Faculty of Science and Engineering

Department of Civil Engineering

Assessment Brief

Module Civil Engineering Analysis

Module Leader Supun Walpita
Semester 2
Year 2018- 19
Assessment 1
Number
% of module mark 50%
Due Date 11.59 pm 14th June 2019
Hand-in – what? An electronic copy of the assignment must be submitted, either
online through Canvas, or on a CD/USB stick
Hand-in- where? Admin Office
Pass mark 40%
Method of retrieval Resubmission of the entire portfolio
Feedback Electronic feedback will be provided through canvas
Collection of
marked work

Learning outcomes:
LO1 Science and Mathematics

SM1: Knowledge and understanding of scientific principles and methodology necessary to

underpin your education in civil engineering, to enable appreciation of its scientific and
engineering context, and to support your understanding of relevant historical, current and
future developments and technologies.

SM2: Knowledge and understanding of mathematical and statistical methods necessary to

underpin your education in civil engineering and to enable you to apply mathematical and
statistical methods, tools and notations proficiently in the analysis and solution of civil
engineering problems.

LO 2 Engineering Analysis

EA3: Ability to apply quantitative and computational methods in order to solve engineering
problems and to implement appropriate action.

Marking Criteria

Task 1: finite difference method (25%)

The deflection “y” in a simply supported beam with a uniform load w and a tensile axial load T
(see figure 1 below) is given by the following second order differential equation.

d y Ty wx (L−x )
2

2
− =
d x EI 2 EI

1
where:
x, is the location across the beam (m)
w, is the uniform loading intensity
(N/m) L, is the length of the beam (m)
E, is the Young’s modulus of elasticity of the beam
(N/m2) I, is the second moment of area (m4)
T, is the tension applied (N)

Figure 1

Given T =40000N, w =1000 N/m, L= 10m, E= 2500000 N/m2 , and I= 50m4 ,

a) Apply the finite difference method to find the deflection of the beam at x =8m
b) Find the exact value for the deflection of the beam at x = 8m, and compare it with your
finding from the finite difference approximation.

Task 2: numerical solution of ODES (35%)

dy 2
For the differential equation (1+ y 2 ¿ =x
dx

with boundary condition y(0) = 0, develop an Excel spread sheet that uses
i. Euler’s method
ii. Euler-Cauchy Method
iii. Runge-Kutta (4th order)
to approximate values of y, when x = 0.5 and x = 1.0

Also, find the analytical solution of the equation and the exact values of y for the values of x
stated above. Discuss your findings by comparing the results from the numerical methods
with those from the exact solution.

Task 3: MATLAB programming (40%)

Your task is to develop three MATLAB modules that implement the Euler’s, Euler-Cauchy and
Runge-Kutta (4th order) numerical methods respectively for differential equation given in Task
2. For this task, you need to provide a description for the developed programmes. This
description needs to explain the different code structures/techniques that you have selected
(i.e., functions, conditional statements, loop statements, etc.), and the reason why these
structures were selected. It should reflect the thought process you followed during
the development of the programmes. MATLAB programmes without
appropriate descriptions would be capped at a maximum of 40% depending on their
completeness

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Submission of work

Your completed work for assignments must be handed in on or before the due date. You must keep a copy or
backup of any assessed work that you submit. Failure to do so may result in your having to repeat that
piece of work.

Electronic submission:
This is normally done via canvas. Any special instructions will be available on the upload tag or within the
assessment brief.

Paper submission:
Your assignment should be handed in at the Admin office on the ground floor of Wulfruna building. It should
have a barcoded front cover (available via eVision) and be neatly presented, preferably in a suitable plastic
cover. Any item handed in must have, clearly written on the front:
your name and student number
the module number, title and the module leader's name
the date of submission

Penalties for late submission of coursework

Standard University arrangements apply. ANY late submission will result in the grade 0 NS being allocated to
the coursework.

