MSC Oil & Gas Structural Engineering Course Descriptors 2015-2016

MSc Oil and Gas Structural Engineering
Programme Introduction
The University of Aberdeen aims to create, develop, apply, and transmit, through the work of all its members, knowledge, skills and understanding at the
highest levels of excellence. The provisions of this document are subject to change and should be considered to be for informational purposes rather than to be
an irrevocable contract between the university and the student.
MSc Oil & Gas Structural Engineering

The Programme is made up of twelve taught modules only.
Students will study for one or two
modules at a time, each module normally being delivered over a 11 week period (September to
December, or January to April). The normal work load would be two modules at a time, four per
year, over three years, however, students can take up to six years if a gap from study, or a reduced
pace of one module at a time, is needed. Within this six year maximum period the aim is to offer a
flexible pace of study to each students own changing circumstances. The minimum period of study is
three years.
Each of the three stages of the MSc is also an exit point for students who are unable to progress or
who choose to exit: with a Certificate in Oil and Gas Structural Engineering being awarded for four
modules; and the Diploma in Oil and Gas Structural Engineering for eight modules.
The MSc is
awarded only for passing all 12 modules.

Assessment varies from module to module. Some modules will be assessed entirely via submitted
coursework, others primarily by exam (although these will have some element of coursework as well).
Some exams will be closed book (that is no papers, notes, or documentation allowed at the exam
table) and others will be entirely open book (where the students can take any kind of documentation
with them, including the course notes, books or other materials specifically prepared to assist with the
exam).
The following pages briefly describe the modules which will make up the MSc programme. The tutors
on this programme are drawn from both University of Aberdeen and the Oil and Gas Industry. The
companies who are actively supporting this programme, both in planning the content of the MSc, and
in preparing and delivering some of the modules are WS Atkins (WSA), BP, Wood Group Engineering
(WGE) and Sembmarine SLP Ltd.
There are no optional courses on the programme. Candidates are required to do the following
courses:
Year 1
EG 501N Design of Connections (15 credit points)

EG 5096 Fatigue and Fracture Mechanics (15 credit points)
EG 5559 Structural Dynamics (15 credit points)
EG 551S Conceptual Design of Top-side Modules (15 credit points)
Year 2
EG 5097 Blast and Fire Engineering (15 credit points)

EG 5098 Brownfield Engineering (15 credit points)
EG 5595 Petrochemical Structural Engineering (15 credit points)
EG 5596 Finite Element Methods (15 credit points)
Year 3
EG 501A Conceptual Design of Jackets and Subsea Structures (15 credit points)
EG 501B Design of Stiffened Plates (15 credit points)
EG 551A Re-assessment of Existing Structures by Structural Reliability Analysis (15 credit points)
EG 551B Design of Jacket Attachments (15 credit points)
Assessment:
By a combination of written examination and course work, as prescribed for each
course.
Three possible awards can be achieved on this programme. The Certificate in Oil and Gas Structural
Engineering shall be awarded to those candidates who achieve at least 60 credit points but less than
120 credit points on the programme. The Diploma in Oil and Gas Structural Engineering shall be
awarded to candidates who achieve at least 120 credit points but less than 180. The MSc in Oil and
Gas Structural Engineering shall be awarded to candidates who achieve 180 credit points. The award
of the Certificate or Diploma shall be awarded to students who achieve the aforementioned credit
criteria in the following situations:
(a)
Students who have chosen to enrol on less than the full programme, perhaps as CPD
training.
(b)
Students who may have embarked on the full programme but who wish to leave it before
completing the MSc.
(c)
Students who are not permitted to progress from one year to the next.
(d)
Students who have reached the maximum 6 years of study allowed in the Regulations
without completing all courses.
MSc Oil & Gas Engineering External Examiner

Dr Martin Gillie, Senior Lecturer & Head of Civil Engineering Teaching, University of Edinburgh
Note - External Examiner details are for information only, it is unacceptable for students to contact
an external examiner directly.
.
MSc Oil and Gas Structural Engineering
Course Descriptors
Course Title:
College:
School:
Discipline:
Programme Level:
Date of Issue:
Course Code(s)
EG501A (Distance learning)
U
Credits
15 credits will be awarded upon passing this course.
U
Course for which this Course is a Pre-Requisite

