PENG9610 Evidence-based engineering Course description

A project assignment and oral presentation.

Both exams must be passed in order to pass the course.

The oral exam cannot be appealed.

Master's degree in engineering science or related fields.

All support material is allowed.

Two internal examiners. External examiner is used periodically.

The topics covered in this course aims at giving the students the necessary skills to be evidence-based and includes lectures on:

• The basics of evidence-based engineering
• Empirical methods and their use in engineering disciplines
• How to critically evaluate and give rational argumentations
• How to collect, evaluate and use practice-based experience
• How to collect, evaluate and use research-based evidence
• How to conduct empirical studies
• How to aggregate evidence
• How to design good judgment and decision-making processes

To illustrate the topics and exemplify the use of evidence-based decision processes, selected engineering topics, such as software development methods, cost estimation, project management and workplace organization, will be used as cases. The course contains mandatory deliveries, exercises and student presentations.

The course is based on knowledge and skills within solid mechanics, statics, design of reinforced concrete and steel structures as well knowledge in finite element method (FEM) in structural analysis and design.

Introduction to the theoretical foundation for nonlinear finite element analysis of civil engineering structures. Classification of nonlinearities (geometrical, material and boundary conditions). Strain and stress measures for large displacements/deformations. Mathematical models for elastic and elastoplastic materials like reinforced concrete (RC), steel,etc. Geometrical stiffness and linearised buckling. Numerical integration of dynamically excited systems. Implicit/explicit time integration. Incremental-iterative solution methods for nonlinear static and dynamic problems. Modelling of nonlinear boundary conditions. The course will also expose students to recent trends and research areas in FEM.

The exam itself is a report written on a self-selected estimation topic. The structure and content of the report should follow evidence-based principles and require searching for, evaluating and summarising practice and research-based evidence.

The exam can be appealed.

All aids are permitted.

Pass or fail.

Two examiners. External examiner is used periodically.