Course Coordinator:Dariusz Alterman (dalterman@usc.edu.au) School:School of Science, Technology and Engineering
UniSC Sunshine CoastUniSC Moreton Bay |
Blended learning | Most of your course is on campus but you may be able to do some components of this course online. |
Please go to usc.edu.au for up to date information on the
teaching sessions and campuses where this course is usually offered.
Civil engineers design solutions to complex problems that satisfy client needs and meet regulatory standards. In this course you will learn fundamental skills for your professional work as an engineer including: classical theory of structures and the design approach required by the Australian Standards; problem solving techniques and computer modelling skills to compute the structural responses of linear elastic structures to loads and predict structural behaviours; and the application of design codes to the determination of loads and load combinations for service and ultimate limit states.
Activity | Hours | Beginning Week | Frequency |
Blended learning | |||
Tutorial/Workshop 1 – Online workshop | 2hrs | Week 1 | 13 times |
Tutorial/Workshop 2 – On campus practical workshop | 2hrs | Week 1 | 13 times |
Laboratory 1 – On campus computer lab | 2hrs | Week 1 | 13 times |
Analysis of statically determinate structures, and Limit States Design incl. loads, load combinations, and load combination arrangements; Computer modelling fundamentals.
Analysis of statically determinate structures, and Limit States Design incl. wind effects on buildings; Computer modelling – analysis of statically determinate beams.
Analysis of statically determinate structures, and Limit States Design incl. wind actions on structures; Computer modelling – analysis of statically determinate beams (deflection).
Analysis of statically determinate trusses and frames; Computer modelling – analysis of statically determinate compound beams; Computer modelling – analysis of statically indeterminate beams.
Indeterminacy, analysis of statically indeterminate structures; Computer modelling – analysis of statically determinate and indeterminate trusses.
Deflection by double integration method; Computer modelling – group project.
Principle of Work incl. Virtual Work (deformation); Computer modelling – group project.
Principle of Virtual work (Integration table); Computer modelling – group project.
Force method (beams); Computer modelling – group project.
Force method (frames & trusses); Computer modelling – group project.
Influence lines (beams); Computer modelling – group project.
Influence lines (trusses); Computer modelling – group project.
200 Level (Developing)
12 units
Course Learning Outcomes On successful completion of this course, you should be able to... | Graduate Qualities Mapping Completing these tasks successfully will contribute to you becoming... | Professional Standard Mapping * Engineers Australia Stage 1 Professional Engineer Competency Standards | |
1 | Interpret and apply Australian Standards: AS/NZS 1170.0, 1170.1 & 1170.2 for structural analysis. | Knowledgeable |
1.1, 2.1, 2.2 |
2 | Determine adequate loads, load combinations and load combination arrangements acting on structures arising from the actions of gravity, occupation and use, and wind. | Empowered |
1.1, 2.1, 2.2 |
3 | Apply structural analysis methods, including qualitative analysis, to compute the design actions and deformations of statically indeterminate structures. | Empowered |
1.1, 1.2, 2.1, 2.2 |
4 | Develop and use computer models of structures to determine the design actions and deformations of structures. | Engaged |
2.1, 2.2 |
5 | Work collaboratively in teams to undertake structural analysis and computer modelling | Engaged |
3.2, 3.6 |
6 | Communicate problems, methods, and solutions effectively in written and oral formats | Empowered |
3.2
|
CODE | COMPETENCY |
Engineers Australia Stage 1 Professional Engineer Competency Standards | |
1.1 | Knowledge and Skill Base: Comprehensive, theory based understanding of the underpinning natural and physical sciences and the engineering fundamentals applicable to the engineering discipline. |
1.2 | Knowledge and Skill Base: Conceptual understanding of the mathematics, numerical analysis, statistics, and computer and information sciences which underpin the engineering discipline. |
2.1 | Engineering Application Ability: Application of established engineering methods to complex engineering problem solving. |
2.2 | Engineering Application Ability: Fluent application of engineering techniques, tools and resources. |
3.2 | Professional and Personal Attributes: Effective oral and written communication in professional and lay domains. |
3.6 | Professional and Personal Attributes: Effective team membership and team leadership. |
Refer to the UniSC Glossary of terms for definitions of “pre-requisites, co-requisites and anti-requisites”.
