Steel structures, selected topics
Summary
Design and dimensioning of load-bearing structures using structural steel, with emphasis on the specific methods related to steel-concrete composite elements (for buildings and bridges), fatigue (bridges) and fire (buildings).
Content
- Design of load-bearing systems for multi-storey buildings in steel-concrete composite construction
- Composite structural elements dimensioning: floors, beams, full and partial connection, columns
- Fire protection and dimensioning in buildings
- Fatigue: S-N curves, classification of construction details, fatigue loadings, histograms, cumulative damage, introduction to the influence of cracks (fracture mechanics, LEFM).
Keywords
steel-concrete, beams, columns, fire, fatigue
Learning Prerequisites
Required courses
Steel structures design/dimensioning (cross-section resistance, buckling, LTB, connections)
Reinforced concrete structures design
Statics
Continuum and structural mechanics
Recommended courses
Numerical modelling of solids and structures
Important concepts to start the course
Structural statics and component dimensioning in steel construction
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the course, the student must be able to:
- Choose static systems and construction elements
- Perform specific checks on building and bridge structures
- Formulate a calculation hypothesis
- Analyze a steel-concrete composite load-bearing structure
- Design steel-concrete composite elements
- Identify construction details
Transversal skills
- Respect relevant legal guidelines and ethical codes for the profession.
- Demonstrate the capacity for critical thinking
- Use both general and domain specific IT resources and tools
- Summarize an article or a technical report.
Teaching methods
Ex cathedra, group discussions, exercises, turn-in assignments (in groups)
Expected student activities
Active participation, home reading, assimilating the principles developed in the course
Assessment methods
turn-in assignments (2), written exam (during exam session)
Supervision
| Office hours | No |
| Assistants | Yes |
| Forum | Yes |
Resources
Virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI)
Yes
Bibliography
Charpentes métalliques : conception et dimensionnement des halles et bâtiments / Manfred A. Hirt, Michel Crisinel, Alain Nussbaumer, 2022
Construction métallique : notions fondamentales et méthodes de dimensionnement / Manfred A. Hirt, Rolf Bez et Alain Nussbaumer, 2015 (ou Stahlbau : Grundbegriffe und Bemessungsverfahren / Manfred A. Hirt, Rolf Bez, Alain Nussbaumer, 2018)
Swiss steel construction tables (SZS C4 and C5)
Library resources
- Charpentes métalliques / Hirt, Crisinel
- Construction métallique / Hirt, Bez, Nussbaumer
- Stahlbau / Hirt, Bez, Nussbaumer
- Steel construction tables (SZS C4)
- Steel construction tables (SZS C5)
Notes/Handbook
English presentations and translation based on the above bibliography of the main book sections such as fatigue
Websites
- https://www.epflpress.org/
- https://www.steelconstruction.info/The_Steel_Construction_Information_System
Moodle Link
Prerequisite for
Construction projects, master thesis
In the programs
- Semester: Fall
- Exam form: Written (winter session)
- Subject examined: Steel structures, selected topics
- Courses: 2 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
- Exercises: 1 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
- Type: optional
- Semester: Fall
- Exam form: Written (winter session)
- Subject examined: Steel structures, selected topics
- Courses: 2 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
- Exercises: 1 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
- Type: optional
- Semester: Fall
- Exam form: Written (winter session)
- Subject examined: Steel structures, selected topics
- Courses: 2 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
- Exercises: 1 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
- Type: optional
- Semester: Fall
- Exam form: Written (winter session)
- Subject examined: Steel structures, selected topics
- Courses: 2 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
- Exercises: 1 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
- Type: optional