CE 4311 – Problem-Based Learning: Steel Structures
Meetings
MWF 3:00-3:50, Electrical Engineering Rm 118
Instructors
Ted Cleveland, Ph.D. P.E. CE 203F, 742-2801 x 249
Email: theodore.cleveland@ttu.edu
Audra Morse, Ph.D., P.E. CE 203B, 742-2801 ext 284
Email: audra.n.morse@ttu.edu
Office Hours
Flexible.
Catalog Description and Prerequisites
CE 4311: Problem-Based Learning: Steel Structures (3:2:3). Prerequisites: CE 2101 and CE 3440;
Co-requisite: CE 3341; Planning, design and construction of a steel structure posed as a problem with
realistic constraints. (Writing intensive)
Prerequisites Construction Materials Lab (CE 2101), Fluid Mechanics (CE 3305), and Structural
Analysis (CE 3440)
Co-requisite
Principles of Structural Design (CE 3341)
Textbook
TBD
Course Purpose
The purpose of this elective course is to provide students an opportunity to apply theoretical concepts
learned in the classroom in previous semesters, and the construction of a finished product that will be
used in real athletic competitions. The course will expand upon the knowledge learned in
construction materials and structural analysis. Additionally the course will provide additional skills in
project management, business and finance that are not encountered elsewhere in the civil engineering
curriculum.
Course Learning Outcomes and Assessment
Students completing this course will be able to
Learning Outcome
Design and analyze steel structure
Specify, estimate quantities and order materials
for the concrete structure
Develop project schedules
Comply with machine shop safety and welding
safety rules
Construct steel structure
Communicate project-related activities through
professional-quality report and oral presentation
Function effectively in a team environment
Topics
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Project scheduling and management
Structural analysis and design
Design of material systems
Cost estimation
Fundraising and financial management
Constructability, fabrication and quality
Safety
Written and oral communications
Assessment
Completion of Steel Bridge
Completion of Steel Bridge
Completion of Steel Bridge
Fabrication in the shop
Completion of Steel Bridge
Report and Presentation to ASCE Chapter
Completion of Steel Bridge
9. Professionalism and Ethics
Class Schedule
The class meets three hours per week for a full academic semester. In addition, students will spend
time in the laboratory constructing and testing the structure.
Evaluation Process
Grades will be given for the following:
 Project management (5%)
 Technical report (15%)
 Essays (10%) Participation (20%)
 Group evaluations (10%)
 Final production (40%)
 Product quality/Aesthetics
Grading Policy
90-100%
A
80-89%
B
70-79%
C
60-69%
D
Instructor reserves the right to adjust the grade distributions.
Contribution of Course to Professional Component of the Curriculum
This course provides a setting in which students can relate theoretical concepts covered in a
classroom setting to a constructed structure tested in a design competition. The students will develop
the following skills: research methodologies, innovation, experimentation, applying technical skills
into practice, teamwork and team-building through athletic competition, and social skills.
Relationship to Program Objectives
This course provides an opportunity for students to design, construction and test a concrete structure.
Additionally, the students learn and apply business and finance skills currently not covered in the
curriculum.
Academic Misconduct
Please refer to the Texas Tech University Catalog and operating policies (OP 34.12) regarding
academic integrity, cheating and plagiarism. Academic dishonesty will not be tolerated. Ignorance
provides no protection from the consequences!
Attendance
Students are required to let the instructor know if they miss a class for university-sanctioned
activities. Refer to OP 34.19 regarding student absence for observance of a religious holy day.
Disability Policy
Any student who, because of a disability, may require special arrangements in order to meet the
course requirements should contact the instructor as soon as possible to make any necessary
arrangements. Students should present appropriate verification from Student Disability Services
during the instructor’s office hours. Please note instructors are not allowed to provide classroom
accommodations to a student until appropriate verification from Student Disability Services has been
provided. For additional information, you may contact the Student Disability Services office in 335
West Hall or 806-742-2405.
Preparer
Ted Cleveland, Ph.D., P.E., Audra Morse, Ph.D., P.E.
Syllabus
Lesson
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
Date
August 26
August 29
August 31
September 2
September 5
September 7
September 9
September 12
September 14
September 16
September 19
September 21
September 23
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
September 26
September 28
September 30
October 3
October 5
October 7
October 10
October 12
October 14
October 17
October 19
October 21
October 24
October 26
October 28
October 31
November 2
November 4
November 7
November 9
November 11
November 14
November 16
November 18
November 21
November 23
Lesson Description
Course Overview, Introductions, Team Building
Challenge of the X-Planes (Part -1) (.75 hrs) (Exercise 1 DUE)
Challenge of the X-Planes (Part – 2) (.75 hrs); Rules and Constraints
Challenge of the X-Planes (Part – 3) (.75 hrs); Rules and Constraints
Fundraising, Financial Planning
Assignment of Tasks, Professionalism and Ethics (Exercise 2 DUE)
Project Scheduling and Management; Design
Material Specifications and Constructability and Design (Exercise 3 DUE)
Design
Design/Analysis
Design/Analysis
Design—Order Steel
Construction Preliminaries; Work Area, Access, Machine Shop Safety,
Communication
Welding Safety
Design Documentation, Shop Drawings
Cost Estimation and Supplementary Fundraising Plans
Class Update and Revise Project Schedule
Construction
Construction
Class Update and Revise Project Schedule
Construction
Construction
Class Update and Revise Project Schedule
Construction
Construction
Class Update and Revise Project Schedule
Construction
Construction
Class Update and Revise Project Schedule
Construction
Construction
Class Update and Revise Project Schedule
Construction
Construction
Class Update and Revise Project Schedule
Construction
Construction
Construction
No Class—Thanksgiving Holiday
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
November 28
November 30
December 2
December 5
December 8
December 10
December 12
Compliance Verification
Compliance Verification/Modifications
Compliance Verification/Modifications
Lessons Learned Recommendations for Next Year
Report Submission
Shop Clean Up Day (730-1000 am) Dr. Morse will bring donuts!
Exercise X DUE – earlier is preferred