EG501B Design of Jacket Attachments
U
Conceptual Design of Jackets

Physical Sciences
Engineering
Oil & Gas Structural Engineering
Master of Science
September 2015
Mode of Delivery
This course is delivered by Distance Learning, where the
students will access the teaching content via the web in
four time slots at three week intervals.
U
The course tutor will be contactable on the on-line

forum, as well as via email.
Assessment Details
Three coursework assignments (25%, 25% and 50%)
U
Pre-Requisites
None
U
Aims of Course
The aim of this course is to introduce the student to the
issues to be considered when conceiving the design of
offshore jacket structures. Key concepts covered
include strength and fatigue design, environmental
loading, foundation design and fabrication and
installation.
U
Description of Course
The course introduces the concepts involved in jacket
design, and offers a range of design specifications and
worked examples. Emphasis will be placed on the
variety of loading conditions, during load out and lift,
installation and in service. The guidance in the notes
reflects the latest code guidance. Attention will be
given to good detailing and clarity of presentation in the
design calculations submitted by the students.
U
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the course, students should have
knowledge and understanding of
U
Bracing patterns in jacket structures

Design for launch or lift installation
Wave theories and wave loading
Temporary loads, such as load-out, transportation,
lift, set-down, piling and removal
Strength and fatigue of jacket structures
Design of jacket joints
Design rules for tubular members in jackets.
The re-sit will comprise of re-doing the failed element/s

st
(exam and/or coursework assessment/s) from the 1
attempt with a maximum CGS mark of D3. The marks
for other elements (successfully passed) will be carried
over. Resit mark of either RP or RF will be recorded.
P
Indicative Student Workload
Contact Hours
Lectures
Tutorials
Assessment
Full
Time
-
Part
Time
-
Distance
Learning
-
Directed Study
Coursework
Self Learning
Private Study
150
Self-directed study of
online materials
Online Activities
the fundamental equations of mechanics of solid (kinematics, equilibr
Syllabus
The course is delivered as 12 topics as follows:
Introduction to Jacket Structures;
1.
2.
Conceptual Design Guidelines;
Environmental Loading;
3.
4.
Functional Loading;
Tubular Joints;
5.
6.
Foundations;
Finite Element Analysis;
7.
8.
Dynamics;
Fatigue
9.
10. Accidental Loading;
11. Fabrication;
12. Installation.
U
Course Title:
College:
School:
Discipline:
Programme Level:
Date of Issue:
Course Code(s)
EG501B (Distance learning)
4.
5.
6.
7.
Credits
U
Design of Stiffened Plates

Physical Sciences
Engineering
Master of Science
September 2015
Response to Shear
Shear Lag
Stiffeners
Stiffened decks
Mode of Delivery
seven blocks at three week intervals.
U
Courses for Which this Course is a Pre-Requisite

None
U
Pre-Requisites
None
U
Aims of Course
The aim of this course is to provide students with an
understanding of the behaviour of stiffened plate
structures, and the basis of design rules found in Codes
of Practice. It will combine theoretical background with
practical applications.

Assessment Details
2 coursework assignments (25% and 25%) and one 3hour exam (50%).
U

st
P
The course combines stiffened plate theory with
practical application and explanation of design rules.
Small and large deflection plate theory, critical buckling
theory, elasto-plastic and ultimate limit state theories
will all be explained. Design methods and their
incorporation in Codes of Practice will also be explained.
The stiffened plate situations will cover in-plane loading
actions (compression, bending and shear, and shear lag)
and out-of-plane actions. Plate panels, stiffeners and
stiffened plate assemblies, such as plate girder webs or
stiffened decks will all be considered.
U
Learning Outcomes
knowledge and understanding of the fundamental
equations of mechanics of solid (kinematics, equilibrium
and constitutive) of beams, shells and solids
Buckling theory
The importance of boundary conditions, initial
imperfections and residual stresses
Small and large deflection theories for plates
Uniform and non-uniform Compression strength of
plate panels
Resistance to lateral loading
Shear and tension field methods for plate girder
webs
Shear lag
Stiffener behaviour, including tripping
Stiffened decks designed for lateral and in-plane
loads
Design Codes of Practice, e.g. BS5400 part 3
U
Contact Hours
Lectures
Tutorials
Assessment
Full
Time
-
Part
Time
-
Distance
Learning
-
Directed Study
Coursework
150
-
Self Learning
Private Study
online materials
Online Activities
Syllabus
The course is delivered in 7 major blocks as follows:
1. Introduction
2. Response to Compression load
3. Response to Pressure load
U
Course Title:
College:
School:
Discipline:
Programme Level:
Date of Issue:
Course Code(s)
EG501N (distance learning)
U
Credits
U

