eurocode 4. ICE Publishing, 2011

International

The module has an international dimension as it covers not only UK standards, but also those from Europe, the USA and other countries. This module will expose students to design standards from other countries, which is critical nowadays as the construction industry is more and more global and much of the infrastructure has to be built abroad.

Subject specific skills

• Ability to conceive, make and realise structural components using non-traditional materials.
• Interpret and apply advanced design standards and methods to design different types of non-traditional structural components.
• Ability to seek to achieve more sustainable and economic solutions for the construction industry using non-traditional materials.
• Ability to be pragmatic, taking a systematic approach and the logical and practical steps necessary for, often complex, advanced structural solutions to become reality.

Transferable skills

• Apply mathematical methods to communicate parameters, model and optimize structural solutions using non-traditional materials.
• Exercise initiative and personal responsibility, including time management, of a module made of three different parts.
• Plan self-learning and improve performance, as the foundation for lifelong learning/CPD which is widely needed in civil engineering.
• Overcome difficulties in structural engineering by employing skills, knowledge and understanding gained in Years 1 to 3 in a flexible and coherent manner.
• Develop awareness of the nature of the global landscape of the construction industry by familiarising, interpreting and applying design standards from inside and outside the UK.