Structural Mechanics in Construction and Civil Engineering

This unit is expiring
The expiry date of this unit is 31/07/2024.

Overview

Framework:
Access to HE
Level:
Level 3
Unit No:
QU017117
Credits:
6
Guided learning hours:
Not available

Qualification Grading Type

Graded

Grade Descriptors

  • GD1-Understanding the subject
  • GD3-Application of skills
  • GD7-Quality

Unit Learning Outcomes

1

Understand how structural elements behave under load.

This includes:


  • Explaining the significance and relationship between shear force and bending moments.
  • Explaining the significance of the point of contraflexure.

Assessment Criteria

  • 1.1

    Analyse 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.

  • 1.2

    Analyse the behaviour of beams and columns under load.

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.