None
U
Design of Connections
Physical Sciences
Engineering
Master of Science
September 2015
Apply their knowledge of structural steelwork connection

behaviour to other types of structures than in the Oil and
Gas Industry
Use online resources to access material
Produce clearly documented design ideas and render
them in appropriate electronic formats
Syllabus
Connection Behaviour
Local Capacities
Bolts
Bolted Connections
Welds and weld groups
Splices
Simple Beam-Column joints
Rigid Beam-Column joints
Beam to Beam connections
Truss Connections
U
Pre-Requisites
None
U
Aims of Course
The aim of this course is to develop an understanding of the
behaviour of steelwork connections that will equip the designer
to safely and economically design connections of standard and
non-standard configuration.
U
The purpose of this course is to develop the ability to design
effective and economic steelwork connections. Although the
course will teach a range of common connection types the
purpose will be to enable the designer to deal with nonstandard connection situations as well through the
development of fundamental understanding of connection
behaviour. Topics include: Connection behaviour and force
paths; local capacities; bolt and weld groups; member splices;
simple beam-column joints; moment resisting beam-column
joints; truss connections and beam to beam connections.
U
Mode of Delivery
students will access the teaching content via the web in five
blocks at three week intervals.
U
The course tutor will have scheduled times of delivery on the

on-line forum, as well as contact via email.
Assessment Details
Three coursework assignments (25, 25% and 50%). The first
two assignments will be of standard connection details, and will
demonstrate that the student can use previous designs as a
basis for a new design, but the third assignment will be of a
very non-standard detail which will be to demonstrate the
students ability to use fundamental understanding to create an
original connection design, which is sound and economic.
U
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the course students should:
Have knowledge and understanding of:
The detailed behaviour of connections and the

components in them
The design rules used to describe the behaviour of

connection components
The concept of force paths in connections
The implications for serviceability and ductility of

common connection design choices
Have gained intellectual skills so that they are able to:
Visualise connection response
Understand the issues covered by the connections rules in

Structural Codes of Practice
Approach the design of a connection logically and

confidently
Have gained practical skills so that they are able to:
Specify bolting and welding appropriately
Access the necessary strength and stability checks from

Codes of Practice
Design standard and non-standard connection designs
Prepare clearly laid out hand design calculations
Prepare neat and informative sketches

Have gained or improved transferable skills so that they are
able to:
Move between different Codes of Practice by recognising

the common issues underlying their different approaches
U

st
P
Contact Hours
Lectures
Tutorials
Assessment
Directed Study
Coursework
Self Learning
Private Study
Self-directed study of online
materials
Online Activities
Full
Time
-
Part
Time
-
Distance
Learning
-
150
-
Recommended Reading
G W Owens & B Cheal: Structural Steelwork Connections.
Butterworths (currently out of print)
U
Course Title:
College:
School:
Discipline:
Programme Level:
Date of Issue:
Course Code(s)
EG5096 (distance learning)
1.
2.
Credits
U
3.
Fatigue and Fracture Mechanics

Physical Sciences
Engineering
Safety & Reliability Engineering for Oil & Gas
Master of Science
September 2015
st
Fundamentals of Fracture Mechanics (1 block

four weeks duration)
nd
block three
Fundamentals of Fatigue (2
weeks duration)
Introduction
to
Engineering
Critical
rd
Assessment (3 block three weeks duration)
th
Non-destructive Evaluation (4 block one
week duration)
P

None
4.
Pre-Requisites
None
U
Aims of Course
The aim of this course is to develop skills in the
application of Fracture Mechanics concepts to Structural
Design and Assessment for structures containing defects
under both static and cyclic loading, and to provide
familiarisation with some key standardised procedures
for Engineering Critical Assessment.
U
This course introduces fatigue and fracture mechanics
and their application to structural design and
assessment for structures containing defects.
It
encompasses the theoretical background to the
concepts, but places emphasis on the practical
application using Engineering Critical Assessment.
U
Learning Outcomes
Mode of Delivery
students will access the teaching content via
MyAberdeen in four blocks with intervals specified
above.
U
The course tutor will have scheduled times of delivery

on the on-line forum, as well as contact via email.
Assessment Details
One three hour examination (60%) and
coursework assignments (10%, 10% and 20%).
U
three

st
P
Linear elastic fracture mechanics and the concept

of stress intensity factor (SIF) and fracture
toughness as a characterising parameter
Elastic-plastic fracture mechanics and the concepts
of CTOD and J-integral
Fatigue crack initiation, S-N curves and fatigue
classification of welded joints
Fatigue cumulative damage and Miners Rule
Application of fracture mechanics principles to
fatigue and Fatigue Crack Growth
Application of fracture mechanics principles to
Engineering Critical Assessment
Basis of non-destructive evaluation techniques and
implications for defect assessment
Contact Hours
Lectures
Tutorials
Assessment
Full
Time
-
Part
Time
-
Distance
Learning
-
Directed Study
Coursework
150
Self Learning
Private Study
online materials
Online Activities
and should be able to apply this knowledge to the

damage tolerance and integrity assessment of civil
engineering structures.
Syllabus
The course is delivered as four major blocks as follows:
U
Course Title
College:
School:
Discipline:
Programme Level:
Date of Issue:
Course Code(s)
EG5097
Blast and Fire Engineering