Procedure for requesting extensions / mitigating circumstances

This is done via eVision. Further information can be found at http://www.wolvesunion.org/advice/academic/

Retrieval of Failure
Where a student fails a module (less than 40% for undergraduate modules, less than 50% for postgraduate
modules) they have the right to attempt the failed assessment(s) once, at the next resit opportunity
(normally July resit period). If a student fails assessment for a second time they have a right to repeat the
module.

NOTE: STUDENTS WHO DO NOT TAKE THEIR RESIT AT THE NEXT AVAILABLE RESIT OPPORTUNITY WILL BE
REQUIRED TO REPEAT THE MODULE.

Return of assignments
Assignments will be normally returned within three working weeks.

If you have any questions regarding your feedback you normally have two working weeks from the date you
receive your returned assessment and/or written feedback or receive your exam results to contact and discuss
the matter with your lecturer.

Cheating
Cheating is any attempt to gain unfair advantage by dishonest means and includes plagiarism and collusion.
Cheating is a serious offence. You are advised to check the nature of each assessment. You must work
individually unless it is a group assessment.

Cheating is defined as any attempt by a candidate to gain unfair advantage in an assessment by dishonest
means, and includes e.g. all breaches of examination room rules, impersonating another candidate, falsifying
data, and obtaining an examination paper in advance of its authorised release.

Plagiarism is defined as incorporating a significant amount of un-attributed direct quotation from, or un-
attributed substantial paraphrasing of, the work of another.

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Collusion occurs when two or more students collaborate to produce a piece of work to be submitted (in whole
or part) for assessment and the work is presented as the work of one student alone.

For further details see: http://www.wolvesunion.org/advice/academic/

University Performance Descriptors (updated September 2015)

Levels 3 – 6 (pp1-3) Level 7 (pp4 & 5)
The pass rate at levels 3 -6 = 40%

L5
90-100% Exceptionally detailed and original response to the assignment, with critical use of
independently sourced contextual material.
Outstanding Outstanding demonstration of linked understanding of relevant theory, concepts and models.
Extremely well structured with high level of analysis.
No obvious errors in referencing or grammar or syntax as appropriate.
80-89% Very full, independent response to the assignment with totally relevant material which is well
beyond any module input, demonstrating independent study. Excellent understanding and
Excellent application of relevant theory, concepts and models. Very clear logical structure.
Very few errors in referencing or grammar or syntax as appropriate.
70-79% Full response to the assignment with all content relevant and focused. Very good
understanding of relevant theory, concepts and models. Application of appropriate theory to
Very good examples/practice, demonstrating a rigorous approach to a variety of ideas, contexts and
frameworks.
Few errors in referencing or grammar or syntax as appropriate.
60-69% Answers most if not all detailed aspects of the question. Content mainly relevant and accurate.
Good knowledge and understanding of relevant theory and concepts and application of
Good theoretical models. Evidence of a developing appreciation of contextual issues.
Some small repeated errors in referencing or grammar or syntax as appropriate
50-59% Main issues addressed and solid attempt to answer question. Some relevant content applied.
Sound knowledge and understanding of relevant theory and concepts and identification of
Competent main issues
Some repeated errors in referencing or grammar or syntax as appropriate.
40-49% Satisfactory attempt to address question/issues with some content relevant to assignment
topic. Demonstration that the learning outcomes have been met. Material engages with
Basic relevant module materials, but largely repeats taught input and lacks development or personal
interpretation. Some general understanding of topic theory and concepts. Lacks coherence.
Several repeated errors in referencing or grammar or syntax as appropriate.
30-39% Some learning outcomes and / or assessment criteria not met.
Questions not answered fully. Content not wholly relevant. Little or no evidence of
Retrievable understanding of relevant theory. Very repetitive of taught input – no development or
fail application. The use of extensive quoted passages evident.
Evidence of sufficient grasp of learning outcomes to suggest that the student will be able to
retrieve the module on resubmission.
20-29% No learning outcomes fully met. Little attempt to engage with the module materials or ideas.
10-19% Little attempt to engage with assignment brief and has not met learning outcomes. Inadequate
demonstration of knowledge or understanding of key concepts, theories or practice.
0-9% No real attempt to address the assignment brief or learning outcomes