Structural Dynamics and Earthquake Engineering module (CE51038)

You will be introduced to the field of earthquake geotechnical engineering. This will also cover the development of dynamic models for engineering structures. This will include geostructures and their foundations.

You will learn how these can be applied across a diverse range of other practical dynamic loading problems such as:

• blast
• machinery
• vibration

You will learn to assess the hazards posed to civil engineering construction by earthquakes and dynamic loads. You will learn to design against these. This will produce resilient structures and apply appropriate remedial measures to existing structures.

What you will learn

In this module, you will:

• learn about the origin of earthquakes and the movements and loadings they generate at the ground surface. You will also learn about the impact of seismic ground movements on engineering structures and how to design against this
• learn about the generation and use of response spectra
• study soil-structure interaction
• learn how to conduct seismic design and detailing

By the end of this module, you will be able to:

• assess seismic (or dynamic loading) hazards for engineering and geotechnical structures.
• assess its impact both qualitatively and quantitatively
• apply the appropriate analytical tools to analyse macroscopic geotechnical, structure, and interaction response
• perform advanced seismic design calculations
• assemble, analyse, assess, and order data from a wide range of sources, in order to solve practical problems
• apply spreadsheet tools in performing design calculations and optimisation
• write accurate, brief design reports

Assignments / assessment

• coursework (40%)
• exam (60%)

Teaching methods / timetable

• design studios
  • hands-on computer-based sessions
• in-person tutorials