Physical Sciences
Engineering
Master of Science
September 2015
Credits
U

None
U
Pre-Requisites
EG5559 Structural Dynamics
U
Aims of Course
The aim of this course is provide an introduction to fire
and explosion science and an understanding of the
response of structural elements under the extreme
loading conditions that result from fires and blasts in
order to promote safe design for such events.
U

Calculate critical temperatures for structural
members carrying loads and subject to fire
Carry out design calculations for blast panels, blast
vents and structures subjected to overpressures
resulting from explosions.
Have gained or improved transferable skills so that
they are able to:
Use standards with confidence and understanding
Apply their knowledge of dynamic loading to other
scenarios, e.g. dropped objects, projectile impacts,
crashworthiness
Use online resources to access material for distancelearning and self-taught programmes
Syllabus
The course is delivered in five units, as follows:
1. Introduction to Fire Hazards and Fire Safety Design:
The basic principles of fire; Fire prevention and
protection; Human Vulnerability;
2. Design of Structural Members for Fire Loading:
Material properties; Fire tests and fire curves; Heat
transfer to structural members; Introduction to
guidance, standards.
3. Introduction to Dynamic loading of materials and
structures: Dynamic properties and failure of
materials; Response of rigid-plastic beams and plates
to static and pulse loading; Inertia effects on
deformation modes.
4. Waves in solids and fluids and the nature of explosive
overpressures: Elastic and plastic waves in solids;
Reflection of waves at boundaries; Shock waves; Blast
waves; Detonation and deflagration; Blast loading
approximation.
5. Structural response to dynamic loads: Elastic-plastic
response of blast panels; Single degree of freedom
idealisation for structural response; Pressure-impulse
diagrams and categories of loading.
U
The purpose of this course is to develop the ability to
design structural components to operate effectively in
fire and blast loading scenarios in order to promote
safety.
Fundamental principles and concepts are
covered to provide the essential physical understanding
of a structures behaviour at high Temperatures or
under dynamic loading. Industrial standards and design
guidelines are explained. Both active and passive safety
measures are covered as are the hazards associated
with e.g. smoke and heat. Topics include: Introduction
to fire and explosion science. Heat transfer. The
dynamic deformation and failure of solids and
structures. Estimation of explosion overpressures.
Material and structural performance in fire and highrate loading.
Fire resistant design of structures.
Practical applications of fire and explosion engineering.
An introduction to Fire and Explosion Hazard
Management.
U
Learning Outcomes
U
Have knowledge an understanding of:

Hazards associated with fire and blasts
Material properties as a function of temperature and
strain-rate
The design of structures to withstand high
temperatures
The response of structures to dynamic loads
Understand and analyse quantitatively the hazards
associated with fires and explosions
Understand the philosophy behind design standards
Assessment
Continuous assessment (20%) and one three hour exam
(80%). The continuous assessment is made up of two
equally-weighted assignments that both test the
understanding of the students in the range of course
material and help them to prepare for the final
examination.
U

st
P
Contact Hours
Lectures
Tutorials
Assessment
Full
Time
-
Part
Time
-
Distance
Learning
-
Directed Study
Coursework
150
-
Self Learning
Private Study
online materials
Online Activities
RECOMMENDED READING
1. Lees' Loss Prevention in the Process Industries
(Third Edition), Author: Sam Mannan, ISBN: 978-07506-7555-0
2. Fire Protection for Structural Steel in Buildings,
THIRD EDITION (Revised June 2004), Association for
Specialist Fire Protection, Steel Construction
Institute
3. N. Jones, Structural Impact, Cambridge University
Press, 1989
4. W.J. Stronge and T.X. Yu, Dynamic models for
Structural Plasticity, Springer-Verlag, 1993.
5. UKOOA, HSE. Fire and explosion guidance - Part 1:
Avoidance and mitigation of explosions. ISSUE 1,
October 2003
6. UKOOA, HSE. Fire and explosion guidance-Part 2:
Avoidance and mitigation of fires
Course Title:
College:
School:
Discipline:
Programme Level:
Date of Issue:
Course Code(s)
Brownfield Structural Engineering

Physical Sciences
Engineering
Master of Science
September 2015
Credits
The course tutor will contactable on the on-line forum,

as well as via email.

