FACULTY OF ENGINEERING AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES

Civil Engineering
CIVL5458: NUMERICAL METHODS IN CIVIL ENGINEERING
Semester 1, 2014 | 6 Credit Points | Mode: Normal-Day
Coordinator(s): Fernando Alonso-Marroquin
1. INTRODUCTION
Objectives:
The objective of this unit is to provide students with fundamental knowledge of finite element analysis and how to
apply this knowledge to the solution of civil engineering problems at intermediate and advanced levels.
At the end of this unit, students should acquire knowledge of methods of formulating finite element equations,
basic element types, the use of finite element methods for solving problems in structural, geotechnical and
continuum analysis and the use of finite element software packages. The syllabus comprises introduction to finite
element theory, analysis of bars, beams and columns, and assemblages of these structural elements; analysis of
elastic continua; problems of plane strain, plane stress and axial symmetry; use, testing and validation of finite
element software packages; and extensions to apply this knowledge to problems encountered in engineering
practice.
Outcomes:
On completion of this unit, students will have gained the following knowledge and skills:
1. Knowledge of methods of formulating finite element equations. This will provide students with an insight into
the principles at the basis of the FE elements available in commercial FE software.
2. Knowledge of basic element types. Students will be able to evaluate the adequacy of different elements in
providing accurate and reliable results.
3. Knowledge of the use of finite element methods for solving problems in structural and geotechnical
engineering applications. Students will be exposed to some applications to enable them to gain familiarity with
FE analyses.
4. Knowledge of the use of finite element programming and modeling.
5. Extended knowledge of the application of FE to solve civil engineering problems.
2. LEARNING OUTCOMES
Learning outcomes are the key abilities and knowledge that will be assessed in this unit. See assessment
summary table below for details of which outcomes are assessed where. Outcomes are listed according to the
course goals that they support.
Design (Level 4)
1. Knowledge of basic element types. Students will be able to evaluate the adequacy of different elements
in providing accurate and reliable results.
2. Knowledge of the use of finite element methods for solving problems in structural and geotechnical
engineering applications. Students will be exposed to some applications to enable them to gain
familiarity with FE analyses.
3. Extended knowledge of the application of FE to solve civil engineering problems.
Maths/Science Methods and Tools (Level 4)
4. Knowledge of methods of formulating finite element equations. This will provide students with an
insight into the principles at the basis of the FE elements available in commercial FE software.
Information Seeking (Level 1)
5. Knowledge of the use of finite element programming and modeling.
For further details of course goals related to these learning outcomes, see online unit outline at
http://cusp.eng.usyd.edu.au/students/view-unit-page/alpha/CIVL5458 .
3. ASSESSMENT TASKS
ASSESSMENT SUMMARY
Assessment name Team-based? Weight Due Outcomes Assessed
Quiz No 30% Multiple Weeks 1, 2, 4, 5
Assignment No 40% Multiple Weeks 1, 2, 4, 5
Project Presentation and Report Yes 30% Week 13 3, 4, 5
ASSESSMENT DESCRIPTION
2 Quizzes, 15% point each. Total 30%
CIVL5458: Numerical Methods in Civil Engineering (Semester 1, 2014)
5 Assignments, 10%, 10%, 5%, 10%, 5% points each, Total 40%
Final project: 15% oral presentation, 15% report, Total 30%
ASSESSMENT GRADING
Final grades in this unit are awarded at levels of HD (High Distinction), D (Distinction), CR (Credit), P (Pass) and
F (Fail) as defined by University of Sydney Assessment Policy. Details of the Assessment Policy are available on
the Policies website at http://sydney.edu.au/policies . Standards for grades in individual assessment tasks and the
summative method for obtaining a final mark in the unit will be set out in a marking guide supplied by the unit
coordinator.
4. ATTRIBUTES DEVELOPED
Attributes listed here represent the course goals designated for this unit. The list below describes how these
attributes are developed through practice in the unit. See Learning Outcomes and Assessment sections above for
details of how these attributes are assessed.
Attribute Method
Design (Level 4) Through identification of the role of finite element techniques in
modern engineering analysis and design.
Maths/Science Methods and Tools
(Level 4)
By investigation of challenging engineering problems during
assignments, using computer-based methods of structural mechanics.
Information Seeking (Level 1) By developing awareness of the available software packages for finite
element analysis.
Communication (Level 1) Through the need to complete written assignments.
