29/7/2014 Module Catalogue 2014/15 - - Newcastle University

Newcastle University

Module Catalogue 2014/15

Module Catalogue 2014/15

CEG8304 : Structural Reliability

Offered for Year: 2014/15

Module Leader(s): Dr Carmine Galasso

Owning School: Civil Engineering & Geosciences

Semesters

Semester 1 Credit Value: 10

ECTS Credits: 5.0

Pre Requisites
Pre Requisite Comment

Students should have taken CEG8309 FEA in Structural Mechanics prior to this
module.
Co Requisites
Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

The aim of the module is to enable successful candidates to understand the

fundamental principles of structural reliability, to have an appreciation of some
advanced aspects and to demonstrate their application through the solution of a
number of realistic problems, both analytically and numerically.

Summary:
The module combines analysis techniques, probabilistics and the application of
statistical information in the presentation of concepts associated with the reliability
analysis of structures. Material, load, and resistance properties are presented and
described. Monte-Carlo and FORM methods of reliability analysis are developed and
applied. These are used with the statistical information to analyse realistic tractible
structural reliability problems using structural mechanics principles to explore the
methodology.

Outline Of Syllabus
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1. Review of probability theory

2. Statistical properties of structural materials, members and loads
3. Structural reliability assessment for components and systems
4. Integration and simulation methods
5. Second-moment and transformation methods
6. Codes and structural reliability
7. Software application

Learning Outcomes

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

1. An understanding of the concept of structural reliability & its definitions in the

context of
structural engineering.
2. Qualification & quantification of structural reliability-statistical measurements of
material and
structure uncertainty, risk assessment & acceptability.
3. Computation of structual reliability using alternative methods as a function of the
nature of the mathematical model associated with the problem.
4. An appreciation of calibration and assessment methodologies applied to new &
existing structures.
5. Familiarisation with a software application.
Intended Skill Outcomes

The module should enable the students to become proficient in:

1. study skills - research, time management, information processing

2. communication skills - verbal (inquiry and explanation) written (calculations),
visual/graphical
(diagrams).
3. evaluative skills - manual.
4. workplace skills - group and team working.

Graduate Skills Framework

Graduate Skills Framework Applicable: Yes

Cognitive/Intellectual Skills
Critical Thinking : Assessed
Data Synthesis : Assessed
Active Learning : Present
Numeracy : Assessed
Self Management
Planning and Organisation
Decision Making : Present
Personal Enterprise
Initiative : Present
Independence : Present
Problem Solving : Assessed
Interaction
Team Working
Collaboration : Present

Teaching Methods
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Teaching Activities
Student
Category Activity Number Length Comment
Hours
Scheduled
Learning And
Lecture 14 1:00 14:00 N/A
Teaching
Activities

Assessment
Guided
preparation Coursework
Independent 1 15:00 15:00
and simulations
Study
completion

Assessment
Guided
preparation Revision for
Independent 14 0:30 7:00
and exam
Study
completion

Assessment
Guided
preparation
Independent 1 2:00 2:00 Exam
and
Study
completion

Scheduled
Learning And Small group
11 1:00 11:00 Tutorials
Teaching teaching
Activities

Includes
background
Guided reading and
Independent
Independent 1 51:00 51:00 reading lecture
study
Study notes for a full
understanding of
material

Total 100:00

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Specialist knowledge and understanding are primarily imparted via lecture classes.
Students are encouraged and expected to learn through independent reading and
solutions to small group teaching problems. They are supported in this by the
provision of an extensive set of notes, and small group teaching activities.

Reading Lists

Reading List Website : rlo.ncl.ac.uk (https://rlo.ncl.ac.uk/)

Assessment Methods

The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners

Exams
When
Description Length Semester Percentage Comment
Set
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Closed book exam.

Written Part A multiple-
120 1 A 70
Examination choice. Part B
extended questions.

Other Assessment
When
Description Semester Percentage Comment
Set
Written Monte Carlo simulations
1 M 30
exercise (approx. 1000 word equivalent).

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The knowledge gained in the module is expected to be understanding of the

principles of structural reliability analysis and the application of principles using
commercially available software. The assessment is 70% closed-book exam in
which theoretical aspects are examined in the classical way. A multi-choice section
is included to assess the full breadth of the module. An extended question assesses
a particular analytical technique. The coursework provides an opportunity to explore
the practical application of the theory studied in the module.

Timetable

Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/ (http://www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/)

CEG8304's Timetable
(https://crypt.ncl.ac.uk/controlpanels/timetable/students/search.php?modules=CEG8304)

Past Exam Papers

Exam Papers Online : www.ncl.ac.uk/exam.papers/

(http://www.ncl.ac.uk/exam.papers/)
CEG8304's past Exam Papers (https://crypt.ncl.ac.uk/exam.papers/search.php?
module_code=CEG8304)

General Notes

N/A

Note: The Module Catalogue now reflects module information relating to academic year 14/15.
Please contact your School Office if you require module information for a previous academic year.

Disclaimer: The University will use all reasonable endeavours to deliver modules in accordance
with the descriptions set out in this catalogue. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy
of the information, however, the University reserves the right to introduce changes to the information
given including the addition, withdrawal or restructuring of modules if it considers such action to be
necessary.

New castle University , NE1 7RU, United Kingdom, Telephone: (0191) 208 6000
From outside the UK dial +44 191 208 6000
Website information and feedback (http://www.ncl.ac.uk/inf o)
Last updated 21 March, 2014 © 2014 New castle University (http://www.ncl.ac.uk/inf o/legal/copy right.html)

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