UNIVERSITY OF PERADENIYA

DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING

POSTGRADUATE POGRAMME IN STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING YEAR 2021

INTRODUCTION
Postgraduate programme in Structural Engineering is one of the most in demand structural
engineering programmes in the country conducted by the Department of Civil Engineering, University
of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka. The course consists of compulsory taught courses conducted through
lectures, tutorials, assignments, laboratory and design classes and a research study. The elective
courses can be selected as per eligibility requirement. The course will commence from January 2021.
Department of Civil Engineering, University of Peradeniya has excellent laboratory facilities and a
team of highly qualified academic staff. Facilities in the Engineering Library, Computer Aided Design
Laboratory and Computing/IT Centre are also available for students in furthering their studies and
research.
Staff of the Faculty of Engineering, teaching the subjects of the postgraduate course are:
S. B. S. Abayakoon, BScEng, MSc, PhD, CEng, FIE (SL), Int.PE
P. B. R. Dissanayake BScEng, MEng, PhD, CEng, FIE (SL)
A. L. M. Mauroof BScEng, MEng, DEng, CEng, MIE (SL)
U. I. Dissanayake BScEng, PhD, CEng, MIE (SL)
K. A. S. Susantha, BScEng, MEng, DEng, CEng, MIE (SL)
L. C. Kurukulasuriya BScEng, MEng, PhD
D. De. S. Udakara BScEng, MEng, PhD
P. B. G. Dissanayake BScEng, PhD, MIEAust, MPMI
S. R. Herath BScEng, MEng, PhD
H. D. Yapa BScEng, PhD
C. K. Pathirana BScEng, MScEng, PhD, CEng, MIE (SL)
K. K. Wijesundara BScEng, MSc, PhD
A. J. Dammika BScEng, MEng, PhD
C. S. Bandara BScEng, MScEng, PhD, CEng, MIE (SL)
M. C. M. Nasvi BScEng, PhD
J. A. S. C. Jayasinghe BScEng, MScEng, PhD
H. A. D. Samith Buddika BScEng, MScEng, PhD
A. M. R. G. Athapaththu BScEng, MPhil, DEng
T. K. K. C. Deepagoda BScEng, MScEng, PhD
S. K. Navaratnarajah BScEng, MS, PhD
In addition, visiting experts will also assist in the programme in different components.
COURSE STRUCTURE
The course consists of taught subjects described under subject description below and an independent
study/ research project (CE 601/CE 602). Taught subjects will continue over TWO semesters on
Saturdays and Sundays from 8.00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The independent study/ research project (CE
601/CE 602) will be commenced within the first semester and will be continued till the end of the
third semester.
The core courses and electives to be offered in the year 2021 are as follows;

Course Code Course Title Credits

Core Subjects
CE 614 Finite Elements Methods 3
CE 619 Computer Aided Structural Design 3
CE 622 Design of Concrete Structures 3
CE 640 Foundation Engineering 3
CE 601 Independent Study 3
Electives
CE 610 Concrete Technology 3
CE 615 Design of Steel Structures 2
CE 618 Construction Materials 3
CE 623 High-Rise Buildings 2
CE 626 Bridge Engineering 2
CE 694 Green SL Rating System for Built Environment 3

(Course contents are given on pages 6 - 8)

In order to earn 12 credits per semester, it is required to conduct classes for at least 4 sessions.
Accordingly, the proposed time table for the program is as follows;

Day Time Description of work

8.00 AM to 12.00 NOON
Saturday
1.00 PM to 3.00 PM
3.00 PM to 5.00 PM
8.00 AM to 12.00 NOON
Sunday
1.00 PM to 5.00 PM
Core Course I
Core Course I or Elective Course
Core Course I or Elective Course
Core Course II
Core Course II or Elective Course

Examinations of the subjects taught in a semester will be held within the semester, and the progress of
the research/design projects are continuously evaluated during and at the end of each semester.

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At the end of first two (02) semesters students will have to complete all taught courses in order to earn
24 credits as given in the table below:

Item Description Number of credits

1 From 4 core courses (4 x 3 credits) 12
2 From elective courses 9
3 From CE 601 Independent study 3
4 Subtotal at the end of first two semesters 24

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Postgraduate Diploma in Structural Engineering

(a) A Bachelor’s Degree acceptable to the Faculty Higher Degrees Committee or

(b) Such other qualification as may be approved by the Faculty Higher Degrees Committee as
suitable for candidature for PG.Dip., in a field related to the programme of study.

