Yearbooks

Programme: BEngHons Structural Engineering

Kindly take note of the disclaimer regarding qualifications and degree names.
Code Faculty
12240121 Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology
Credits Duration
Duration of study: 1 year Total credits: 128

Programme information

The curriculum is determined in consultation with the relevant heads of departments. A student is required to pass modules to the value of at least 128 credits.

The degree is awarded on the basis of examinations only.

Admission requirements

Subject to the stipulations of Reg. G.1.3 and G.54, a BEng degree or equivalent qualification is required for admission.

 

Examinations and pass requirements

  1. The examination in each module for which a student is registered, takes place during the normal examination period after the conclusion of lectures (i.e. November/January or June/July).
  2. A student registered for the honours degree must complete his or her studies within two years (full-time), or within three years (part-time) after first registration for the degree: Provided that the Dean, on recommendation of the relevant head of department, may approve a stipulated limited extension of this period.
  3. A student must obtain at least 50% in an examination for each module where no semester or year mark is required. A module may only be repeated once.
  4. In modules where semester or year marks are awarded, a minimum examination mark of 40% and a final mark of 50% is required.
  5. No supplementary or special examinations are granted at postgraduate level.

Pass with distinction

A student passes with distinction if he or she obtains a weighted average of at least 75% in the first 128 credits for which he or she has registered (excluding modules which were discontinued timeously). The degree is not awarded with distinction if a student fails any one module (excluding modules which were discontinued timeously).

Minimum credits: 128

Elective modules

  • Module content:

    A research term paper will be prepared.

    Continuum mechanics. Classical and numerical (finite difference and finite element) solutions for plane and plate structures. Plasticity and failure criteria. Elastic stability. Non-linear analysis.

    View more

  • Module content:

    A research term paper will be prepared.

    Timber properties, grading, treatment, structural form, element design and bracing of structures. Analysis of I-beams, composite beams, frames and connections. Research project.

    View more

  • Module content:

    A research term paper will be prepared.

    Material properties; prestressing systems; flexural design; losses; effects of continuity; shear; deflections; anchorage; cracking; prestressed concrete slabs and detailing.

    View more

  • Module content:

    A research term paper will be prepared.

    The course will apply some of the basics theories and methodologies in statistics and operations research to solve common civil engineering problems. The course seeks to demonstrate the use and application in the civil engineering field. Each of the applications seeks to determine how best to design and operate a system, usually under conditions requiring the allocation of scarce resources.  Emphasis will be on the applications of these methods in common civil engineering practice. Some of the applications will include; optimum network design, maximum flow problem, project scheduling, queuing theory, probabilistic analysis, Markov chain applications, etc.

    View more

  • Module content:

    A research term paper will be prepared.

    This course covers general finite element theory; discretization aspects related to geometry, nodes and numbering, element type and shape; interpolation functions; formulation of element characteristic matrices and vectors for elasticity problems; assembly and solution of the finite element equations; modelling procedures and results processing. More advanced applications of finite elements such as non-linear static elasticity, buckling, dynamics and transient thermal problems will be covered. In terms of the application of the Finite Element method, the student will choose a specific field (e.g. structures, geotechnical, transportation or water/hydrology) to apply the theory that was covered in the course to solve typical Civil Engineering problems.

    View more

  • Module content:

    A research term paper will be prepared.

    In this course, numerical procedures for solving complex engineering systems with the aid of linear equations, eigenvalue procedures, numerical integration, finite differences analyses, finite elements review, Fourier transformation and optimization will be reviewed and discussed.
    Some underlying theory for these numerical algorithms will be demonstrated and applicable and relevant problems associated with the use of these algorithms in the field of Civil Engineering will be covered.

    View more

  • Module content:

    A research term paper will be prepared.

    This module will cover the following topics: Asset Management principles, Maintenance Management principles, Maintenance strategies and philosophies, Condition based Maintenance, Reliability Centred Maintenance (RCM), Resource Management, Maintenance Management Systems, Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) and Risk Management. Maintenance management of the following disciplines will be studied in detail: Road infrastructure, Railway infrastructure, Airport infrastructure, Buildings and other structures, Water resources and water supply.

    View more


The information published here is subject to change and may be amended after the publication of this information. The General Regulations (G Regulations) apply to all faculties of the University of Pretoria. It is expected of students to familiarise themselves well with these regulations as well as with the information contained in the General Rules section. Ignorance concerning these regulations and rules will not be accepted as an excuse for any transgression.

Copyright © University of Pretoria 2024. All rights reserved.

COVID-19 Corona Virus South African Resource Portal

To contact the University during the COVID-19 lockdown, please send an email to [email protected]

FAQ's Email Us Virtual Campus Share Cookie Preferences