The main aim of the programme is to provide a Minor Award at Level 9 for learners who wish to complete specific learning relating to the engineering, design and maintenance of bridges on the public road network.
This programme shall provide a means for Civil Engineering professionals working or intending to work in the Bridge Engineering sector to develop appropriate analytical, design and assessment skills.
This programme has been developed by ATU Sligo in conjunction with industry partners Department of Transport and the Local Authority Services National Training Group (LASNTG).
The objectives of the programme shall be to provide learners with:
An enriching educational experience that interlinks the academic and professional dimensions of the programme, and develops analytical thinking skills appropriate for Level 9 on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ). This will be based on a systematic understanding of knowledge and a critical awareness of current insights in the areas of Bridge Engineering. This objective will be strengthened by undertaking industry relevant project work and applying it to current technical and design standards, policies, and guidelines.
The necessary knowledge, analytical, design and project management skills and competency in the areas of Bridge Engineering in line with Level 9 programmes on the NFQ. This objective will be developed through teaching and applied project work that is current and relevant to this sector so that learners possess sufficient skills and knowledge to effectively manage bridge engineering, inspection, design and assessment projects from inception to completion.
The capacity to effectively communicate ideas, data and concepts to a variety of audience levels through appropriate forms of media. This objective will be underpinned by preparing technical reports, discussing findings and presenting learning outcomes with academic and professional stakeholders and experts via a series of workshops.
The skills necessary to function within, and adapt to, a changing technical work environment. This objective will be developed through transferable skills such as problem solving, working in teams, communications skills and professional ethics.
Course Details
Year 1
Semester
Module Details
Credits
Mandatory / Elective
1
Geotechnical Engineering I
The module examines aspects of geotechnical engineering including: Site investigations, fill materials and compaction, asset management strategies, overall stability of geotechnical structures, embankments on poor ground, temporary works and selection of appropriate geotechnical parameters for use in design.
Learning Outcomes
1. Create a specification for, and evaluate the findings of, a site investigation.
2. Construct a ground model and determine suitable design soil parameters based on the analysis and evaluation of site investigation data.
3. Appraise the suitability of materials and follow good construction practice in earthworks, while recognising the physical constraints on site.
4. Identify and propose solutions for potential geotechnical engineering issues associated with infrastructure assets.
5. Analyse and design embankments on problematic soils and slopes associated with earthworks.
05
Mandatory
1
Structural Inspection and Assessment of Bridges
This module requires the learner to identify, appraise and critically evaluate bridge management systems and structural inspection and assessment techniques for bridges and associated infrastructure. In addition, the learner will be required to apply and evaluate these techniques in the assessment and inspection of the existing bridge stock.
Learning Outcomes
1. Derive an understanding of bridge construction history, bridge types and construction techniques, including masonry arch construction, reinforced and prestressed concrete, and steel and composite construction. 2. Critically assess and evaluate bridge management systems, including appraising and advising on any limitations associated with the management systems and bridge inspection, assessment, and maintenance strategies. 3. Evaluate, select and apply appropriate bridge (and associated structures) inspection and assessment techniques to determine appropriate data for the design of appropriate maintenance strategies, repair and strengthening of bridges. 4. Critically evaluate the application of bridge (and associated structures) repair, strengthening and modification techniques for concrete, steel and masonry bridges and assess their environmental and heritage implications.
5. Effectively collaborate and communicate with others in the inspection and assessment of bridges (and associated structures).
05
Mandatory
2
Geotechnical Engineering II
Geotechnical Engineering II focuses on the analysis and design of geotechnical engineering related structures and the preparation of Geotechnical Engineering related design documentation.
Learning Outcomes
1. Develop a geotechnical design report, incorporatingBIM protocols where appropriate,for the analysis and design of Geotechnical Engineering related structures.
2. Analyse and design gravity and cantilever soil retaining systems
3. Evaluate foundation systems, with particular reference to bridge structures
4. Develop solutions for soil structure interaction problems associated with bridge abutments
5. Evaluate axially loaded piles using insitu testing and by calculation.
05
Mandatory
2
Design of Bridge Structures
The module develops the learner's knowledge in a number of key topics in the field of bridge design and engineering including the conceptual and preliminary design of bridges, bridge aesthetics, bridge analysis, and detailed design methodologies.
Learning Outcomes
1. Develop appropriate bridge solutions given planning, site, functional and aesthetic constraints. 2. Complete detailed design, analysis and specifications for bridge structures in concrete and/or steel.
3. Evaluate and implement appropriate structural analysis tools for the modelling of bridges.
4. Evaluate and develop appropriate durability and protection details for bridge structures. 5. Effectively collaborate and communicate with others in the timely development of solutions to bridge design problems including reports, analysis & associated calculations, and drawings incorporatingBIM protocols where appropriate.
05
Mandatory
Recommended Study Hours per week
Live lectures normally take place between 6pm and 10pm, two evenings per week. If the Live Classroom scheduled times for the live online lectures do not suit you, recordings will be made available. Independent study hours will be reflective of a student’s experience.
Examination and Assessment
This programme is assessed through a mixture of continuous assessment and final exams. Examinations are in January and May and are available at one of two centres (ATU Sligo/Dublin).
On-Campus Attendance Requirement
Workshops occur twice per semester at the Sligo Campus on a Friday generally from 9.30am-4.30pm.
Progression
Successful completion of this Certificate programme will allow for the transfer of learners to the Postgraduate Diploma or MEng in Road and Transport Engineering, whereby the remaining Stage 1 and Stage 2 taught modules can be taken to achieve the major award of Postgraduate Diploma and a Research Dissertation shall be completed to attain a professionally accredited Master in Engineering Level 9 major award.
The minimum entry requirements are a pass in a BEng Honours degree (Level 8) in Civil Engineering or a related discipline or equivalent.
Applicants with other qualifications and with relevant work experience may also be considered through ATU Sligo’s Recognised Prior Learning (RPL) process. RPL is a process that may allow you to gain admission to a programme or to receive exemptions / credit from some parts of a programme based on demonstrated learning that you may have achieved through another programme of study or through your work and career. Further information is available through www.atu.ie/recognition-of-prior-learning which our dedicated RPL portal or by contacting our admissions team at admissions.sligo@atu.ie
Fees
Total Fees EU: €3000
For nominated and approved local authority engineering applicants, this programme may be 80% funded by Dept of Transport and 20% funded by local authorities.
The programme provides access routes for a student intake from a specific cohort of Civil Engineering graduates predominately from the public roads services sector who wish to upskill in bridge engineering, and offers clear routes of progression through education.This includes a specialised, relevant programme offering, differentiated through flexible modes of delivery, which promotes lifelong learning by practitioners within the road and bridge engineering sector.
This programme is industry and professionally relevant, and delivers the generic skills necessary for effective engagement in society. The programme was developed in conjunction with industry partners, Dept. of Transport and LASNTG to ensure the curriculum remains focused on required knowledge, skills and competencies of the public roads services sector with a focus on bridge inspection, management and design.
Further Information
Who Should Apply?
This programme is suitable for Civil Engineering professionals working, or intending to work in the Bridge Engineering sector, to develop appropriate analytical, design and assessment skills.