None
Assessment Details
Three coursework assignments (20%, 20% and 60%).
U

st
P
Pre-Requisites
None
U
Aims of Course
In the oil and gas industry, brownfield is the term used
for the development and modification of existing
facilities. Most of the UK North Sea Industry is involved
in brown field engineering. The aim of this course is to
develop skills in brownfield structural engineering.
The course introduces the concepts involved in
brownfield structural engineering, and offers a range of
design specifications, case studies for small, medium
and large projects. Emphasis will be placed on good
detailing and clarity of presentation of design
calculations.
U
Learning Outcomes
U
Contact Hours
Lectures
Tutorials
Assessment
Full
Time
-
Part
Time
-
Distance
Learning
-
Directed Study
Coursework
150
-
Self Learning
Private Study
online materials
Online Activities
Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of:

The fundamental equations of mechanics of solid
(kinematics, equilibrium and constitutive) of beams,
shells and solids
Brownfield engineering
Design of framed structures and associated
structural calculations
Lifting and installation
Detailing of structural designs
Carry out critical analysis of framed structures
Successfully
implement
major
brownfield
engineering project.
Syllabus
The course is delivered in five major blocks as follows:
1. Brownfield engineering overview
2. Design of brownfield framed structures
3. Lifting and installation
4. Lifting and rigging guidelines
5. Temporary Living Quarters (TLQ) project
U
Mode of Delivery
five blocks at three week intervals.
U
Course Title:
College:
School:
Discipline:
Programme Level:
Date of Issue:
Course Code(s)
EG551A (Distance learning)
Re-assessment of existing structures by

structural reliability analysis
Physical Sciences
Engineering
Master of Science
September 2015
Credits
Mode of Delivery
five time slots at three week intervals.

None

Pre-Requisites
None
Assessment Details
Three coursework assignments (10%, 20% and 20%) and
one three hour exam (50%).
Aims of Course
The aim of this course is to provide a practical grounding
in Reliability Methods increasingly used in re-assessing
older structures and to give the basis of ISO 19902.
The course introduces the concepts involved in reassessing existing structures using reliability analysis. It
will begin with the necessary concepts of statistics and
probability, before explaining their use in structural
reliability analysis. Analysis techniques will be explained
(simulation, first and second order reliability methods).
The basis for the development of design code load and
resistance factors will be explained. Applications of SRA
to offshore jacket structures will be demonstrated with
reference to the requirements of ISO 19902.
U
Learning Outcomes
The fundamental equations of mechanics of solid
(kinematics, equilibrium and constitutive) of beams,
shells and solids
Statistics and probability theory
Reliability theory in structural design and
assessment
Reliability analysis techniques
Load and resistance factors, overall factors of
safety and their basis
ISO 19902 reliability requirements
Application to offshore jackets
U

st
P
Contact Hours
Lectures
Tutorials
Assessment
Full
Time
-
Part
Time
-
Distance
Learning
-
Directed Study
Coursework
150
-
Self Learning
Private Study
online materials
Online Activities
Syllabus
The course is delivered in seven major blocks as follows:
1. Statistics and probability
2. Introduction to Structural Reliability theory
3. Reliability analysis methods 1
4. Reliability analysis methods 2
5. Load and resistance factors, overall factors of
safety and their basis
6. ISO 19902 reliability requirements
7. Application to offshore jackets
U
Course Title:
College:
School:
Discipline:
Programme Level:
Date of Issue:
Course Code(s)
EG551B (Distance learning)
Credits

None
Pre-Requisites
EG501A Conceptual Design of Jackets and Subsea Structures
Design of Jacket Attachments

Physical Sciences
Engineering
Master of Science
September 2015
Move between different Codes of Practice and
client-specific design manuals by recognising the
common issues underlying their different
approaches
Apply their knowledge of the mathematical basis
of some of the methods to other situations
Produce clearly documented design ideas and
render them in appropriate electronic formats
Aims of Course
To develop skills in the Structural Engineering of Jacket
Attachments, with the key emphasis on structural clamps.
Syllabus
The course material comprises four chapters, as follows:
U
The course introduces the concepts involved in the design
of Jacket Attachments, mainly structural clamps. It offers a
range of design specifications, case studies and worked
examples. Emphasis will be placed on good detailing and
clarity of presentation of design calculations. A feature of
the course will be the presentation of a generic design
guide, drawn from a wide range of bespoke industry
practice, which will serve to represent in general terms the
range of approaches to the complex design of structural
clamps.
1.
2.
3.
4.
Jacket Attachments Overview

