STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS 1 - 2025/6

Module Overview

The module provides students with further insight into the response of structures to static and basic dynamic loads, and introduction to tools to analyse statically indeterminate structures This module builds on the knowledge and understanding gained in ENG1063, learning to analyse statically determinate structures and expands on the work conducted in ENG1076 for stress analysis and failure mechanism. In this module, we will expand the structural analysis methods to analysing and understanding the behaviour of statically indeterminate structures. We will also introduce the dynamic behaviour of the structures under different forms of vibrations.

In this module, students develop the ability to provide solutions to different structural analysis problems, building on knowledge/skills acquired in earlier modules and integrating them with new elements and techniques necessary to tackle more complex structure forms. Thus, they become aware of different criteria that must be met for a solution to be successful. The tasks involve the use of different analysis techniques and methods for different problems, verifying and validating the analysis in a manner similar to that followed by engineers at a professional office. 

Module provider

Sustainability, Civil & Env Engineering

Module Leader

HAJIALIZADEH Donya (Sust & CEE)

Number of Credits: 15

ECTS Credits: 7.5

Framework: FHEQ Level 5

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

Module Availability

Semester 1

Prerequisites / Co-requisites

N/A

Module content

Indicative content includes:

Structural Mechanics and Analysis

• Use of strain energy methods for displacements calculation for statically determinate plane structures;


• Plastic and elastic beam section properties;


• Concept of rigid plastic collapse;


• Definition of static indeterminacy;


• Application of  Displacement Method for analysing simple plane indeterminate structures;


• Principles of structural numerical modelling for plane structures;


• Processes of independent checking and simple validation of skeletal (truss and unbraced-frame) models.

 

Dynamics

• Free, forced and damped vibration of simple structures,  using a single degree of freedom (SDOF) system;


• Modal analysis of two-degrees-of-freedom systems;


• Introduction to basic seismic analysis of structures using the Response Spectrum approach;


• Introduction to basic dynamic response mitigation measures

 

Assessment pattern

Alternative Assessment

N/A

Assessment Strategy

The assessment strategy is designed to provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate their ability to apply the principles of structural mechanics and analysis to analyse a wide range of structural forms subjected to different loading conditions and to formulate basic structural dynamic behaviour.

Thus, the summative assessment for this module consists of:

• Coursework on numerical analysis of a plane structure and verification of the results using displacement method (moment-distribution). This will constitute 20% of the assessment.


• Laboratory coursework to reflect on the application of the displacement method (slope-deflection) in analysing a plane frame under different loading conditions. This will constitute 10% of the assessment.


• Examination covering topics from across the entire syllabus. This will constitute 70% of the assessment.

Both Structural Analysis and Laboratory coursework are designed so that students apply the knowledge and understanding gained in the module directly to a practice-based problem. Both these assessment components allow them to hone their skills and develop confidence in tackling different analysis problems using different techniques before the final summative exam. Furthermore, successful completion of both coursework elements requires persistence to engage in the process of trial and error needed to explore the solution space and solve the sub-problems that arise along the way.

The assessment strategy in this module will help students develop the necessary skills to appraise different techniques and reason using the appropriate approach for different structural analysis problems. It will also help them develop effective communication skills by employing evidence-based reasoning in the approach taken and analysis conducted.

Formative assessment and feedback

Formative assessment and feedback is provided via the weekly supported tutorial work.  The students complete a set of worked solutions to a range of questions in the tutorial classes and are provided with tutor support in comments and feedback in the sessions. Furthermore, week 6 of the semester is allocated to review the progress on the structural mechanics and analysis assignment to provide formative feedback that can be feedforwarded prior to final submission.

Module aims

• Analyse the structural deformation under different loading scenarios.
• Analyse statically indeterminate beams and frames
• Use structural analysis software and understand the principles of validation and verification
• Formulate dynamic characteristics and behaviour of structures under basic dynamic loading

Learning outcomes

Methods of Teaching / Learning

The module is delivered in weekly learning content supported by live seminars, captured content and tutorial sessions, supplemented by a laboratory session.  The learning content in this module provides the basis for structural analysis related topics in Structural Engineering at FHEQ Level 5, 6 and 7 on the MEng and BEng programmes in Civil Engineering.  This builds on the fundamentals covered in ENG1063-Materials and Static and ENG1076 – Structural Design I at Level 4 of the programmes and provides the core skillset for the Structural Analysis II and Integrated Design III module in Level 6.  The learning and teaching strategy includes:

• Lectures/Captured content to introduce new concepts and techniques, provide illustrative examples, and explore applications;


• Interactive seminars to reinforce and apply lecture content;


• Laboratory session to apply the principles of displacement method in practice;


• Tutorials/problems classes for individualised and small group guidance and support provided by staff and postgraduate students;


• Structural numerical modelling and analysis tasks to develop technique selection and skills


• Recommended wider reading of matching sections of relevant recommended texts;

 

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: ENG2103

Other information

Surrey's Curriculum Framework is committed to developing graduates with strengths in Employability, Digital Capabilities, Global and Cultural Capabilities, Sustainability and Resourcefulness and Resilience. This module is designed to allow students to develop knowledge, skills and capabilities in the following areas:

 

Resourcefulness & Resilience: Students will develop the ability to respond to problem-based tasks, addressing challenges or set-backs through agile thinking to provide viable solutions to engineering problems.¿ They are encouraged to exercise and develop their engineering judgement to evaluate solutions and identify and correct errors, learning from this experience to build confidence in their problem-solving abilities.

 

Digital Capabilities: Students will learn how to use different structural numerical software to apply the principles of structural numerical modelling in practice. They will also reinforce their data analysis skills by analysing tabulated experimental data and utilise computational tools to draw a conclusion on patterns and trends in the data. The learning and teaching diet is supported via the virtual learning environment (Surrey Learn). Students’ engagement is further encouraged by utilising online subject-specific discussion forums.

 

Employability: The application of structural analysis and modelling covered in this module provide a foundation for work in professional teams dealing with structural analysis and design. Professional skills also include presentation of technical calculations, verification of analysis and critical thinking in justifying the decision made in structural modelling.

Programmes this module appears in

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 2025/6 academic year.