Structural Mechanics in Construction and Civil Engineering

Overview

Framework:
Access to HE 2024
Level:
Level 3
Unit No:
Not available
Credits:
6
Guided learning hours:
Not available

Qualification Grading Type

Graded

Unit Learning Outcomes

1.

Know how structural elements behave under load.

Assessment Criteria

  • 1.1.

    Explain the structural qualities and behaviour of materials used within construction.

    This must include, as a minimum, steel, timber and concrete and may also include other materials such as plastics, glass and composites.

    This includes: Explaining the significance and relationship between shear force and bending moments and explaining the significance of the point of contraflexure.

  • 1.2.

    Analyse the behaviour of beams and columns under load.

    This includes: Explaining the significance and relationship between shear force and bending moments and explaining the significance of the point of contraflexure.

2.

Be able to solve structural mechanics problems.

Assessment Criteria

  • 2.1.

    Determine reactive forces and plot shear force and bending moment diagrams for:

    • a) a simply supported beam
    • b) a cantilever beam.
  • 2.2.

    Determine the forces acting in a determinate frame, using mathematical and graphical techniques.

  • 2.3.

    Determine the maximum stress in a short column under axial and eccentric loads.

3.

Be able to design structures.

Assessment Criteria

  • 3.1.

    Produce suitable section sizes for:

    • a) axially loaded columns
    • b) simply supported beams subject to combined loading.
  • 3.2.

    Evaluate the benefits of using computer software in structural analysis and design.