Module manager: Prof Vasilis Sarhosis
Email: V.Sarhosis@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2026/27
Admission to UG programmes in the School of Civil Engineering
CIVE3165
This module is not approved as a discovery module
This module covers the design of structural elements, civil engineering structures and buildings in prestressed concrete, steel, timber, and masonry. Building on previous modules, students learn advanced aspects related to the design of multi-storey buildings, prestressed concrete bridge decks, and the use of timber and masonry elements in residential structures. Students develop a holistic understanding of these materials and how to design structures that utilize their characteristics in an efficient and sustainable way.
The objectives of this module are:
-To move from the fundamentals to the detailed design of steel structures and buildings, understanding failure modes, lateral loads and vertical progressive collapse.
-To develop the knowledge necessary to design moment connections and baseplates in steel structures.
-To understand the different types of prestressed concrete elements and the main technological aspects relevant to their production and design.
-To learn how to design prestressed concrete elements in flexure, such as precast beams or bridge box girders.
-To introduce structural forms of masonry (walls and columns) and the technical knowledge needed for their design and construction.
-To learn how to navigate and use in practice the relevant standards and Eurocodes, namely EC2, EC3, EC5 and EC6.
On successful completion of the module, students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes (contributing to the AHEP4 learning outcomes between brackets and the ARB competences between square brackets):
1. Apply a comprehensive knowledge of mathematics, natural science and engineering principles to the solution of structural analysis and design problems, informed by a critical awareness and the wider context of engineering. (C1/M1)
2. Formulate and analyse complex design problems to reach substantiated conclusions, using engineering judgement to work with information that may be uncertain/incomplete. (C2/M2)
3. Select and apply the appropriate techniques and methods to analyse structures and structural elements in different materials, discussing the limitations of the techniques employed. (C3/M3)
4. Select and critically evaluate technical literature and other sources of information, such as manufacturer’s specifications or product catalogues, to solve complex design problems. (C4/M4)
5. Design structural design solutions that evidence some creativity and meet a combination of societal and user needs, considering the relevant codes of practice and industry standards. This will involve consideration of health and safety and environmental matters. (C5/M5)
6. Evaluate the environmental and societal impact of materials specification and structural design choices to minimise adverse impacts. (C7/M7)
7. Select and apply the appropriate materials and structural forms for the design of engineering structures, recognising their limitations. (C13/M13) [CK5]
8. Communicate effectively on complex engineering matters, i.e. in design reports/presentations, evaluating the effectiveness of the methods used. (C17/M17)
9. Place the global challenges of the climate emergency and the UNSDGs central to the material selection, design and construction thinking, developing an ability to carry out embodied-carbon checks and how this can be minimised. (JBM design/sustainability thread)
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:
a. Problem solving and analytical skills
b. Structural design, component assembly and construction skills
c. Use of hands and power tools
d. Time management , planning and organising
e. Team working/collaboration
f. Reliability or reproducibility of data
g. Interpretation of data
h. Writing reports /communication
i. Working under pressure
STEEL:
-Multi-storey Buildings
-Progressive Collapse and Avoiding Disproportionate Collapse
-Sway Stability (Braced and Unbraced Multi-storey Frames Design)
-Design of Multi-storey Rigid Frames
-Construction issues, Fabrication, Steel Details, H&S, CDM
PRESTRESSED CONCRETE:
-Principles and development of pre-stressing
-Pre- and post-tensioning, bonded and unbonded post-tensioned construction
-Changes in prestressing force and prestress losses
-Design to satisfy stress limitations and ductility requirements: Magnel’s diagram
-Hyperstatic reactions and concordant tendon profiles
-Ultimate moment capacity of prestressed sections
MASONRY
-Choice of structural form
-Choice of materials
-Principles of limit-state design for masonry walls and columns
-Walls and piers subject to vertical load
-Walls subject to lateral loading
-Masonry details and construction
TIMBER:
-Timber as a structural material: types of timber products, engineering properties, and specification for design
-Members subject to flexure
-Members subjected to axial or combined axial and flexural actions
-Lateral torsional buckling, stability and bracing
-Timber connections
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 | 20 | 2 | 40 |
| Seminars | 10 | 1 | 10 |
| Practicals | 16 | 1 | 16 |
| Independent online learning hours | 10 | ||
| Private study hours | 124 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 66 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200 | ||
Feedback on formative example/tutorial sheets will be given during tutorials. Feedback on coursework will be returned with marks against rubric and written feedback.
Check the module area in Minerva for your reading list
Last updated: 30/04/2026
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team