MEng Civil and Structural Engineering

Students in groups of two carry out the structural design of a bridge or a building structure mainly through problem-based learning and a problem-solving process. Several lectures are given on key topics by a practising engineer and the two lecturers. This is a Studio based course rather than a Lecture based course. Many tutorial sessions are provided to help students tackle different stages in the project.

Students will use a finite element software package available on the network, e.g. GSA or any equivalent, for analysis in addition to hand calculations.

A number of staged submissions and presentations are arranged for the designs to allow students to stay on track and give opportunity for continual improvement. The final submission requires a design report, calculations and two A1 technical drawings.

For students to be introduced to the common forms of bridge and building design and construction, and have the experience of carrying out the overall design of a whole structure from concept to final details, and so apply what they have learnt in a number of course units over the past three years.

For students to gain knowledge of many issues and aspects relating to the design of whole structures.

Introduction:   an overview of the project, including planning of the unit, basics of design, the styles of study, individual and group designs, progress and submissions, structured lectures, tutorials and feedback, marking criteria and achievement by past students.
Design in general: Bridge design, building design, how to develop conceptual designs?
Key topics in design:  conceptual design developed by past students, Eurocode and the basis of design, holistic design, structural stability and robustness, limits of structural design processes; environmental and sustainability issues.
Analysis: Computer modelling and hand analysis
Construction issues in design:  Planning the construction, use of materials, risk assessments, health and safety, environment issues and cost estimation.
Tutorials: face-to-face feedback and discussion with the engineer and lecturers

On Week 6:  feedback to the initial design
On Week 10: feedback to the drawings
In the second semester: feedback to the final submissions