Content, progress and pedagogy of the module

Learning objectives

Knowledge

• Know fundamental theories and methods for analysis of structures subject to static loads.
• Understand the behaviour of structures subject to static loading regarding their deformation.
• Understand the solution procedure in Finite Element Analysis of linear elastic static problems.
• Understand methodology for design of experiments and test series and for reduction of ambiguity of experimental results, and for comparability with model predictions.
• Understand elementary and advanced quantification tools, and their application to validation between model and experiment data.
• Have a basic knowledge and understanding of experimental work, including test planning, test conduction, different types of test equipment, modelling of uncertainties and comparison of model and test results using statistical methods.

Skills

• Use the correct terminology for structural analysis and design.
• Be able to apply analytical solution methods based on continuum mechanics for selected static problems.
• Be able to develop and implement a Finite Element software code for analysis of a selected simple structure subject to static loading.
• Be able to use a commercial Finite Element code for analysing a given static structural problem.
• Be able to plan and set up a test for determining basic material properties.
• Be able to plan and set up a test for finding the strength and stiffness of a given structure.
• Be able to perform a probabilistic study of the experimental data in order to quantify the influence of individual parameters.
• Be able to scrutinize a model (analytical or numerical) for comparison with an appropriate experimental study.
• Be able to perform a probabilistic study of the model in order to quantify the level of confidence.
• Be able to count for the level of coherence between test results and model predictions.
• Be able to identify invalid data (outliers).
• Be able to account for common errors and limitations in the processing of model data of experimentally obtained data.

Competences

• Be able to select appropriate analysis methods for a given structural problem, including analytical, numerical and experimental analysis methods.
• Be able to compare results obtained from different analysis methods and be able to judge the quality of the results.
• Be able to undertake experiment planning and execution for refinement and validation (or rejection) of model-based predictions of phenomena within structural and civil Engineering.
• Be able to quantify errors associated with different types of analysis and evaluate the methods regarding assumptions and simplifications.
• Must be able to communicate the results of the project work in a project report.
• Must be able to contribute successfully to teamwork within the problem area and make a common presentation of the result of the project work.

Type of instruction

Project work with supervision supplemented with instructions, workshops, presentation seminars, lab tests, etc.

Extent and expected workload

Since it is a 10 ECTS project module, the workload is expected to be 300 hours for the student.

Exam

Exams