KB6048 - Structural Analysis and Modelling

The module will include a range of learning materials such as presentations, notes, seminar questions for you to answer, and other resources such as video links, spreadsheets and specific software-related files. All these resources will be arranged in a convenient learning journey, giving you a clear expectation of the material to be studied and tasks to be completed on a week-by-week basis. You will be expected to complete the appropriate tasks in your weekly journey before attending programmed sessions. You will take part in lectures to develop your knowledge and understanding of the module material and in seminars, where you will learn to apply the concepts learned to engineering problems. You will participate in workshop sessions, where you will apply modelling software and have the opportunity to discuss the module material and coursework tasks with your tutors and with other students and exercise creativity in developing solutions to problems. There may be occasions within the semester where normal teaching will be suspended to allow your learning to be supplemented by a range of activities such as design workshops, guest presentations, professional body events, site visits and field work.

You will be supported in seminars and workshops, giving you ample opportunity to ask questions to clarify and deepen your understanding of the module material, as well as to seek specific help, for example with assessment tasks. At other times, you will have regular access to University academic staff online, including the use of discussion boards and chat rooms in the University’s virtual learning environment (VLE). This will allow you to access support regularly at convenient times.

The module and the wider programme teams will also offer a supportive approach, enabling you to quickly and easily access and speak to any member of the programme team, as required.

The University Library and other student services also offer a variety of academic skills training, which you can access as needed.

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.

Knowledge & Understanding:
1. Critically approximate structural engineering systems using FEA.
2. Synthesise and apply the stiffness matrix to dynamic problems in structural engineering.


Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
3. Formulate and execute relevant structural analysis using numerical modelling.


Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
4. Investigate and critique established and new methods of analysing complex structures.

You will be formally assessed by examination and coursework.



Coursework: This coursework task will require you to make use of FEA software and demonstrate skills in validation/testing.. This will assess MLOs 1 and 3. This will be of 2500 words equivalent length and will be worth 30% of the module marks.

Exam: An exam assessment will require you to demonstrate your knowledge and understanding of various theories that underlie structural analysis. This will enable you to satisfy MLOs 2 and 4. It will be of 2.5 hours duration and will be worth 70% of the module marks.


In order to support you in learning and preparing for the marked assessments as well as helping you to improve your overall learning skills, you will receive guidance through questioning and discussion with the tutors. This will assist you in reflecting on what you are learning and in feeding forward to the assessments.

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You will learn about structural testing, computer modelling and the theory of finite element method, as well as its extended application to the consideration of dynamic problems in structural engineering. This module will be delivered through lectures supported by seminars and IT/laboratory workshops. Assessment includes one coursework consisting of a report of the application of finite element analysis to a structural problem and its validation using structural testing. There is also an examination. Feedback will be provided both verbally and via the module site on the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) following consideration of your work.