11 ECTS credits
275 h study time
Offer 1 with catalog number 4017266ENR for all students in the 1st and 2nd semester at a (E) Master - advanced level.
Part 1 : Civil engineering and Construction in Europe (1-0-1 ECTS)
Coordination: S. Staquet
The objective of the civil engineering and construction in Europe part is to analyse the link between the use of the structural construction materials and the structural shape of exceptional construction projects in Europe. Several seminars/sessions are organized during the 1st semester. Each student has to analyse one specific project from the stability point of view, the optimization of the use of the construction materials and the integration of the project into the city or environment among a selection of about 50 buildings/bridges/constructions existing in Belgium and in The Netherlands. A technical written paper is expected at the end of the 1st semester.
A 2 or 3 days-trip in Belgium and in The Netherlands is organized after the Easter holidays to visit the projects chosen by all students for their personal technical written paper. It includes an oral presentation on site by each student on their selected project. A final oral presentation is expected at the end of the 2nd semester.
Part 2 : Structural Engineering and Geotechnical Project (0-0-9 ECTS)
Part 2.1 : 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) and eventually a structural 3D mock up.
- 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 2.2 : 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.
Part 1 : Civil engineering and Construction in Europe (1-0-1)
Mandatory presence and active participation in the seminars/sessions organized during the 1st semester and in the 2 or 3 days trip organized after the Eastern holidays in The Netherlands (participation to the trip fees of about 125 eur/student).
Part 2 : Structural Engineering and Geotechnical Project (0-0-9)
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, and personal notes.
Part 1 : Civil engineering and Construction in Europe (1-0-1)
This aim of this part is to expand the general knowledge of the students in the field of construction of interest in Europe in the field of civil engineering. The student can explain in a written report and also can present in an oral communication to a team of experts the structural stability aspects of a specific construction.
Part 2 : Structural Engineering and Geotechnical Project (0-0-9)
The student can perform the full structural design of a 3D, large span structure according to Eurocode prescriptions (including its optimisation, structural analysis and dimensioning by means of finite element models as well as analytical calculations, 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 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:
Part 1 : Civil engineering and Construction in Europe (1-0-1)
One technical paper explaining the use of the structural construction materials and the structural stability aspects of the bridge/building/construction which has been selected by the student among a choice of about 50 exceptional construction projects in Belgium and in The Netherlands. Writing of the technical paper during the 1st semester (deadline of submission: Mid-January; working period: Mid-September up to Mid-January). The technical paper is submitted in electronic version only.
During the trip, each student will present on site the technical aspects of his/her selected project. After the 2 or 3 days trip scheduled after the Eastern holidays, a final oral presentation by each student is scheduled the same day as the one foreseen for the structural and geotechnical engineering project.
Part 2 : Structural Engineering and Geotechnical Project (0-0-9 ECTS)
The agenda, containing a synthesis of the work done during the session and at home will be part of the final report. The agenda should be presented in the oral presentation 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 agenda
Part 2.1 Structural Engineering
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 containing
- corrections, if applicable, of the basis of design
- a note describing the principles of the adopted structure
- calculation notes
- spreadsheets based on the calculation notes
- wireframe views and drawings.
4. An end jury with oral presentation.
All reports are submitted on paper and in electronic version.
Part 2.2 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
- Presentation of the main geotechnical designed structures
- A summary of the main steps of calculation included in the main report
- The calculation notes joined in annex of the report
- Technical drawings of the geotechnical structures, including dimensions, material types and eventual connection details
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 on paper and in electronic version.
In case of unbalance in the contribution to the project, based on the agenda, on the contribution during the working sessions, on the presentations and answers to the questions, on the reports, the course instructors can decide to attribute different partial marks to each student. The agenda 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)