Department of Mechanical and Construction Engineering

Faculty of Engineering and Environment

Coursework Specification

1 Module Information
1.1 Module Title
Structural Analysis

1.2 Module Code Number

KB5021

1.3 Module Level and Credit Points

Level 5, 20 credits

1.4 Module Leader

Dr Hoang Nguyen

1.5 Assessment Component Number (on Module Specification)

001

1.6 Assessment Weighting (on Module Specification)

50%

1.7 Coursework Title

Laboratory Report

1.8 Coursework Specification Author

Dr Hoang Nguyen

1.9 Academic Year and Semester(s)

2023-24, Semester 1

2 Coursework Submission and Feedback

2.1 Release Date of Coursework Specification to Students
3rd October 2023

2.2 Mechanism Used to Disseminate Coursework Specification to Students

Blackboard

2.3 Date and Time of Submission of Coursework by Students

14th December 2023, 23:59 (UK Time)

2.4 The mechanism for Submission of Coursework by Students

Blackboard

2.5 Return Date of Unconfirmed Internally Moderated Mark(s) and Feedback to Students
18th January 2023

2.6 The mechanism for Return of Unconfirmed Internally Moderated Mark(s) and Feedback to
Students
Blackboard

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3 Assessment Details
3.1 Module Learning Outcomes (MLOs) Assessed by Coursework
 Explain and apply advanced theories, principles and computational methods to the solving of
complex structures (i.e. statically indeterminate structures, members in plastic state, etc.).
 Explain the procedures required to prepare and test a range of structural members in elastic and
plastic state to determine how the structure will behave when loads are applied under different
conditions.
3.2 Coursework Overview
There will be four experiments to be undertaken in the Structures laboratory. Students are to complete
each experiment, collect data, and then write a report.
The coursework report will be assessed as a group and individually.

3.3 Coursework Tasks to be Completed by Students

Students are required to complete each test as described in the lab handbook (attached) and record the
test results. Once data is collected, students will work in groups of two to complete the report which
comprises of parts to be done both as a group and individually. Submission will be a single PDF file.

For the part to be done as a group, each group member should contribute equally and will be asked to
attach a declaration form confirming this before submission. For the part to be done individually, even
though they are encouraged to discuss the experiments with one another, group members must avoid
sharing their work with each other.

The precise structure of the report for each of the four experiments may vary slightly but, in general, the
followings should be included:

1. Background (to be done as a group): this should include the followings:

 Objectives: keep to the experimental (rather than learning) objectives.

 Apparatus: a diagram should be included if appropriate, showing where measurements were
taken. A list of instrumentation (with specifications if available) should be given.
 Method: a description of the procedure you adopted.
 Applications: show some applications of the test.

2. Data analysis and Calculations (to be done as a group): Use tabulations where possible. If graphs
can be used instead, make sure not to duplicate data in both graphs and tables. Restrict any text in
this section to information that helps readers to interpret the results (if necessary) only. Calculations
using the collected data, making use of clearly defined equations/symbols. A full complete set of
sample calculations is required. If necessary, tabulation of the rest of the calculation results can be
used.

3. Discussion and Conclusion (to be done individually, each student is responsible for two
experiments): Stick strictly to what can be observed/deduced from your results and calculations only.
Comment on (and quantify, if possible) sources of experimental uncertainty and discuss the impact of
these uncertainties on the results. Your conclusions should be brief and should address your
objectives only.

The mark weighting for each of the experiments is as follows

 Experiment 1: Influence line for deflection (20%)

 Experiment 2: Verification of the theory of pure (elastic) bending (20%)
 Experiment 3: Buckling load of pinned-end strut and effects of end conditions on the buckling load
(30%)
 Experiment 4: Plastic bending of a simply supported beam and comparison of collapse loads for
various beam fixing conditions (30%)

Additional instructions to students:

The submission should strictly follow the specifications below:
 The report should be typed on an A4 size paper.
 Student number should be included on the front page of the report. No student name should be
included in the report.

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3.4 Expected Size of Submission
Maximum of 3,000 words or equivalent (summation of the part done in group and the part done
individually). Marks will be deducted for submissions with a word count that is significantly longer than
this. Additional information can be included in an appendix. Please also refer to the lab handout for
indications regarding the report content and structure.

