COURSE TITLE: STRUCTURAL DESIGN AND DETAILING
Course Overview
This course provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the principles
and practices involved in structural design and detailing. From initial geotechnical
investigations to producing detailed drawings, students will learn the essential
concepts, techniques, and tools required to design safe and efficient structures.
Course Objectives
1. To understand the fundamentals of structural analysis and design.
2. To familiarize students with geotechnical investigations and their impact on
structural design.
3. To introduce students to various structural materials and their properties.
4. To develop skills in producing detailed structural drawings and specifications.
5. To cultivate an awareness of structural safety, sustainability, and code compliance.
Course Outline
Module 1: Introduction to Structural Design
- Overview of structural engineering
- Structural components and systems
- Load types and their effects
- Introduction to structural analysis methods
Module 2: Geotechnical Investigations
- Soil mechanics fundamentals
- Site investigation techniques
- Interpretation of soil reports
- Influence of soil properties on foundation design
Module 3: Structural Materials and Properties
- Properties of common structural materials (steel, concrete, timber)
- Material selection criteria
- Behaviour of materials under different loading conditions
- Sustainability considerations in material choice
Module 4: Structural Analysis
- Principles of structural analysis
- Analysis of determinate and indeterminate structures
- Computer-aided analysis techniques
- Structural modelling and simulation
Module 5: Structural Design Principles
- Load combinations and safety factors
- Design codes and standards
- Design considerations for various structural elements (beams, columns, slabs, etc.)
- Design for gravity loads and lateral loads
Module 6: Structural Detailing
- Introduction to detailing practices
- Drawing conventions and standards
- Detailing of connections and joints
- Structural drafting using CAD software
Module 7: Structural Drawing Production
- Preparation of construction drawings
- Plan, elevation, and section views
- Annotation and dimensioning
- Bill of quantities and schedules
Module 8: Structural Safety and Code Compliance
- Structural safety principles
- Legal and ethical considerations in structural design
- Building codes and regulations
- Case studies of structural failures and lessons learned
Module 9: Advanced Topics in Structural Design
- Advanced structural analysis techniques
- Design for special structures (bridges, high-rise buildings, etc.)
- Emerging trends and technologies in structural engineering
- Structural health monitoring and maintenance
Module 10: Project Work and Presentations
- Application of learned concepts to real-world projects
- Group projects involving structural design and detailing
- Presentation of project findings and recommendations
Assessment:
- Assignments
- Mid course test
- Final project submission
Recommended Resources:
- Textbooks:
- "Structural Analysis" by R.C. Hibbeler
- "Reinforced Concrete: Mechanics and Design" by James K. Wight
- "Steel Design" by William T. Segui
Prerequisites:
- Basic knowledge of mathematics and physics
- Familiarity with engineering drawing principles
- Understanding of mechanics of materials
Prepared by: OLOWO TIMOTHY
CIVIL ENGINEER / CAD SPECIALIST
MINISTRY OF WORKS AND TRANSPORT