2024/25 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue
CIVE5913M Design and Management of Structures in Earthquake Zones
15 creditsClass Size: 60
Module manager: Dr Nikolaos Nikitas
Email: n.nikitas@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2024/25
Pre-requisite qualifications
PgDip/MSc students:A Joint Board of Moderators (JBM) accredited BEng (Hons) in Civil Engineering or related subject (minimum pass level: lower second class honours) or IEng, AMIStructE with relevant practical experience (in structural engineering).
Note: JBM represents the Institution of Civil Engineers, the Institution of Structural Engineers, the Institution of Highways and Transportation and the Institute of Highway Incorporated Engineers.
This module is mutually exclusive with
| CIVE5013M | Design and Management of Structures in Earthquake Zones |
This module is not approved as an Elective
Module summary
The module introduces theories and design principles underlying the earthquake-resistant design of civil structures. The target is to acquire a holistic understanding, spanning from the nature of the earthquake input to the individual special seismic design features for different materials of construction, and to impact-focused approaches in preventing and/or managing earthquake damage and repair. The knowledge is practiced within a real case study of retrofit/re-design of seismic code non-compliant/deficient structures for which use of specialist software and tools is provisioned.Objectives
This module provides a first yet, holistic and systematic approach to the design of civil earthquake-resistant structures, as such is embodied within latest seismic design code philosophy. In doing so, there is a dual background gaining and practical experience developing perspective.Learning outcomes
On completion of this module students will be able to:
1. Apply a comprehensive knowledge of engineering principles to the solution of complex problems related to earthquake (or other natural) hazards, from design to management of civil structures. Develop appreciation for the historic development, and state-of-the-art of earthquake-resistant engineering practices and tools. (AHEP 4 Learning Outcome M1);
2. Formulate and analyse a multi-parameter/demand structural engineering design problem to reach substantiated conclusions. This will involve evaluating available data and information that may be uncertain or incomplete, such as that coming from earthquake reconnaissance missions which identify/capture only indicative/partial structural damage, and using fundamental engineering principles and judgment work towards effective solutions, discussing any inherent limitations, alternatives and thinking/techniques employed. (AHEP 4 Learning Outcome M2);
3. Select and apply analytical and computational methods, using alternative approaches and discussing their limitations, in order to develop and implement earthquake-resistant and designs and solutions. (AHEP 4 Learning Outcome M3);
4. Select and critically evaluate technical literature and other sources of information, as in worldwide seismic design codes or guidelines or historic records of earthquake missions or previous retrofit/repair structural damage solutions etc, to develop optimal design earthquake-resistant structural outputs. (AHEP 4 Learning Outcome M4);
5. Design own structural solutions against earthquakes that show originality, uniqueness and best-fit to commercial/client, environmental, sustainability, code of practice and industry standard demands and restraints presenting excellent understanding of limitations in technology and resources. (AHEP Learning Outcome M5);
6. Evaluate the environmental and societal impact of any derived earthquake-resistant design solutions, holistically optimising them, minimising adverse impacts, and giving emphasis on the aspect of long-term behaviour, i.e. whole life-cycle. (AHEP Learning Outcome M7);
7. Select and apply appropriate materials, engineering technologies and processes in the context of earthquake resistant design, recognising any limitations and constraints. (AHEP Learning Outcome M13);
More specific learning outcomes include:
1. Develop a basic understanding of the fundamentals of structural dynamics and earthquake engineering;
2. Develop a basic understanding in the use of finite elements in applied dynamics;
3. Obtain a basis for the application of engineering dynamics in practical engineering situations;
4. Develop an understanding the evaluation criteria for earthquake damaged structures;
5. Obtain a knowledge of current retrofitting methods and how to apply them.
Cumulatively, this module contributes to the AHEP4 learning outcomes M1, M2, M3, M4, M5, M7, and M13.
This module will be used for the formative assessment of English language competency.
Skills outcomes
Academic:
a). The ability to plan time, prioritise tasks and organise academic and personal commitments effectively;
b). The ability to recognise and express knowledge and understanding and how it relates to personal experience and to demonstrate learning and growth from that experience (e.g. lessons learned);
c). The ability to apply new concepts and methods (in the context of earthquake resistant design).
Digital:
d). The ability to find, evaluate, organise and share digital information ensuring the reliability and integrity of the sources used;
e). The ability to communicate and collaborate constructively and professionally with peers through a variety of digital tools and networks;
f). The ability to use digital technology and techniques to create digital items (spreadsheets and graphs), and the willingness to engage with new digital practices and perspectives to solve problems, make decisions and answer questions.
Work ready:
g). The ability to prioritise, work efficiently and productively and to manage their time in order to meet deadlines;
h). The ability to take a logical approach to solving problems; resolving issues by tackling from different angles, using both analytical and numerical skills. The ability to understand, interpret, analyse and manipulate analytical and numerical data;
i). The ability to promote and sell own engineering solutions, substantiating the best-fit to a brief restraints and demands.
Enterprise:
j). The ability to search for, evaluate and use appropriate and relevant information sources to help strengthen the quality of academic work and independent research.
Syllabus
- Introduction to the field of earthquake structural dynamics; principles of design and earthquake engineering; interaction with the industry perspective; presentation of earthquake damage and repair/retrofit options. (Case studies and worked examples);
- Theoretical and applied dynamics (Case studies); interpretation of earthquake-focused dynamic analysis and simulations; introduction to the specialist fields of random vibrations and spectrum-based design;
- Earthquake design in concrete and steel to international codes and guidance (Case studies and worked examples);
- Design and analysis of a structure in an earthquake zone using SAP2000, ETABS or other software tools.
Teaching methods
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
| Consultation | 8 | 1.00 | 8.00 |
| Lecture | 24 | 1.00 | 24.00 |
| Tutorial | 6 | 1.00 | 6.00 |
| Private study hours | 112.00 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 38.00 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 150.00 | ||
Private study
Topics of directed independent study identified by lecturers to support learning. Such topics will include a review of Eurocode guidance, specialist technical reports and relevant journal papers (e.g., The Structural Engineer, ICE Proceedings, Journal of Earthquake Engineering & Structural Dynamics).Non-assessed tutorial questions covering the design of structural control, experimental dynamics and fit to sustainable engineering.
75 hours - Coursework
12 hours - Exam revision
25 hours - Reading
Opportunities for Formative Feedback
Progress is monitored by interaction at all times during the 4 days. However, specifically it is monitored using class tutorials (typically 1 hour) during the first 3 days; the final, fourth day is composed of a half day tutorial exercise where all of the main points of the course are revisited and their understanding is assessed.Methods of assessment
Coursework
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
| Problem Sheet | Design Problems / Case Study based Coursework | 25.00 |
| Problem Sheet | Design Problems / Case Study based Coursework | 25.00 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 50.00 | |
The resit will be by online time-limited assessment only.
Exams
| Exam type | Exam duration | % of formal assessment |
| Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc) | 2 hr 00 mins | 50.00 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Exams) | 50.00 | |
Candidates are required to answer all 3 questions. The resit will be by exam only (i.e. 100% exam)
Reading list
The reading list is available from the Library websiteLast updated: 20/11/2024 14:27:45
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- Undergraduate module catalogue
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