Degree of Master of the Science of Engineering in Structural Engineering

(a) A Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering with First or Second Class Honours or

(b) A Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering with acceptable postgraduate qualifications, or
(c) A degree or such other qualification equivalent to Bachelor’s Degree in engineering as may be
approved by the Faculty Higher Degrees Committee as suitable for candidature for the MSc Eng.
Degree with a minimum of one year’s experience, after obtaining the Degree or such qualification, in
a field related to the programme of study.

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ELIGIBILITY AND DURATION

Award of the Postgraduate degrees is subject to University rules and regulations and the followings
are relevant excerpts.

Postgraduate Diploma in Structural Engineering

Course Requirements
In order to be eligible for the award of PG.Dip., a student shall have a total of 21 credits earned from
prescribed courses with grade point average of at least 2.75, including successfully completed
independent study.

Minimum and Maximum Duration

The minimum period required for the completion of the PG.Dip. programme shall be twelve (12)
months on a part-time basis. To be eligible for the award of the Postgraduate Diploma, a student shall
fulfill all stipulated requirements within three (03) academic years from the date of registration.

Degree of Master of the Science of Engineering in Structural Engineering

Course requirements
In order to be eligible for the award of MSc Eng. Degree a student shall have
(a) a total of 24 credits earned from prescribed courses with a grade point average of at least 3.0,
and
(b) successfully completed research study.

Minimum and Maximum Duration

The minimum period for the completion of the MSc Eng. programme is eighteen (18) months on a
part-time basis. In order to be eligible for the award of the Degree of MSc Eng., a student shall fulfill
all stipulated requirements within four and a half (4 1/2) academic years from the date of registration.

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COURSE FEE

 Rs.310,000.00 for PG.Dip.

 Rs.350,000.00 for MSc.Eng.

In addition to above fee a refundable library deposit of Rs. 2,000.00 and Standard Library Deposit
Rs. 1,500.00 should be paid at the time of the registration for the postgraduate programme.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE
Every application for enrolment must be made on the prescribed form obtained from the Assistant
Registrar, Faculty of Engineering, University of Peradeniya. Duly completed applications should
reach the Assistant Registrar, Faculty of Engineering, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya on or
Before 31st October 2020.

The following should be submitted along with the duly completed application:

a) Two Referee Reports. At least one should be from the applicant's teacher at the University.
b) Degree/Diploma/Professional membership certificates (Photo copies)
c) Birth certificate (Photocopy)
d) Letter of consent from the employer (where applicable)
e) 2 Self-addressed stamped envelopes (22cm x l0cm)

Originals of documents of which Photostat copies are submitted should be produced before
admission, on request.
Applicant should arrange to have official copies of transcripts sent direct to the Senior Assistant
Registrar, Faculty of Engineering, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya.
In the event of any discrepancy between the names appearing in the applicant’s
academic/professional/birth certificates and the name given by the applicant in the application, an
affidavit to the effect that the applicant is the one and the same person known by such names should
be sent together with the application form.
Documents submitted in support of an application shall become the property of the University.
Application which are received late/or incomplete in any respect are liable to be rejected. Only
shortlisted applicants will be called for an interview
The applicants will be informed of their acceptance/non-acceptance to the particular postgraduate
programme for which admission has been sought. The University may at its discretion refuse
admission to any applicant.

For further details contact Dr.A. J Dammika (Tel: 081 239 3549 ;Email: dammikaaj@pdn.ac.lk ),
the Coordinator of the Postgraduate Programme in Structural Engineering, Department of Civil
Engineering, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya.
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SUBJECT DESCRIPTION

CE601 Independent Study (Core, 3 Credits)

Formulation and carrying out of a literature review on engineering research topic under the
guidance of a faculty member. Experience is gained in research methodology of mathematical
modelling, numerical analysis, and laboratory or field experimentation. At the completion of the
project each student submits a technical report and presents the results orally. This work is
evaluated by regular review meetings by a panel of teachers.

CE602 Advance Research Project

The research programme should cover aspects such as formulation of research proposal, literature
review, research methodology, execution of work, analysis of results and drawing conclusions,
presenting the research work leading to the thesis. This project may be an extension of CE601. A
senior faculty member will act as the supervisor for each project.

