PENG9610 Evidensbasert ingeniørfag Emneplan

No formal requirements over and above the admission requirements. 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.

Students who complete the course are expected to have the following learning outcomes, defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge:

On successful completion of the course, the student:

• can interpret the philosophy behind principles, design and modelling considerations in using finite element methods (FEM) in analysis and design of structures.
• can describe the general steps used in FEM to model and solve complex nonlinear problems in structural analysis and design.
• has detailed knowledge of solution methods for nonlinear static problems, and some knowledge on solution methods for nonlinear dynamic problems.
• has detailed knowledge of nonlinear geometry and nonlinear material models (elastoplastic and others) and the applications of these models in structural analysis.
• can explore the complex issues in convergence of solutions using nonlinear FEM.

Skills:

On successful completion of the course, the student can:

• demonstrate the ability to use FEM to produce a reliable prediction of displacements and stresses in nonlinear structural problems of relevance to engineering practice.
• create and design complex engineering structures using finite element methods.
• develop expertise in the usage of commercial finite element software for both linear and nonlinear analysis of complex structures.

General competence:

On successful completion of the course, the student can:

• use advanced commercial FEM software.
• understand the importance of verification and validation in research and demonstrate the ability to make critical assessments
• communicate effectively through written reports.

Seminars, exercises, project assignment (scholarly work), scientific report and oral presentation.

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 following required coursework must be approved before the student can take the exam:

Compulsory assignments. Obligatory attendance at practical training.

A project assignment and oral presentation.

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

The oral exam cannot be appealed.

All support material is allowed.

Pass or fail.

Two internal examiners. External examiner is used periodically.

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.