Building Engineering

This module will focus on the engineering of buildings as complex systems in which many facets need to be aligned in an integrated interdisciplinary design process. From an economy point of view, a share of about 70% of construction industry is involved with buildings, which makes this module very relevant for future civil engineers. The module content is grouped in three learning units:

LEARNING UNIT 1 (LU1, Architecture, Building Physics and Façades, 4 EC) will provide you with the specific building-related background knowledge that is not directly structural engineering:

• contemporary and 19th century architectural styles

• façade design/detailing

• basics of building physics (heat transport, energy efficiency, daylight, solar shading)

• building services (heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, vertical transport, water).

LEARNING UNIT 2 (LU2, Building Structures, Construction Methods and Foundations, 6 EC) is about the flow of forces in regular building structures and stability in various typologies of buildings (office, commercial, industrial, residential, etc.). Unit 2 is grouped around the following three themes:

Theme 1 (Building Structures):

• advanced knowledge on the flow of forces in building structures

• stability and lateral resistance and known solutions for various typologies of buildings according to their function (office, commercial, industrial, residential)

• use and reuse of various building materials, to give you a clear understanding on which options are available and which solutions are appropriate for every part of the new or existing building structure

• complexity of the design process and responsibilities of different partners in the design and construction chain

Theme 2 (Foundations):

• Interaction with the subsoil via the foundation is an important part of the building design, and you will learn how to develop a good foundation in cooperation with the geotechnical advisor.

• attention will also be paid to deep excavations, that are often required for foundation and parking garages or other underground spaces under a building.

Theme 3 (Construction methods):

• The design of the building is depending on available construction methods, and by studying these, you will get a clear understanding of the limitations and options each of these methods offer.

• Impact on surroundings and urban context will be addressed, as well as safety of construction, economy and material efficiency (zero-waste) on the construction site.

LEARNING UNIT 3 (LU3, Design of Spatial Structures, 5 EC) is an advanced unit in the field of special and spatial building structures, their design process, structural mechanics, structural behaviour and performance, computational modelling, combined with practical use of design- and analysis tools for structural engineering. Topics include

• structures in nature

• biomimetics

• plates, shells and vaults

• membrane and pneumatic structures

• cable-nets

• tensegrity structures

• (space) frames

• grid(shell) structures and domes

• adaptive and deployable structures.

Whereas Learning Unit 2 will focus on more regular building types, Learning Unit 3 broadens the scope with an extensive introduction into complex geometries and typologies. Apart from design skills, also academic skills will be trained during this unit since the unit includes a mini conference, including the writing and presentation of scientific papers.

Working on an integrating design exercise of a realistic building that connects all three learning units, you will experience the consequences (limitations, options and uncertainties) of available design and construction methods. During the exercise, you will receive feedback from professional building engineers.