PEDD1210 Educational Theory 1 Course description

Structures are often subjected to dynamic loads during their lifetime. This course aims to equip students with knowledge in structural dynamics, with particular emphasis on the building and bridge structures. The course is intended to provide necessary knowledge to determine the structural response to dynamic loads. Topics include single-degree-of-freedom (SDOF) systems, response to harmonic loading, response to impulsive transient loading, numerical integration, element stiffness, mass and damping matrices, multi-degree-of-freedom (MDOF) systems, damping, and eigenvalue problems. Theoretical knowledge on structural dynamics will be supplemented by its application on different structural engineering problems such as vibration control, system identification, earthquake response.

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After completing the course, the student is expected to have achieved the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge:

The student:

• has knowledge to establish equation of motion for SDOF and MDOF systems
• has knowledge to model structural damping
• has knowledge to compute the key-concepts related to structural dynamics, such as natural frequencies, mode shapes, damping and vibration characteristics of structures.
• has in-dept knowledge about the assumptions and limitations of the structural dynamics theory.

Skills:

The student

• is capable of recognizing physical phenomenon in the context of structural vibration
• can formulate the equation of motion for dynamics analysis of structures
• can establish necessary matrices for the equation of motion, stiffness, mass and damping matrix
• can calculate response from harmonic and transient loads
• can use computer programming tools (e.g. Matlab) to perform modelling and dynamic analysis of simple structural systems
• can conduct dynamic analysis using commercially available software.

General Competence:

The student is able to:

• design structures with the consideration of structural dynamics.
• solve engineering problems in the context of structural dynamics
• assess the need for dynamic analysis in structural design
• characterize the dynamic properties of a structure such as natural periods and mode shapes.

The teaching will consist of lectures and voluntary exercises.

The exam in the course is threefold:

1. Written master’s thesis - individual

The thesis shall document the student's research and development work. The documentation shall contain one theoretical and one practical-aesthetic part linked to the research question discussed.

The master’s thesis is assessed by one external and one internal examiner on the basis of the following criteria:

• the overall discussion of a limited research question in the programme's main areas
• the research discussion of the elements included in the work: research question(s), data, method, presentation, interpretation and angles of discussion
• the connection between theory and the relevant practical-aesthetic work
• clear form of presentation
• correct use of references
• independent reflection and use of theory
• analytical and ethical use of source material

The thesis must have a scope of 80 pages (+/- 10%).

The master’s thesis counts for 50% of the final master’s project grade.

1. Public presentation/production/performance - individual

The public presentation shall give an overall presentation of the material. It is based on the master's thesis' practical aesthetic part and artistic research.

The public presentation/production/performance is assessed by one external and one internal examiner on the basis of the following criteria:

• overall aesthetic presentation
• clear form of communication, qualified and conscious choices and relevant content

The public presentation/production/performance counts for 25% of the final master’s project grade.

1. Oral exam - individual

The oral exam is based on a discussion of the master’s thesis and relevant literature (common syllabus and literature selected by the student).

The oral exam is assessed by one external and one internal examiner on the basis of the following criteria:

• the student’s ability to discuss and assess
• the student’s use and understanding of the literature used
• the student's reflection on his/her own master’s project

The oral exam counts for 25% of the final master’s project grade.

Students who due to valid absence do not take one or several exam parts that make up the ordinary exam, or who are given an F in one or more of the exam parts that make up the exam, can register for a resit/rescheduled exam.

Students who take the resit exam in MEST5900 must take all parts of the exam. Students who do not take one or more parts of the exam in the course due to valid absence, or who are awarded an F grade for such an exam, can register for a resit/rescheduled exam. Resit/rescheduled exams are organised early in the following semester.

Skriftlig skoleeksamen på fem timer.

Eksamen kan påklages. Eksamen gjennomføres i andre semester.

Portfolio assessment subject to the following requirements:

1. Project report prepared in groups of 1-2 students. Approximately 20-30 pages
2. Four individual assignments

Each student’s work will be assessed together as portfolio with one individual grade at the end of the semester, but both parts that make up the portfolio must be assessed as "pass" in order for the student to pass the course. The overall assessment can be appealed.

All aids allowed.

Graded scale A-F.

One internal examiner. External examiners is used regularly.