Study Programmes 2016-2017
GCIV2178-1  
Natural and technological risks in civil engineering
Duration :
15h Th, 15h Pr, 10h Proj., 1d FW
Number of credits :
Master in civil engineering (120 ECTS)3
Lecturer :
Jean-François Demonceau, Benjamin Dewals
Coordinator :
N...
Language(s) of instruction :
English language
Organisation and examination :
Teaching in the first semester, review in January
Units courses prerequisite and corequisite :
Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program
Learning unit contents :
In engineering offices, private companies, regional authorities and control agencies, risk analysis is increasingly used for the design and operation of civil engineering structures. This course will present the overarching principles of risk analysis, considering both technological and natural hazards. These principles will be exemplified through real-world case studies, spanning over a broad spectrum of scales: from the structure level (e.g., robustness approach) up to the city and regional levels (e.g., flood risk management). In addition, recommendations available in international codes and standards will be studied, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses. Finally, solutions allowing decreasing the risks encountered by different types of structures will be proposed.
Learning outcomes of the learning unit :
The course will cover the whole cycle of risk management, involving the identification of adverse scenarios (e.g., extreme weather event, explosion, human error ...) and their probability, as well as the estimation of the consequences, the elaboration of risk-reduction measures and the assessment of uncertainties.
Prerequisite knowledge and skills :
Prerequisites: one year of master in civil or environmental engineering.
Planned learning activities and teaching methods :
The course is based on lectures, seminars given by professional engineers and practical works.
Mode of delivery (face-to-face ; distance-learning) :
Face-to-face lectures.
Recommended or required readings :
Slides used during the lectures are made available for the student on eCampus.
The teacher also recommends the reading of complementary material.
Assessment methods and criteria :
A written exam takes place in January and September. No partial exemption is granted.
Work placement(s) :
Organizational remarks :
The course is given in English. Lectures take place on Wednesday afternoon during the first semester.
Contacts :