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Module Title
LM Forensic Engineering
School
School of Engineering
Department
Civil Engineering
Module Code
04 26924
Module Lead
Konstantinos Skalomenos
Level
Masters Level
Credits
20
Semester
Semester 1
Pre-requisites
Co-requisites
Restrictions
None
Exclusions
Description
This course is emphasis on the application of forensic science in civil and structural engineering and determination of the cause of product failure (e.g. structure integrity). The course is designed to give a broad introduction to the subject and give a rich understanding of the cutting-edge research and latest techniques. The module will cover the following topics:
Introduction to the forensic engineering;
Satisfactory structural performance and structural integrity: Basic concepts;
Types of failure: From reduced serviceability to total collapse;
The forensic engineer’s toolbox and forensic investigation process;
Causes of failures: loads and hazards, design errors, construction defects and project miscommunication, defects/deterioration and durability, temporary structures failures;
Materials specific forensic analysis: steel and concrete structures;
Design and construction process failures;
Case studies of real structural failures;
Legislation and expert witnesses;
Learning in this module consists of lectures interspersed with seminar tutorials and workshops. Reading covering all lecture topics is set to support the lecture material.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the module students should be able to:
Demonstrate an understanding of how and why structures and complex systems have failed;
Demonstrate knowledge of structural reliability, risk assessment and limit state design;
Demonstrate awareness of what constitutes the profession of forensic engineering;
Demonstrate understanding how to prevent similar failures happening again based on previous disasters and learnt lessons.