Temporary Works and Construction Method Engineering

Temporary works refers to works enabling the construction of, protection, support or provision of access to permanent works which might or might not remain in place at the completion of a construction project. Examples of temporary works include structures such as gantries for heavy plant, materials or accommodation as well as supports for partially-completed or partially-dismantled structures, excavations and accesses. The course delivery and content is actively supported by the Temporary Works Forum (TWf), which promotes best practice within the UK construction industry and sponsors the Centre of Excellence in Temporary Works and Construction Method Engineering at City University London. The course content has been developed in collaboration with the TWf membership and TWf members will contribute to lectures and design exercises.

The course addresses the regulatory background to temporary works for construction, the design of geotechnical, structural and marine temporary works, demolition, plant, safe working methods and access works. You will gain both the technical understanding to undertake safe but cost-effective designs for a full range of temporary works and a good understanding of the wide range of plant and techniques that can be employed.

The programme will be delivered by industry experts providing insights into current practice in temporary works and academic members of staff experienced in the theory underlying the design methods employed. There will be visits to operational sites and practical exercises to provide opportunities to experience decision-making in the field, combined with group sessions to develop your knowledge further through active engagement. This will also require you to present your work occasionally, participate in peer review sessions and work in teams.

The course consists of eight taught modules and a project. The project is a major individual research exercise on a topic relevant to temporary works and construction method engineering. The main outcome of the project is a written report (dissertation).

The topics/titles for this major project can be chosen from:

• A list suggested by the lecturers of the course;
• Your own ideas/initiatives;
• Where applicable, by your sponsoring company/industrial partner.

Our collaboration with members of the TWf means that many of the topics offered will relate to problems of current interest to industry and will be co-supervised by industry organisations.

The Temporary Works and Construction Method Engineering MSc comprises 180 credits, with 60 credits awarded to the project. Attendance is required to obtain 120 credits by studying all of the taught modules.

The taught modules address the following topics:

• An introduction to statutory obligations, management methods and special design considerations for temporary works;
• Design of structures used in and for temporary works, their construction and monitoring;
• Design of geotechnical temporary works and processes, including groundwater control and ground investigation;
• Design of temporary works for marine construction, in particular floating structures and the effect of waves and varying water levels;
• The use of plant in temporary works and the provision of appropriate working platforms and access;
• Demolition and alteration of structures, including the disposal/reuse of construction waste.

Read the full programme specification