For further details of course goals and professional attribute standards, see the online version of this outline at
http://cusp.eng.usyd.edu.au/students/view-unit-page/alpha/CIVL5458 .
5. STUDY COMMITMENT
Tutorial: Tutorial sessions are held in (i) appropriate university computing laboratories for hands-on access to
the analysis methods by students and (ii) class environments to gain a better inside into the theory and analytical
formulation of the finite element method.
Laboratory: Use of programming and available software for the modelling of finite element problems.
Independent Study: Many learning and tutorial exercises rely on the use of programming and commercial
software. Students can work on these tasks in their own time.
Demonstration: Demonstrations of a finite element programming and computer package. These demonstrations
provide an introduction to the common features of the software packages used in industry for finite element
analysis.
Activity Hours per Week Sessions per Week Weeks per Semester
Lecture 2.00 1 13
Tutorial 2.00 1 13
Independent Study 8.00 1 13
Standard unit of study workload at this university should be from 1.5 to 2 hours per credit point which means 9-
12 hours for a normal 6 credit point unit of study. For units that are based on research or practical experience,
hours may vary. For lecture and tutorial timetable, see University timetable site at:
web.timetable.usyd.edu.au/calendar.jsp
6. TEACHING STAFF AND CONTACT DETAILS
COORDINATOR(S)
Name Room Phone Email Contact note
Dr Alonso-Marroquin, Fernando 93512127 fernando.alonso@sydney.edu.au
LECTURERS
Name Room Phone Email Contact note
Dr Alonso-Marroquin, Fernando 93512127 fernando.alonso@sydney.edu.au
TUTORS
Peter Ansourian
Nigel Balaam
7. RESOURCES
CIVL5458: Numerical Methods in Civil Engineering (Semester 1, 2014)
PRESCRIBED TEXTBOOK(S)
Fernando Alonso-Marroquin, Finite Element Modelling for Civil Engineering (1st). Sydney, Australia, The
University of Sydney, 2012.
RECOMMENDED REFERENCES
Daryl L. Logan, A First Course in the Finite Element Method (Fifth Edition). Stamford, USA, Cengage
Learning, 2012. 0-495-66827-3.
J.N Reddy, Finite Element Method - Third Edition (Third Edition). McGraw-Hill Higher, 2006. 978-0-07-246685-
0.
T.R Chandrupatla, A.D Belegundu, Introduction to the Finite Elements in Engineering (Fourth Edition). New
Jersey, USA, Pearson, 2012. 0-13-216274-1.
K.H Huebner, D.L Dewhirst, D.E Smith, T.G Byrom, The Finite Element Method for Engineers (Fourth Edition).
New York, John Wiley & Sons Inc., 2001. 0-471-37078-9.
Theoretical Manual - Theoretical background to the Strand7 finite element analysis system (Edition 1). Sydney,
Australia, Strand7, 2005. 0-957-73452-2.
Using Strand7 - Introduction to the Strand7 Finite Element Analysis System (3). Sydney, Strand7, 2010. 0-646-
37288-2.
8. ENROLMENT REQUIREMENTS
ASSUMED KNOWLEDGE
None.
PREREQUISITES
None.
9. POLICIES
See the policies page of the faculty website at http://sydney.edu.au/engineering/student-policies/ for information
regarding university policies and local provisions and procedures within the Faculty of Engineering and
Information Technologies.
10. WEEKLY SCHEDULE
Note that the "Weeks" referred to in this Schedule are those of the official university semester calendar
https://web.timetable.usyd.edu.au/calendar.jsp
Week Topics/Activities
Week 1 Introduction to numerical modelling. Governing equations
Week 2 Finite element method and finite difference method
Week 3 Introduction to Strand7
Week 4 Bar and beam frames
Week 5 Stress and strain in continua
Week 6 Formulation of stress-strain relations, plane stress, plane strain, axi-symmetric analysis
Week 7 Continuum mechanics 1: scalar fields
Week 8 Continuum mechanics 2: structural mechanics
Week 9 Isoparametric finite element formulation
Week 10 Non-linear finite element formulation. Dynamic analysis
Week 11 multi-storey building project. Wind load
Week 12 Earthquake loads in multi-storey building
Week 13 Thermal load in multi-storey buildings
Assessment Due: Project Presentation and Report
CIVL5458: Numerical Methods in Civil Engineering (Semester 1, 2014)