Clamp Design Guidance Notes
Riser Design and Installation Project
Design of Riser Clamp
Mode of Delivery

three blocks at four week intervals.
The course tutor will be contactable on the on-line forum,
as well as via email.
Assessment Details
Assessment is by coursework alone, and will consist of
three pieces of coursework (worth 15%, 35% and 50% of
the total course mark). Assignment 1 introduces students
to a key clamp design code and requires calculation of the
clamp bolt load. The second assignment involves the
design of a discontinuous clamp. The final assignment is to
design a guide clamp for a caisson replacement project. In
all assignments clear and logical presentation is
emphasised, as is the ability to produce clear sketches,
reasonably to scale.
U
Learning Outcomes
A. Have knowledge and understanding of:
The industrial context for structural clamps
The load systems that can be applied to

structural clamps
The types of structural systems that can be used

for clamping
Typical clamp designs
The requirements of Codes of Practice, where

relevant
A generic design guidance manual

B. Have gained intellectual skills so that they are able
to:
Visualise structural response for the systems

covered by this course
Understand the issues covered by Structural

Codes of Practice and Design Guides
Approach the design problem logically and

confidently
C. Have gained practical skills so that they are able to:
Perform quick initial analysis
Perform the necessary strength, stability and

serviceability checks
Select appropriate structural systems

D. Have gained or improved transferable skills so that
they are able to:
U
The re-sit will comprise of re-doing the failed element/s (exam

and/or coursework assessment/s) from the 1 st attempt with a
maximum CGS mark of D3. The marks for other elements
(successfully passed) will be carried over. Resit mark of either
RP or RF will be recorded.
P
Contact Hours
Lectures
Tutorials
Assessment
Directed Study
Coursework
Self Learning
Private Study
online materials
Online Activities
Full
Time
-
Part
Time
-
Distance
Learning
-
150
-
Course Title:
College:
School:
Discipline:
Programme Level:
Date of Issue:
Course Code(s)
EG551S (distance learning)
D.
Credits

None
Pre-Requisites
None
Conceptual Design of Topside Modules

Physical Sciences
Engineering
Master of Science
September 2015
Have gained or improved transferable skills so that they

are able to:
Move between different Codes of Practice by recognising
the common issues underlying their different approaches
Apply their knowledge of structural steel framing systems
to other types of structures than topsides modules
Produce clearly documented design ideas and render
them in appropriate electronic formats
Syllabus
The course is delivered as three major blocks as follows:
1. Module Design Overview, and a Module Design
Specification, Conceptual Design of a Production
Separator Module
2. Design of Module Connections
3. Conceptual Design of an Accommodation Module
U
Aims of Course
The aim of this course is to develop skill in the conceptual
design of top-side modules with a maximum lift weight of 2000
tonnes. The development of viable alternative design schemes
for a range of different module types will be a key feature, as
will the use of approximate methods of analysis. Emphasis will
be placed on good detailing and clarity of presentation of
schemes and design calculations.
U
This course develops the engineer to assess and design realworld topsides modules for offshore installations. It considers
all aspects of module design from load out to lift, taking the
engineer on a design journey from to conceptualising the entire
project to detailing the connections. The course emphasises
basic engineering competence, demonstrated by good manual
design and drafting sketches to produce robust structures.
Topics include: conceptual design principles; approximate
methods of analysis; module design specification; connections
and pad-eye details; and weight control. All of the theory is
brought to reality through a series of worked examples of
modules and corresponding coursework assignments. All
information is written and presented by industry leaders.
U
Learning Outcomes
U
A.
B.
C.
Have knowledge and understanding of:

Environmental and transportation loads relevant to initial
design of topsides modules
The design of relevant structural steelwork
The requirements of appropriate Codes of Practice
Appropriate hand analysis techniques
Visualise structural response and load paths
Understand the issues covered by Structural Codes of
Practice
Approach the design problem logically and confidently
Perform quick initial analysis of module frameworks
Perform the necessary strength and stability checks
according to Codes of Practice
Design structural framing systems for a variety of module
situations
Mode of Delivery
students will access Topics via the web in three blocks at
intervals according to the study guide.
U
The course tutor will have scheduled times of delivery on the

on-line forum, as well as contact via discussion boards.
Assessment Details
Three coursework assignments (25%, 25% and 50%). The first
coursework assesses the students ability to perform manual
calculations and to prepare and (self) check clear design
calculation sheets. The next assignment requires the student
to produce scheme designs of a module. The final assignment
is a major report and requires scheme designs of an entire
module, including detailed design of lift and manual support
detailing. In all assignments clear and logical presentation is
emphasised, as is the ability to produce clear sketches,
reasonably to scale.
U

st
P
Contact Hours
Lectures
Tutorials
Assessment
Directed Study
Coursework
Self Learning
Private Study
Self-directed study of online
materials
Online Activities
Full
Time
-
Part
Time
-
Distance
Learning
-
150
-

Course Title:
College:
School:
Discipline:
Programme Level:
Date of Issue:
Structural Dynamics
Physical Sciences
Engineering
Master of Science
September 2015
Syllabus
The course is delivered as nine topics as follows:
1. Coordinate systems, modelling of systems and
generating equations of motion.
2. Vibration of single degree of freedom systems
free and forced vibration.
3. Impulse loads and Duhamels integral
4. Vibration of multi-degree of freedom systems
modes and frequencies
5. Structural response to harmonic excitation
6. Vibration of Beams and cables
7. Transient excitation
8. Shock spectra
9. Rayleigh Ritz method
U
Course Code(s)
U
Credits
U

