Study-Unit Description

Study-Unit Description


CODE CVE5653

 
TITLE Advanced Structural Design 3

 
UM LEVEL 05 - Postgraduate Modular Diploma or Degree Course

 
MQF LEVEL 7

 
ECTS CREDITS 5

 
DEPARTMENT Civil and Structural Engineering

 
DESCRIPTION This study-unit addresses the design of structural elements using different structural materials, beyond the ubiquitous concrete and steel. In the case of masonry structures, the focus is kept on the design philosophy of EN1996, but it will also address the design of arched and vaulted masonry structures. The study-unit will also introduce students to new structural materials, for which harmonized standards of design may not yet be available, such as structural glass, fibre-reinforced polymers and concretes, membranes and foils.

Study-unit Aims:

The main aim of the study-unit is to review the approach to the structural engineering design of generally simple bending and compression elements fabricated of masonry, glass, fibre-reinforced composites etc. Where Eurocodes are available, such as EN1996 for structural masonry, students will become familiar with the specifc provisions and recommendations, so as to make it possible for them to assess flexural, shear and axial actions on plain and reinforced masonry elements. Where Eurocodes are not yet available, current trends in the design of simple elements, based on current research, will form the objective of the study-unit.

Learning Outcomes:

1. Knowledge & Understanding:

By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to:
- Examine the application of limit-state theory, and appropriate material partial safety factors, to the design of masonry structures, as outlined in Eurocode 6;
- Explain the basis of design for bending and compression plain and reinforced masonry elements;
- Discuss the behaviour of arched, vaulted and domed masonry structures;
- Discuss the structural behaviour of new materials such as glass, fibre-reinforced composites and membranes and foils.

2. Skills:

By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to:
- Evaluate the ultimate load capacity of plain and reinforced bending and compression masonry elements, loaded laterally and in-plane;
- Assess the capacity of arched and vaulted masonry elements;
- Design simple elements in structural glass, fibre-reinforced composites, etc.

Main Text/s and any supplementary readings:

- Arya, C., (2009), Design of Structural Elements, 3rd ed. Spon Press.
- Heyman, J., (1995) The Stone Skeleton, Cambridge University Press.
- Morton, J. (2011), Designers' Guide to Eurocode 6: Design of Masonry Structures, Thomas Telford.
- Ramm, W., Design of Masonry Structures According Eurocode 6, (on-line publication).
- Haldimann, M., Luible,A., Overend, M., (2008), Structural Use of Glass, IABSE AIPC IVBH;
- Institution of Structural Engineers, (1999), Structural Use of Glass in Buildings.

 
STUDY-UNIT TYPE Lecture, Independent Study & Tutorial

 
METHOD OF ASSESSMENT
Assessment Component/s Assessment Due Sept. Asst Session Weighting
Examination (3 Hours) SEM2 Yes 100%

 
LECTURER/S Spiridione Buhagiar
Jean Paul Vella

 

 
The University makes every effort to ensure that the published Courses Plans, Programmes of Study and Study-Unit information are complete and up-to-date at the time of publication. The University reserves the right to make changes in case errors are detected after publication.
The availability of optional units may be subject to timetabling constraints.
Units not attracting a sufficient number of registrations may be withdrawn without notice.
It should be noted that all the information in the description above applies to study-units available during the academic year 2023/4. It may be subject to change in subsequent years.

https://www.um.edu.mt/course/studyunit