9 ECTS credits
225 h study time
Offer 1 with catalog number 4023627ENR for all students in the 2nd semester at a (E) Master - advanced level.
Part 1 : Structural Engineering
Coordination: L. Pyl
The assignment is to analyze, in a team, a mid-rise concrete building. This structural analysis process consists of the following steps:
- Preliminary design: choice of the lay-out of the structural elements (direction of the spans, the beams and distance between columns; pre-design of slabs, beams and columns; visualization of the structure by plans (plan view, sections, wireframe views).
- Structural analysis:
• Determination of loads and combinations using EC1, making calculation hypothesis and a static model
• Structural analysis using analytical methods
• If necessary, verification of the dynamic behaviour of the structure
- Dimensioning of the structure according to the Eurocodes, including the slabs, the beams, the columns and the central core
- Detailing of some important structural parts, including the reinforcement calculations
- Written and oral reporting
In order to support the structural design process, several theoretical classes are given, that can depend from project to project (a.o. introduction to structural design, calculation of wind loads and horizontal stability of structures, ...).
Part 2 : Geotechnical Engineering
Coordination: P. Gérard
The objective of the geotechnical part of the project is to design the geotechnical structures required for the transmission of the load from the structure to the ground (shallow and/or deep foundations) as well for the execution of excavation works (temporary or permanent retaining structures, slope stability and/or dewatering system) by means of calculation rules from Eurocode 7. The design of those geotechnical structures must be properly carried in order to agree with the requirement of the structure. If needed, the construction phases must also be studied and optimized to ensure sufficient stability of temporary structures during all the steps of construction.
This part of the project requires to have basic notions in soil mechanics and geotechnical engineering, as given in the course of Soil Mechanics (Bachelor 3) and Geotechnical Engineering (Master 1) at ULB and VUB. However, other similar background could be well suited. Along the different working sessions, some additional theoretical concepts will be given to provide the necessary tools to the students to address specific aspects of the project. Those theoretical classes depend from project to project.
Mandatory presence and active participation in all sessions is a pre-requisite to be evaluated. Absence should be legitimated.
This project includes all professional responsibilities and behaviour (regular attendance, punctuality, active participation in the sessions, professional communication with the supervisors, etc.).
Course notes by E-platform (Canvas for structural sessions and UV for geotechnical sessions), and personal notes.
The student can perform the full structural and geotechnical design of a 3D building according to Eurocode prescriptions (including its structural and geotechnical analysis and dimensioning by means of calculation rules from Eurocode, detailing of connections, plan drawing,...)
The student can work in team and communicate her/his work to fellow students and experts by means of calculation notes, accurate reports, plans, oral presentation, ...
The Master of Science in Engineering has in-depth knowledge and understanding of exact sciences with the specificity of their application to engineering
The Master of Science in Engineering has in-depth knowledge and understanding of integrated structural design methods in the framework of a global design strategy.
The Master of Science in Engineering can reformulate complex engineering problems in order to solve them (simplifying assumptions, reducing complexity).
The Master of Science in Engineering can correctly report on research or design results in the form of a technical report or in the form of a scientific paper
The Master of Science in Engineering can present and defend results in a scientifically sound way, using contemporary communication tools, for a national as well as for an international professional or lay audience
The Master of Science in Engineering can collaborate in a (multidisciplinary) team
The Master of Science in Engineering can work in an industrial environment with attention to safety, quality assurance, communication and reporting
The Master of Science in Engineering can develop, plan, execute and manage engineering projects at the level of a starting professional
The Master of Science in Engineering can think critically about and evaluate projects, systems and processes, particularly when based on incomplete, contradictory and/or redundant information.
The Master of Science in Engineering has a creative, problem-solving, result-driven and evidence-based attitude, aiming at innovation and applicability in industry and society.
The Master of Science in Engineering has a critical attitude towards one’s own results and those of others.
The Master of Science in Civil Engineering can design (conceptually and quantitatively), model, realize and manage concrete, steel and composite structures in the context of buildings and civil engineering infrastructures.
The Master of Science in Civil Engineering can design (conceptually and quantitatively) geotechnical structures by applying the fundamental concepts of soil mechanics
The Master of Science in Civil Engineering can show the interactions between structural solutions, structural and materials engineering and geotechnical engineering and achieve the transition from a conceptual solution to the detailed design of a civil engineering structure.
The final grade is composed based on the following categories:
PRAC Practical Assignment determines 100% of the final mark.
Within the PRAC Practical Assignment category, the following assignments need to be completed:
The time sheets of each group member, containing a synthesis of the individual work done during the session and at home will be part of the final report. The time sheets should be included in the deliverables handled by students during the mid-term and end-term jury. This will be taken into account in the marks for the individual work. The instructor can ask each session to the student to show his/her time sheets. Every group prepares a Gantt chart for the planning of the different tasks against time.
Part 1 Structural Engineering
The evaluation of this part is based on:
1. The weekly participation of the student to the working sessions
2. A mid-term oral presentation. A mid-jury judges the work based on a presentation per group and the deliverables.
3. A final report on the structural design and analysis
4. An end jury with oral presentation.
All reports are submitted in electronic version.
Part 2 Geotechnical Engineering
The evaluation of this part is based on:
1. The weekly participation of the student to the working sessions
2. A final report detailing the geotechnical design
3. The final presentation of the project in which a brief summary of calculation must be integrated inside the general presentation of the designed geotechnical structure. The construction steps may also be included in the presentation, if needed.
All reports are submitted in electronic version.
In case of unbalance in the contribution to the project, the course instructors can decide to split the group and/or to present the work individually and/or get correspondingly different marks. The individual contribution to the project will be assessed based on the time sheets, on the participation during the working sessions, on the presentations and answers to the questions, on the reports. The time sheets of each individual group member can be asked for at any moment.
This offer is part of the following study plans:
Master of Civil Engineering: Standaard traject (only offered in Dutch)
Master of Civil Engineering: Standaard traject (BRUFACE)