EG5097 Blast and Fire engineering
U
Pre-Requisites
None
U
Aims of Course
The aim of this course is to develop an understanding of
the Dynamics of Structures. It will assume no previous
familiarity with the subject and will develop the
theoretical background of the subject from first
principles. Practical methods of solution will be a
feature of the course. The course forms a pre-requisite
for a subsequent MSc course on Blast and Fire
Engineering.
U
This course aims to explain the theory behind the
dynamic response of structures and is a pre-requisite for
the later course on blast and impact loading. It also
helps to appreciate the efforts of dynamics loadings
acting e.g. on jacket offshore structures. Topics will
include: single degree of freedom systems; multidegree of freedom systems; Duhamels Integral; shock
spectra; simple continuous systems; transient
excitation; Rayleighs method.
U
Mode of Delivery
four blocks at three week intervals.
U
The course tutor will have scheduled times of delivery

on the on-line forum, as well as contact via email.
Assessment Details
One three hour examination (40%) and continuous
assessment (10%, 20% and 30%).
U

st
P
Learning Outcomes
Drawing free body diagrams and generating
equations of motion
Response of single degree of freedom systems
Impulse loads and transient excitation
Duhamels Integral
Shock or response spectra and Dynamic
Amplification Factors
Natural frequencies and mode shapes of multidegree of freedom systems
Structural response to harmonic excitation
Simple continuous systems, and vibration of
beams
Rayleighs method and its application to nonuniform beams
Contact Hours
Lectures
Tutorials
Assessment
Full
Time
-
Part
Time
-
Distance
Learning
-
Directed Study
Coursework
150
Self Learning
Private Study
online materials
Online Activities
Course Title:
College:
School:
Discipline:
Programme Level:
Date of Issue:
Course Code(s)
Petrochemical Structural Engineering

Physical Sciences
Engineering
Master of Science
September 2015
Mode of Delivery
Credits

three blocks at four week intervals.

None

Pre-Requisites
None
U
Aims of Course
In the oil and gas industry, petrochemical engineering is
the term used for onshore based facilities, as opposed
to offshore developments. The aim of this course is to
develop skills in the design of petrochemical structures,
including their foundations. An additional aim is to
assist in preparing candidates for the Professional
Examination for Chartered Membership of the
Institution of Structural Engineers.
U
The course introduces the concepts involved in the
design of petrochemical structures, and offers a range of
design specifications, case studies and worked
examples. In addition to gaining further practice in
structural steelwork design, the novelty of this course is
the introduction of basic foundation design. Emphasis
will be placed on good detailing and clarity of
presentation of design calculations.
U
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the course, students will have
comprehensive knowledge and understanding of:
U
Petrochemical plant layout (plot plans),

Design of process structures,
Design of pipe racks,
Foundation design for process structures, pipe
racks, and pressure vessels,
Modularisation.
Syllabus
The course is delivered in seven major blocks as follows:
1. Petrochemical Structural Engineering Overview
2. Petrochemical Engineering Plot Plans
3. Process Structures
4. Pipe Racks
5. Foundations
6. Foundations for Vertical and Horizontal Vessels
and Heat Exchangers
7. Modularisation
U
Assessment Details
Assessment is by coursework alone; three coursework
assignments (worth 25%, 25% and 50% of the total

course mark). The first assignment involves the design
of a portal frame process structure. The second requires
design of a pipe-rack, including the foundation. The
final assignment is to design an addition to an existing
petrochemical facility; a multi-storey process structure
and its foundations. The format of the third assignment
is very much in line with the Professional Examination
for Chartered Membership of the Institution of
Structural Engineers.
st
P
Full
Part
Distance
Contact Hours
Time
Time
Learning
Lectures
Tutorials
Assessment
the fundamental equations of mechanics of solid (kinematics, equilibr
Directed Study
Coursework
Self Learning
Private Study
online materials
Online Activities
150
-
Course Title:
College:
School:
Discipline:
Programme Level:
Date of Issue:
Course Code(s)
EG5596 (Distance learning)
U
Credits

None
U
Pre-Requisites
EG5097 Blast and Fire Engineering
U
Aims of Course
The aim of this course is to teach the theory of finite
elements and develop its application to the analysis of
offshore structures.
Finite Element Methods