CE610 Concrete Technology (Elective, 3 Credits, 45 hours of lectures)

Types of cement: composition; properties; hydration; cement testing. chemical and mineral
admixtures: properties; selection criteria. Aggregate: properties; testing handling. Sustainability
issues, recycled materials. Properties of concrete; testing method of concrete. Compliance criteria,
Durability of concrete: alkali-aggregate reaction (AAR), sulphate attack, corrosion of metals in
concrete; fire resistance. Concept of high performance concrete; methods of specifying concrete;
application of current international standards. Design of high performance concrete mixes.
Formwork. Production of concrete; ready-mixed concrete; replacing, finishing and curing methods.
Special types of concrete and their applications: self-compacting concrete (SCC); roller-
compacting concrete (RCC); pervious concrete; polymer concrete; polymer-modified concrete;
reactive-powder concrete (RPC), fibre-reinforced concrete; applications. Testing of concrete in
structures: non- destructive and semi-destructive testing. Defects in concrete structures and
remedial measures.

CE614 Finite Elements Methods (Core, 3 Credits; 45 hours lectures)

Revision of basics of finite element method: subdivision, stiffness, assembly, solution; Computer
implementation: packages; modelling of structure: element types (beam/column, plane
stress/strain, solid, plate/shell), boundary condition, loading, accuracy, convergence; Dynamic
analysis using finite elements: basic dynamic analysis theory, earthquake loading, finite element
procedure, natural frequencies and mode shapes, time-history analysis.

CE615 Design of Steel Structures (Elective, 2 Credits; 30 hours lectures)

Material behaviour, limit state design and codes of practices, analysis of steel structures, design of
tension and compression members, local buckling of plates, bending of beams and plate girders,
lateral torsional buckling, beam-columns, torsion members, design of connections, portal frames.
Plastic design of beams and frames. Introduction to steel-concrete composition structures.

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CE618 Construction Materials (Elective, 3 Credits; 45 hours lectures)

Types of traditional construction material; polymers, ceramics. composites and high performance
engineering materials; mechanical behaviour of materials; design concepts; applications; testing
methods; material selection quality assurance. Timber and masonry design.

CE619 Computer Aided Structural Design (Core, 3 Credits; 45 hours lectures)

Structural Design process and roles of the computer and the designer in interactive CAD; hardware
and software for CAD; use of software packages in structural analysis and design; spreadsheets;
finite element packages, drafting packages; etc.

CE622 Design of Concrete Structures (Core, 3 Credits; 45 hours lectures)

Mechanical properties of steel and concrete: strength, constitutive relationships. Analysis of
sections: elastic behaviour cracking, deformation; time-dependent behaviour; sections at collapse;
behaviour of structural elements, modes of collapse. Limit states, durability, fire resistance and
other prime considerations. Design and detailing of reinforced-concrete medium-rise buildings;
structural configurations; robustness; loading, seismic considerations; structural connections, deep
beams. Design and detailing of water retaining structures. Design and detailing of pre-stressed
concrete structures: statically-determinate structures; statically-indeterminate structures.
Application of the respective codes of practice.

CE623 High-Rise Buildings (Elective, 2 Credits; 30 hours lectures)

Planning for high-rise structures; configurations of high-rise buildings and their structural
behaviour; loads on high-rise buildings; earthquake, wind, wave, blast loading; analysis and design
of high-rise buildings; construction techniques; analysis and design of towers; use of computer
software; building services.

CE626 Bridge Engineering (Elective, 2 Credits; 30 hours lectures)

Design considerations of bridges, alternative structural configurations and systems, bridge deck
loading and analysis, design of superstructure, design of substructure, design of bearings and
joints, dynamic analysis of bridges and maintenance of bridges.

CE640 Foundation Engineering (Core, 3 Credits; 45 hours lectures)

Shallow foundations; deep foundations; foundations under difficult conditions, provisional

structures; advance methods of site investigation; improvement of existing foundations; machine
foundations; design exercises on shallow foundations, deep foundations, combined foundations
and machine foundations.

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CE694 Green SL Rating System for Built Environment (Elective, 3 Credits; 45 hours
lectures)

Management of building systems, Sustainable sites of building systems, Water efficiency, Energy
and atmosphere, Materials and resources, Indoor environmental quality, Innovation and design
process, Society and Cultural awareness, Industrial case studies.