3.5 Use of generative AI and/or AI-assisted technologies (adapted from guidance published by
Elsevier)
You may use generative artificial intelligence (AI), e.g. tools like ChatGPT, to assist in analyses and draw
insights from data as part of the research process. You may also use these technologies to improve
readability and language when writing. Applying the technology should be done with human oversight
and control, and you should carefully review and edit the result, as AI can generate authoritative-sounding
output that can be incorrect, incomplete or biased. AI and AI-assisted technologies should not be listed as
an author or co-author, or be cited as an author. Authorship implies responsibilities and tasks that can
only be attributed to and performed by humans.

You must disclose the use of generative AI and AI-assisted technologies by adding the following
statement at the beginning of your work.

Statement: During the preparation of this work I used [NAME TOOL / SERVICE] in order to [REASON].
After using this tool/service, I reviewed and edited the content as needed and take full responsibility for
the content.

Failure to do so may lead to an Academic Misconduct investigation.

This declaration does not apply to the use of basic tools for checking grammar, spelling, references etc. If
there is nothing to disclose, there is no need to add a statement.

If you are unsure about this, you are strongly advised to discuss it with your Module Tutor in advance.

3.6 Referencing Style

You are to write your coursework using the Cite Them Right version of the Harvard referencing system.
An online guide to Cite Them Right is freely available to Northumbria University students at:

https://www.citethemrightonline.com/

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3.7 Assessment Criteria
Each experiment will be assessed separately. Mark distribution and assessment criteria for each
experiment are as below
Criterion Weighting 0-39% 40-49% 50-59% 60-69% 70-100%
Background 0.15 Not present Main aspects Sufficient and Concise Exemplary
or (objectives, clear description that description and
inadequate. apparatus, description of allows new statement
method, the main readers to which could be
applications) aspects. understand used in future
presented. experiments teaching
without further without
explanation. alteration.
Calculations 0.35 Incorrect Mostly Some errors Mostly correct Correct
calculations. incorrect in the calculations. calculations.
calculations. calculations.
Tables and
Tables and Tables and Tables and Graphs: Good Tables and
Graphs: Not Graphs: Graphs: results Graphs: Tables
present, Some graphs Reasonable tabulated and and graphs
clearly and tables results all graphs could be used
wrong. present, with tabulated and present, correct in future
mostly graphs plotted and well set out. teaching
incorrect correctly. without
results. Errors noted. alteration.
Discussion 0.30 Not present Key points Clear Discussion and Exemplary
and or noted in discussion conclusion are discussion and
conclusion inadequate. discussion identifying concise and conclusion
and sensible any focused with all which could be
conclusion. differences issues noted; used as an
from theory sensible example in
and reasons for future teaching
suggesting errors without
reasons. suggested and alteration.
quantified
where
appropriate.
Presentation 0.20 Missing All Presentation Good, clear, Exemplary
components components adequate for neat logical, presentation
to present and basis of a concise and which could be
submission, presented in professional well-structured used in future
untidy or a legible way discussion presentation. teaching
confused. which can be (e.g. with a without
followed. client). alteration.

4 Referral
The Referral Attempt opportunity will generally take place after the end-of-level Progression and Awards
Board (PAB). If you become eligible to complete a Referral Attempt but are subsequently unable to
undertake the opportunity when required, you will be permitted to re-sit the module at the next scheduled
sitting of the module assessment. This will typically entail the suspension of your progression on your
programme of study until such time that you have completed the level and become eligible to proceed.

5 Guidance for Students on Policies for Assessment

The University has several policies for assessment. The following information, which is available to you
from the link below, provides guidance on these policies, including relevant procedures and forms.

(1) Assessment Regulations and Policies

(a) Assessment Regulations for Taught Awards
(b) Group Work Assessments Policy
(c) Moderation Policy
(d) Retention of Assessed Work Policy
(e) Word Limits Policy
(2) Assessment Feedback
(a) Anonymous Marking Policy

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 (3) Late Submission of Work and Extension Requests
(4) Personal Extenuating Circumstances
(5) Technical Extenuating Circumstances
(6) Student Complaints and Appeals
(7) Academic Misconduct
(8) Student Disability and Unforeseen Medical Circumstances

https://www.northumbria.ac.uk/about-us/university-services/academic-registry/quality-and-teaching-
excellence/assessment/guidance-for-students/

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