Study information

Performance Based Design Under Dynamic Loading - 2025 entry

MODULE TITLEPerformance Based Design Under Dynamic Loading CREDIT VALUE15
MODULE CODEENGM012 MODULE CONVENERProf Aleksandar Pavic (Coordinator)
DURATION: TERM 1 2 3
DURATION: WEEKS 11
Number of Students Taking Module (anticipated) 30
DESCRIPTION - summary of the module content

This module will provide you with basic knowledge and understanding relevant to vibration and
earthquake engineering of large civil engineering structures. Firstly, very briefly recapped will be key concepts of single- (SDOF) and multiple-degree-of-freedom (MDOF) systems which form foundations of general structural dynamics for dealing with human-, wind- and earthquake-induced dynamic loading on civil engineering structures. The bulk of the module will then focus on specific problems of environmental vibrations affecting serviceability of structures occupied and dynamically excited by humans (floors, footbridges and grandstands) or by ground borne vibrations due to over and underground traffic, and also crucially due to - earthquakes. Methods and tools used routinely for analysing structures to have satisfactory performance under earthquake and human-induced dynamic loading will be presented and then used by students.

You will have an opportunity to practise a corner stone of quality management in structural dynamics: linking structural dynamic analysis and testing. You will test a laboratory-based prototype structure and quality assure the test results by independent structural modelling and vice versa. 

 

 

AIMS - intentions of the module

The aim of this module is to use already developed concepts of SDOF and MDOF systems and apply them to real life vibration serviceability and seismic design problems.

INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES (ILOs) (see assessment section below for how ILOs will be assessed)

 

Programmes that are accredited by the Engineering Council are required to meet Accreditation of Higher Education   

Programmes (AHEP4) Learning Outcomes.  

The following Engineering Council AHEP4 Learning Outcomes are covered on this module (shown in brackets): 

 
 
On successful completion of this module you should be able to: 

  

Module Specific Skills and Knowledge: 

  

1. Interpret relevant codes of practice and perform vibration serviceability assessment  
 
2. Master relevant terminology pertinent to seismic design of structures using concepts of SDOF and MDOF systems analysis and perform seismic design using linearly elastic and inelastic systems 
 
 
 

Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge: 

  

3. Demonstrate an understanding of key vibration serviceability design concepts and the ability to discuss the role of quality management systems and continuous improvement in the context of vibration serviceability (M14); 
 
4. Select and apply appropriate materials, equipment, engineering technologies and processes, recognising their limitations to rationalise a real-life vibration serviceability problem and perform its assessment (M13);   

  

Personal and Key Transferable/Employment Skills and Knowledge: 
 
5. Ability to perform seismic analysis of an idealised concept structure; 
 
6. Use practical laboratory and workshop skills to investigate complex problems (M12).

 

SYLLABUS PLAN - summary of the structure and academic content of the module

1: Review of Single Degree of Freedom (SDOF) systems: Review 
 
2: Review of Multiple Degree of Freedom (MDOF) systems: Review 
 
3: Basic analysis of signals in structural dynamics: Measure vibration response and modal properties of a laboratory structure. 
 
4: General principles and approach to vibration serviceability of structures: Vibration serviceability design 
 
5: General principles and approach to vibration seismic analysis and performance calculations of structures: Calculate inter-storey rifts and base shear due to seismic action. 
 
6: Enhance quality of structural engineering design and assessment by linking dynamic testing and theoretical structural stannic analysis in performance based design for dynamic loads. 
 


 

LEARNING AND TEACHING
LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS (given in hours of study time)
Scheduled Learning & Teaching Activities 35 Guided Independent Study 115 Placement / Study Abroad
DETAILS OF LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS
Category Hours of study time Description
Lecture 22  
Tutorial 11  
Laboratory work 2  
Independent study 115  

 

ASSESSMENT
FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT - for feedback and development purposes; does not count towards module grade
SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT (% of credit)
Coursework 20 Written Exams 80 Practical Exams
DETAILS OF SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT
Form of Assessment % of Credit Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) ILOs Assessed Feedback Method
Coursework - Vibration serviceability and seismic design 20 30 hours 1-5 Annnoted coursework and group feedback provided on common problems and errors with submissions
Exam - closed book 80 2 hours All Marked feedback
         

 

DETAILS OF RE-ASSESSMENT (where required by referral or deferral)
Original Form of Assessment Form of Re-assessment ILOs Re-assessed Time Scale for Re-assessment
All above Exam (100% - 2 hours) All Referral/Deferral Period
       

 

RE-ASSESSMENT NOTES

Reassessment will be by a single written exam worth 100% of the module. For deferred candidates, the mark will be uncapped. For referred candidates, the mark will be capped at 50%.

RESOURCES
INDICATIVE LEARNING RESOURCES - The following list is offered as an indication of the type & level of
information that you are expected to consult. Further guidance will be provided by the Module Convener

ELE:  http://vle.exeter.ac.uk/ 
 
 Web based and Electronic Resources: 
 
Journal papers and the most recent conferences papers. 
 
NDOF simulator 

Reading list for this module: 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 

Author 
 
 
 
 
 

Title 
 
 
 
 
 

Edition 
 
 
 
 
 

Publisher 
 
 
 
 
 

Year 
 
 
 
 
 

ISBN 
 
 
 
 
 

Williams M 
 
 
 
 

Structural Dynamics 
 
 
 
 

  
 
 
 
 

CRC Press 
 
 
 
 

2016 
 
 
 
 

978-0-415-42732-6 
 
 
 
 
 

Maia, NMM, Silva, JMM, He, J, Lieven, NAJ, Lin, RM, Skingle, GW  
 
 
 
 

Theoretical and Experimental Modal Analysis 
 
 
 
 

  
 
 
 
 

Research Studies Press Ltd. & John Wiley and Sons 
 
 
 
 

1997 
 
 
 
 

9073802261 
 
 
 
 
 

Inman, DJ  
 
 
 
 

Engineering Vibration 
 
 
 
 

2nd 
 
 
 
 

Prentice-Hall 
 
 
 
 

2001 
 
 
 
 

013726142x 
 
 
 
 
 

Chopra A  
 
 
 
 

Earthquake dynamics of Structures, a Primer Earthquake  
 
 
 
 

  
 
 
 
 

Engineering Research Institute 
 
 
 
 

2005 
 
 
 
 

1932884076 

 

Reading list for this module:

There are currently no reading list entries found for this module.

CREDIT VALUE 15 ECTS VALUE 30
PRE-REQUISITE MODULES None
CO-REQUISITE MODULES None
NQF LEVEL (FHEQ) 7 AVAILABLE AS DISTANCE LEARNING No
ORIGIN DATE Friday 28th February 2025 LAST REVISION DATE Friday 28th February 2025
KEY WORDS SEARCH None defined

Please note that all modules are subject to change, please get in touch if you have any questions about this module.