Course content

The course covers chosen topics within design of structures and structural systems. Topics treaded are: joint design for steel beam-column joints, frame corners and column bases, models for strength and stiffness of the basic components of the joints, models for representation of joint behavior in the system analysis, simplifications and idealization, connections between steel and concrete parts and failure modes and capacity models for steel plates and anchors casted into concrete. Also treated are composite structures in steel and concrete, for bridges and beams and columns in buildings. The background of modern structural design codes is revisited and it is demonstrated how uncertainties can be treated in a consistent matter. A direct relationship to the safety format of the Eurocodes is developed and the general outline for reliability based code calibration is taught along some relevant examples. Use of the Eurocodes related to design assisted by testing and assessment of existing structures are covered.

Learning outcome

Design of structures deals with advanced topics within the design and dimensioning of steel and concrete structures, in particular the combined action between materials, structural parts and structural details, and how the detailing of joints and connections affect the behavior of the structure, and its capacity. The course gives a basis for understanding the behavior of a structure, and the influence of choices made with respect to idealization of loads, simplified static system and idealization of structural connections. The course also deals with the general basis of modern design codes. The course will develop a general understanding of structural reliability theory and its application to reliability based code calibration.

Design of structures has these learning objectives:

Knowledge about:
- Modeling of joint behavior. Stiffness limits for pinned, semi-rigid and rigid joint behavior, effect of limits
- Component method in Eurocode 3-1-8, for determining behavior of joints in steel structures with respect to stiffness and capacity
- Design of typical joints as beam-column joints, frame corners, member splices and column bases
- Design provisions for connections in general, how to apply and extend the rules and formulas for cases not covered in the design standards
- Design of composite steel and concrete structures. Elastic and plastic cross-sectional capacity, member capacity, beams and columns, design of dowels, load introduction into members
- Probability theory applied to structural design problems
- Applied Reliability Theory
- Code Calibration.

Skills:
- Perform realistic modeling of structures and structural systems, and make necessary simplifications and idealizations for structural analysis
- Detail structural joints with appropriate behavior and strength
- Design composite structures in steel and concrete
- Perform calculations for reliability and failure probability, and calculate reliability index
- Perform reliability based code calibration.
- Perform design assisted by tests.

General competence:
- Understand the background and limitations for design rules and existing practice, and be able to establish models and perform analyses for structural problems not covered by rules
- Be able to perform all engineering work related to the design and dimensioning of a structure, from selection of materials and cross-section to detailing of structural joints and structural system.

Learning methods and activities

Lectures, exercises. 3/4 of the the exercise assignments must be approved in order to get admission to the exam. If there is a re-sit examination, the examination form may be changed from written to oral. The lectures and exercises are in English when students who do not speak Norwegian take the course. If the teaching is given in English the Examination papers will be given in English only. Students are free to choose Norwegian or English for written assessments.

Compulsory assignments

• Exercises

Recommended previous knowledge

A basis similar to: TKT4230 Steel Structures 2 and TKT4220 Concrete Structures 2. Some basis in probability and statistics.
Basic courses in steel and concrete design covering design of beams, columns and connection elements.

Course materials

Lecture notes and design standards. Text book "Design of steel structures" (in Norwegian), Per Kristian Larsen, Tapir. NS EN 1993, Eurocode 3-1-8, Design of steel structures, Design of joints. Betongelementboken (Concrete elements), part B.

Credit reductions