Structural Engineering
Konstruktionsteknik

VBKF15, 9.0 credits, G2 (First Cycle)

Valid for: 2026/27
Faculty: Faculty of Engineering LTH
Decided by: PLED V
Date of Decision: 2026-03-25

General Information

Main field: Technology Depth of study relative to the degree requirements: First cycle, in-depth level of the course cannot be classified
Mandatory for: V2
Language of instruction: The course will be given in Swedish

Aim

The course will give the student insight and understanding of the requirements put on load-bearing elements. After completion of the course the student will be able to analyse and design basic structural elements and understand the function of load-bearing elements in a building.

Learning outcomes

Knowledge and understanding
For a passing grade the student must

• Be able to analyse the load-bearing elements in a building
• Be able to identify relevant external loads influencing the behaviour of a building
• Understand that in the design process of structural elements and buildings a number of requirements such as the structural behaviour, economy and sustainability

Competences and skills
For a passing grade the student must

• Be able to design structural elements with respect to external loads, material properties and users' demands.
• Be able to design uncomplicated buildings with respect to the behaviour of the elements and the detailing.
• Be able to design buildings with respect to horizontal stabilization.
• Be able to present the basis for the design process and also present the result of the design in written form as well as by drawings.

Judgement and approach
For a passing grade the student must

• Be able to valuate the basis used in a design process as well as be able to judge the relevance of the basic assumptions.
• Be able to search and valuate relevant information based on the acquired knowledge.

Contents

Design principles, partial coefficient methods, load configuration including fire, structural elements, stability of structural systems, steel, timber, concrete and masonry structures.

Design of structural elements subjected to bending moment, axial load, bending moment and axial load, shear force, service loads. Design of constructive details.

The course includes elements that provide training in presentation techniques and CAD.

Examination details

Grading scale: TH - (U, 3, 4, 5) - (Fail, Three, Four, Five)
Assessment:

One written exam and graded design and laboratory assignments. The laboratory assignment is carried out in groups of maximum four persons. The laboratory assignment is graded and must get the grade "pass" to receive final grade for the course. The design assignment is carried out in groups of maximum three persons. It includes design of the load bearing structure for a hall building, presented in a report and drawings. The design assignment is graded and must get the grade "pass" to receive final grade for the course. The final grade in the course is based on the results of the written exam and the graded assignments.

The examiner, in consultation with Disability Support Services, may deviate from the regular form of examination in order to provide a permanently disabled student with a form of examination equivalent to that of a student without a disability.

Modules
Code: 0125. Name: Assignments.
Credits: 3.0. Grading scale: UG - (U, G). Assessment: Two assignments which need to be passed to pass the course. The module includes: Assignment 1: Lab assignment to understand the link between calculations and the real behavior of structures. Assignment 2: Design task to apply course skills to a real building.
Code: 0225. Name: Written Examination.
Credits: 6.0. Grading scale: TH - (U, 3, 4, 5). Assessment: Written examination The module includes: Complete course content.

Admission

Assumed prior knowledge: VBM012 Building Materials OR VBMA30 Building Materials AND VSMA05 Structural Mechanics OR VSMA06 Structural Mechanics OR FME602 Structural Mechanics OR VSMA20 Structural Mechanics
The number of participants is limited to: No
Kursen överlappar följande kurser: VBK012 VSM140 VSM611 VSMF10 VBKF10 VBK013

Reading list

• Isaksson I., Mårtensson A., Thelandersson S: Byggkonstruktion. Studentlitteratur, 2020, ISBN: 9789144138558. 4th ed.
• Isaksson I. och Mårtensson A: Byggkonstruktion: regel- och formelsamling. Studentlitteratur, 2020, ISBN: 9789144138565. 4th ed.

Contact

Course coordinator: Ivar Björnsson, ivar.bjornsson@kstr.lth.se
Course coordinator: Jonas Niklewski, jonas.niklewski@kstr.lth.se
Teacher: Paulina Chojnicka, paulina.chojnicka@kstr.lth.se
Course homepage: https://canvas.education.lu.se/

Further information