Physical Sciences
Engineering
Master of Science
September 2015
matrices, element load vector, system equations,

solution methods)
Application of FEM to linear analysis of offshore
structures
FEM procedures for non-linear analysis of solids,
shells and beams (stress and strain measures,
Total & Updated Lagrangian approaches,
elastoplastic material, solution methods)
Application of FEM to non-linear analysis of
offshore structures (ultimate capacity of jacket
structures, requirements of ISO 19902, assessment
of global and local buckling, soil and pile
modelling, wave-in-deck loads).
The background to the finite element method and its
use in the Oil and Gas Industry is explained in this
course. As well as the modelling of linear static and
dynamic problems, the modelling of material and
geometric non-linearity is an important aspect of the
course. Coursework assignments will be based on the
student edition of ABAQUS which is supplied with the
Course Textbook which students are required to
purchase.
Mode of Delivery
five blocks at three week intervals.
U
Learning Outcomes

Assessment Details
Three coursework assignments (20%, 15% and 15%), and
one written exam (50%). Course assignments will be
based on application of linear, non-linear and dynamic
FE to offshore structures, using the student version of
ABAQUS that comes with purchase of the course
textbook.
U

st
attemptthe
with
a maximumequations
CGS markofofmechanics
D3. The marks
fundamental
of solid (kinematics, equilibr
P
Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of

The fundamental equations of mechanics of solids
(kinematics, equilibrium and constitutive) of
beams, shells and solids.
The basis and limitations of the finite element
method for linear problems
Static linear analysis of space frames
Dynamic linear analysis of space frames
Static non-linear analysis of space frames
Dynamic non-linear analysis of space frames
The requirements of ISO 19902
Have gained practical skills so that they are able to
Effectively use the FEM for the advanced analysis
of civil engineering structures
Syllabus
Basic equations for linear analysis (kinematics,
equilibrium and constitutive) of solids, shells and
beams
Basis of the solution method for linear problems
(minimum potential energy, virtual work,
weighted residuals)
FEM procedure for linear analysis of solids, shells
and beams (shape functions, element stiffness
U
Contact Hours
Lectures
Tutorials
Assessment
Directed Study
Coursework
Self Learning
Private Study
online materials
Online Activities
Full
Time
-
Part
Time
-
Distance
Learning
-
150
-
Recommended Reading
Fish & Belytschko 'A First Course in Finite Elements' (inc.
student edition of ABAQUS).
U

MSC Oil & Gas Structural Engineering Course Descriptors 2015-2016

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MSC Oil & Gas Structural Engineering Course Descriptors 2015-2016

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MSc Oil and Gas Structural Engineering

MSc Oil & Gas Structural Engineering

Students will study for one or two

awarded only for passing all 12 modules.

EG 501N Design of Connections (15 credit points)

EG 5097 Blast and Fire Engineering (15 credit points)

By a combination of written examination and course work, as prescribed for each

MSc Oil & Gas Engineering External Examiner

MSc Oil and Gas Structural Engineering

Course for which this Course is a Pre-Requisite

Conceptual Design of Jackets

The course tutor will be contactable on the on-line

Bracing patterns in jacket structures

The re-sit will comprise of re-doing the failed element/s

Indicative Student Workload

Design of Stiffened Plates

Courses for Which this Course is a Pre-Requisite

The course tutor will be contactable on the on-line

The re-sit will comprise of re-doing the failed element/s

Indicative Student Workload

Courses for Which this Course is a Pre-Requisite

Apply their knowledge of structural steelwork connection

Welds and weld groups

Simple Beam-Column joints

Rigid Beam-Column joints

Beam to Beam connections

The course tutor will have scheduled times of delivery on the

The detailed behaviour of connections and the

The design rules used to describe the behaviour of

The concept of force paths in connections

The implications for serviceability and ductility of

Visualise connection response

Understand the issues covered by the connections rules in

Approach the design of a connection logically and

Specify bolting and welding appropriately

Access the necessary strength and stability checks from

Design standard and non-standard connection designs

Prepare clearly laid out hand design calculations

Prepare neat and informative sketches

Move between different Codes of Practice by recognising

The re-sit will comprise of re-doing the failed element/s

Indicative Student Workload

Fatigue and Fracture Mechanics

Fundamentals of Fracture Mechanics (1 block

Courses for Which this Course is a Pre-Requisite

The course tutor will have scheduled times of delivery

The re-sit will comprise of re-doing the failed element/s

Linear elastic fracture mechanics and the concept

Indicative Student Workload

and should be able to apply this knowledge to the

Blast and Fire Engineering

Courses for Which this Course is a Pre-Requisite

Have gained practical skills so that they are able to:

Have knowledge an understanding of:

The re-sit will comprise of re-doing the failed element/s

Indicative Student Workload

Brownfield Structural Engineering

The course tutor will contactable on the on-line forum,

Courses for Which this Course is a Pre-Requisite

The re-sit will comprise of re-doing the failed element/s

Indicative Student Workload

Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of:

Re-assessment of existing structures by