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ENGI4357: Structural Design 4

Please ensure you check the module availability box for each module outline, as not all modules will run in each academic year. Each module description relates to the year indicated in the module availability box, and this may change from year to year, due to, for example: changing staff expertise, disciplinary developments, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback.

Type Tied
Level 4
Credits 10
Availability Available in 2025/2026
Module Cap None.
Location Durham
Department Engineering

Prerequisites

  • ENGI3401

Corequisites

  • As specified in programme regulations.

Excluded Combinations of Modules

  • As specified in programme regulations.

Aims

  • This module is designed solely for students studying Department of Engineering degree programmes.
  • The module will provide graduates with advanced knowledge and understanding of structural design using a variety of materials.

Content

  • Composite steel-concrete construction
  • Prestressed concrete
  • Design in timber and masonry to Eurocodes
  • Novel, low energy and sustainable building materials

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:

  • An understanding of the behaviour of a range of civil engineering materials and the situations in which they might be used.
  • An appreciation of non-conventional construction materials.
  • AHEP4 Learning Outcomes: In order to satisfy Professional Engineering Institution (PEI) accreditation requirements the following Accreditation of Higher Education Programmes (AHEP4) Learning Outcomes are assessed within this module:
  • M1. Apply a comprehensive knowledge of mathematics, statistics, natural science and engineering principles to the solution of complex problems (coursework assessed).

Subject-specific Skills:

  • Ability to design composite steel-concrete construction bending structures, pre-stressed concrete beams and simple timber and masonry structural elements.
  • Ability to prepare design calculations for civil engineering construction.

Key Skills:

  • Capacity for independent self-learning within the bounds of professional practice.
  • Development of organisational abilities.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

  • The module content is delivered in lectures and is reinforced by problem sheets, equipping students with the required problem solving capability.
  • Students are encouraged to make use of staff 'Surgeries' (otherwise "Office Hours") to discuss any aspect of the module with teaching staff on a one-to-one basis. These are sign-up sessions available for up to one hour per week.
  • The course is also supported with a VLE forum (Blackboard Learn Ultra) for questions and answers.
  • The module is assessed entirely by a coursework portfolio containing design calculations in all the materials studied in the course, matching civil engineering practice. Design parameters are individual to each student.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

ActivityNumberFrequencyDurationTotalMonitored
Lectures20Twice weekly (over one term)1 hour20 
Surgeries10As required, weekly sign-ups available throughout the teaching termOptional attendance as required5 
Preparation and Reading75 
Total100 

Summative Assessment

Component: CourseworkComponent Weighting: 100%
ElementLength / DurationElement WeightingResit Opportunity
Assignment100No

Formative Assessment

Students submit and receive formative feedback on a set of structural design calculations to prepare them for the summative coursework.

More information

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Current Students: Please contact your department.