2023/24 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue

CIVE5333M Monitoring and Maintenance of Infrastructure

15 creditsClass Size: 40

Module manager: Dr Suhaila Mattar
Email: s.mattar@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable

Year running 2023/24

This module is not approved as an Elective

Module summary

This module is concerned with the different technologies available for sensing, monitoring, and maintenance planning of the civil engineering structures that form transport infrastructure. It also covers the latest technological developments andthe potential of cutting-edge sensing systems.

Objectives

 Understanding of the characteristics, operational principles and limitations of the different types of sensing and data acquisition systems.
 Development of a coherent view of the different types of structural damage and their relation to the principles underlying damage identification and methods.
 Understanding of the technical information regarding monitoring systems and strategies, their costs and operational aspects, with an awareness of what information can be obtained and how to process and analyse it.
 Development of the critical thinking skills necessary to compare alternatives and make informed decisions about the most appropriate monitoring solutions for different situations.
 Understanding of lifecycle monitoring and structural reliability modelling and how they inform the decisions regarding the definition and implementation of maintenance strategies.

Learning outcomes
The learning outcomes are aligned with UK-SPEC / AHEP standards set out by the Engineering Council. On completion of this module, the students will be able:
1. To demonstrate in-depth specialist knowledge and sophisticated understanding of the different sensing and data acquisition methods applicable to civil engineering structures.
2. To exhibit mastery in identifying the limitations of alternative monitoring systems and techniques and proposing creative solutions to the complex problems associated to their implementation.
3. To identify and critically assess the relevance of different sources of information, such as technical specifications, recommendations, and case studies.
4. To conduct appropriate research in order to make informed decisions related to the selection of monitoring systems and the definition, planning and modelling of maintenance strategies.
5. To demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the techniques and processes applicable to the processing and analysis of data and information obtained using different sensing methods.
6. To proactively formulate ideas and hypotheses in relation to the selection and choice of monitoring technologies for different applications, and to define, implement and execute plans to evaluate their appropriateness.
7. To critically and creatively evaluate current issues, research and advanced scholarship in relation to structural health monitoring and maintenance.

In addition to the above, the students will also develop the skills necessary for employment in a higher capacity in industry or to undertake a higher research degree:
8. To present and discuss complex information in a succint but precise manner.
9. To think critically and follow an articulate approach to project specification and problem solving.
10. To organise their work with effective self direction and decision making.
11. To implement independent learning methods in a way which ensures continuing professional development and allows successful participation as required for professional accreditation.
12. To work as an individual and as part of a team in the professional
environment.

Skills outcomes
This module will be used for the formative assessment of English language competency.

Syllabus

 Structural Health Monitoring: introduction, systems and components, development and challenges.
 Sensor types, fibre optic sensors, classification, selection, installation and sensor placement.
 Damage in structures and identification, non-destructive testing: visual inspection, acoustic emission, ultrasound, electromagnetic methods.
 Data acquisition systems, transmission, pre-processing, signal processing, analysis and management.
 Structural dynamics, modal analysis, equipment and methodology, modal identification techniques.
 Structural modelling for damage identification, methods based on modal parameters, methods based on structural parameters, pattern recognition.
 Characterisation of damage in structures, assessment based on dynamic perturbation, vibration-based damage identification and its challenges, diagnosis and prognosis.
 Lifecycle monitoring, probabilistic deterioration modelling, structural reliability analysis, maintenance strategies.

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Lecture	11	3.00	33.00
Seminar	3	1.00	3.00
Private study hours			114.00
Total Contact hours			36.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			150.00

Private study

 Preparation prior to each lecture, reading of core material, discovery exercises: 33 hours.
 Desk-based research, study and write-up of report on topic of choice: 40 hours.
 Preparation of presentation for seminar: 6 hours.
 Study of materials developed and discussed during seminars: 10 hours.
 Revision for the final exam: 25 hours.

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Report on topic of choice (up to 3000 equivalent words): returned with written feedback.
Presentations: oral feedback is given for all presentations at the end of each session; detailed, individual
marks and written feedback as per standardised marking criteria are also returned; fellow students are asked to anonymously provide feedback.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Report	Written report on topic of choice	40.00
Oral Presentation	Presentation (15-30 minutes)	10.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		50.00

Resit percentages of formal assessment: individual written report – 40%, online time limited assessment – 60%.

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

Resit percentages of formal assessment: individual written report – 40%, exam – 60%.

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 28/04/2023 14:52:56

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