Module manager: Dr Han Fang
Email: H.Fang1@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable
Year running 2026/27
Entry requirements to the MSc programme
| CIVE5145M | Advanced Steel and Composite Design |
This module is not approved as an Elective
The module - advanced steel and concrete composite design teaches students the mechanism and analysis of advanced structural systems including portal frames subjected to vertical and lateral loading and steel-concrete composite structures that make efficient use of construction material properties and the design of the structural systems according to Eurocodes. Besides, the module also covers the steel-concrete structures and their design to incorporate advanced and sustainable construction method such as prefabrication to reduce the construction waste and environmental impacts (e.g. dust and pollutions due to in-situ concrete construction) and improve the speed of construction. Students will learn the knowledge for the topics through different learning and practice activities including lectures to learn the theoretical knowledge and tutorials with seminar and group working sessions to apply the knowledge in lectures for problem-solving by practicing authentic design tasks. Further to the acquisition of the knowledge, the building design project as the assessment of the module will foster the development of problem-solving, time-management and design report writing skills, which are highly valued by the industry and benefit the graduates for pursuing successful career after graduation.
The module aims to teach students with the knowledge of portal frame analysis and design as well as the mechanism and design of steel-concrete composite systems, and to train students for skills in problem-solving, communication, time-management and analysing complex problems. Students will learn the knowledge of the aforementioned topics via lectures delivered by academics with reputed expertise in the field. Students will obtain profound understanding of the knowledge through participating in tutorials, working in groups on authentic design tasks prepared for the lecture topics and learning from mistakes by receiving detailed feedback on the design tasks and interactive Q&A in tutorials.
In addition, to ensure the effective learning of the knowledge, students will work on a building design project as the assessment of the module by applying the knowledge on the analysis and design of portal frame structures and steel-concrete composite structures according to European standards. Students will receive consultation and guidance from the module leader and lecturer to apply the acquired knowledge to generate robust structural design and enhance the understanding through this learning and practice experience. Besides, through the learning experiences of working on the design project, students will also effectively acquire the communication skills by writing design reports for the project and problem-solving and time-management skills by accomplishing the project within the specified time-frame.
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes (contributing to the AHEP4 learning outcomes indicated between brackets):
1. Apply a comprehensive knowledge of mathematics/ engineering principles, to formulate/analyse complex problems related to steel and composite structures, reaching substantial conclusions (M1, M2);
2. Develop a thorough understanding of how the physical and mechanical properties of steel influence design methods and construction processes (M1, M2);
3. Develop awareness of the latest research and developing technologies related to the design of composite structures (M1);
4. Select and apply appropriate computational and analytical techniques to model complex problems involving steel and composite structures, discussing the limitations of the techniques employed (M3);
5. Design solutions for complex problems that evidence some originality and meet a combination of user needs (M5);
6. Develop awareness of environmental impact of different structural forms. (M7);
7. Select and apply appropriate materials, equipment, engineering technologies and processes, recognising their limitations (M13);
8. Communicate effectively on complex engineering matters with technical and non-technical audiences, evaluating the effectiveness of the methods used (M17);
9. Develop an appreciation of the fundamental design philosophies adopted in the area of design of unbraced steel structures.
On successful completion of the module students will be able to:
-Communicate effectively on complex engineering matters with technical and non-technical audiences
-Time-management skills to plan the time for study and working on assessments and accomplish the learning with adequate performance on time;
- Analytical and problem-solving skills to analyse complex structural design problem and deliver robust structural designs in compliance to European standards.
- Introduction/revision Eurocode 3 and Eurocode 4, Multi-storey Buildings;
- Structural integrity and robustness: Progressive Collapse and Avoiding Disproportionate Collapse;
- Sway Stability (Braced and Un-braced Multi-storey Frames Design);
- Design of Portal Frames;
- Design of Multi-storey Rigid Frames (Moment Connections);
- Design of Perforated (Cellular, Castellated, and non-standard elliptical and sinusodial) Beams;
- Design of Steel-Concrete Composite: Metal Decking;
- Design of Steel-Concrete Composite: Shear Interaction;
- Design of Steel-Concrete Composite: Precast Hollow-core units;
- Design of Steel-Concrete Composite: Columns;
- Design of Steel-Concrete Composite: Connections;
- Fire Engineering.
Methods of assessment
The assessment details for this module will be provided at the start of the academic year
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lectures | 11 | 2 | 24 |
| Seminars | 17 | 1 | 17 |
| Private study hours | 109 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 41 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 150 | ||
Check the module area in Minerva for your reading list
Last updated: 30/04/2026
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