STEEL BUILDING DESIGN - 2021/2

Module code: ENGM042

Module Overview

This module is concerned with the design of steel elements and structures.  More emphasis is placed on understanding the fundamentals of steelwork design especially stability and buckling rather than just complying with prescriptive code requirements.  However, some of the course is devoted to understanding the nuances of Eurocode 3 and also BS5950 where appropriate.

Module provider

Sustainability, Civil & Env Engineering

Module Leader

BOMPA Dan (Civl Env Eng)

Number of Credits: 15

ECTS Credits: 7.5

Framework: FHEQ Level 7

Module cap (Maximum number of students): N/A

Overall student workload

Workshop Hours: 2

Independent Learning Hours: 98

Seminar Hours: 10

Guided Learning: 20

Captured Content: 20

Module Availability

Semester 1

Prerequisites / Co-requisites

A knowledge of Structural Analysis and Design to FHEQ Level 6.

Module content


  • Structural forms and layout of steel building structures, braced and sway frames.

  • Concepts of limit state design of steel elements to BS EN 1993-1-1: 2005 Eurocode 3.

  • Design of tension members, compression members, beams and beam/columns to BS EN 1993-1-3: 2005 Eurocode 3.

  • Analysis and design of welded and bolted connections to BS EN 1993-1-3: 2005 Eurocode 3.

  • Principles of plastic collapse analysis and design.

  • Analysis and design of single and multi-bay industrial buildings.

  • Portal frame stability, sway, snap-through and deflection calculations.

  • Design of cold formed elements such as purlins and ‘C’ shaped columns to BS EN 1993-1-3: 2005 Eurocode 3.


Assessment pattern

Assessment type Unit of assessment Weighting
Coursework CONCEPT AND DEVELOPED DESIGN (GROUP PROJECT) 35
Coursework DETAILED DESIGN (INDIVIDUAL PROJECT) 35
Examination Online EXAMINATION 30

Alternative Assessment

None.

Assessment Strategy

The assessment strategy is designed to provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of both the basic and advanced concepts of steelwork design. (LO’s 1, 2, 3, 4,) through a two hour unseen examination. Learning outcome 5 is assessed also with learning outcomes 1 to 4 in the written design coursework.

Thus, the summative assessment for this module consists of:


  • Unseen written examination (open book) (2 hours, 75%).

  • A coursework submission on the design of a steel structure (38 hours, 25%).



Formative assessment and feedback

Formative assessment will be through a range of self-assessment exercises provided in class and through SurreyLearn.  Feedback will be given in tutorial sessions.

Module aims

  • The key conceptual framework, tools and skills to undertake the design of a wide range of steel structures.
  • Skills in plastic methods of analysis and design.
  • A sound understanding of the importance of stability and restraint provision required for the successful design of steel structures.
  • A sound knowledge of the health and safety aspects associated with the design and construction of steel structures.

Learning outcomes

Attributes Developed
001 Explain the advantages and disadvantages of using structural steel for the construction of both single storey and multi-storey structures. KT
002 Demonstrate the principles of plastic collapse analysis and design as applied to the appraisal of steel structures. KCPT
003 Design, using plastic methods of appraisal, a single storey industrial building in steelwork.. KCPT
004 Design, making use of Eurocode 3, a conventional multi-storey office building framework including individual elements and connections. KCPT
005 Appraise the key health and safety issues relevant to the design and construction of steel structures. KPT
006 Apply Health and Safety legislation to the design of steel structures. KCT
007 Technical report writing T
008 Oral & written communication T
009 Graphical presentation of data T
010 Sketching T
011 3D spatial awareness T
012 Critical thinking T
013 Observation T

Attributes Developed

C - Cognitive/analytical

K - Subject knowledge

T - Transferable skills

P - Professional/Practical skills

Methods of Teaching / Learning

Twenty five hours of lectures/independent study, 5 hours of tutorial/question classes/self assessment questions, 38 hours assignment work, 2 hours examination and 80 hours independent learning.  Total student learning time 150 hours.

Indicated Lecture Hours (which may also include seminars, tutorials, workshops and other contact time) are approximate and may include in-class tests where one or more of these are an assessment on the module. In-class tests are scheduled/organised separately to taught content and will be published on to student personal timetables, where they apply to taken modules, as soon as they are finalised by central administration. This will usually be after the initial publication of the teaching timetable for the relevant semester.

Reading list

https://readinglists.surrey.ac.uk
Upon accessing the reading list, please search for the module using the module code: ENGM042

Programmes this module appears in

Programme Semester Classification Qualifying conditions
Advanced Geotechnical Engineering MSc 1 Optional A weighted aggregate mark of 50% is required to pass the module
Bridge Engineering MSc 1 Optional A weighted aggregate mark of 50% is required to pass the module
Structural Engineering MSc 1 Optional A weighted aggregate mark of 50% is required to pass the module
Infrastructure Engineering and Management MSc 1 Optional A weighted aggregate mark of 50% is required to pass the module
Civil Engineering MSc 1 Optional A weighted aggregate mark of 50% is required to pass the module
Civil Engineering MEng 1 Optional A weighted aggregate mark of 50% is required to pass the module

Please note that the information detailed within this record is accurate at the time of publishing and may be subject to change. This record contains information for the most up to date version of the programme / module for the 2021/2 academic year.