MEC221 and must be enrolled in Program SC410 or SC425.
Not applicable
Not applicable
A solid working knowledge of Engineering Statics and Mechanics of Materials is required for this course.
Standard Grading (GRD)
High Distinction (HD), Distinction (DN), Credit (CR), Pass (PS), Fail (FL). |
The engagement in weekly formative tutorial and workshop problems will demonstrate the level of proficiency and understanding of the course material.
Delivery mode | Task No. | Assessment Product | Individual or Group | Weighting % | What is the duration / length? | When should I submit? | Where should I submit it? |
All | 1 | Written Piece | Individual | 40% | Equivalent to max. 200 words each. |
Refer to Format | In Class |
All | 2 | Oral and Written Piece | Group | 10% | Max. 500 words and max. 15 minutes |
Week 13 | In Class |
All | 3 | Examination - Centrally Scheduled | Individual | 50% | 2 hours |
Exam Period | Exam Venue |
All - Assessment Task 1:Structural analysis methods and computer modelling | |
Goal: | These assignments (take-home tasks) develop your understanding of core theory and its application to practical problems and enable you to identify and address gaps in your skills and knowledge. |
Product: | Written Piece |
Format: | You will use the material presented in the Learning Material and Workshops, and applied in the Tutorials to complete your assignment. You may collaborate with peers to complete Task 1 although your submissions will be assessed individually. This assignment helps you to test your knowledge to ensure that you understand the basic concepts of load theory and helps you to prepare you undertake the Task 2 project. You will hand sections of this task progressively on the indicated weeks to ensure you receive early, regular, and timely feedback on the progress of your work. Due Weeks 3, 4, 7, 8, 11 & 12. |
Criteria: |
|
All - Assessment Task 2:Structural analysis project | |
Goal: | This project enables you to advance your skills and understanding of structural analysis and computer modelling, working towards meeting your Engineers Australia competencies. |
Product: | Oral and Written Piece |
Format: | Engineers regularly work in teams on ‘complex’ structures! Task 2 is a structural analysis project that will allow you to develop and demonstrate your abilities by competently analysing a structure using and applying first engineering principles and computer modelling techniques. In doing so, you will advance structural analysis skills and, develop and advance your collaborative competencies (Professional soft skills). In your group (max. 4 members, TBC), you will collaborate professionally to model and analyse a structure. Your team will develop a structural solution and develop its computer model; determine all relevant loads, load combinations and load combination arrangements to apply on your model; and explain interpret your analysis and solution. Note further details will be provided on Canvas and/or in class. Your group will produce a brief synopsis of your solution (max. 500 words) and deliver an oral presentation of your solution (max. 15 minutes). As part of your group assignment, you will also be required to actively participate to Peer Assessment, review, feedback and debriefing activities |
Criteria: |
|
All - Assessment Task 3:Final Exam | |
Goal: | The final exam will build your skills to analyse statically indeterminate structures by first principles independently and with confidence within a set time limit and with limited access to additional resources. |
Product: | Examination - Centrally Scheduled |
Format: | The final exam assesses the material covered in the course (workshops, tutorials and assignments) and the self-study material (e.g. prescribed reading). You will be required to analyse indeterminate structures. With your solutions you will demonstrate your understanding and ability to apply advanced methods of structural analysis. The exam will be partially open book. Full details of what may be taken into the exam venue will be explained in class during the semester and posted on Canvas. |
Criteria: |
|
A 12-unit course will have total of 150 learning hours which will include directed study hours (including online if required), self-directed learning and completion of assessable tasks. Student workload is calculated at 12.5 learning hours per one unit.
Period and Topic | Activities |
Week 1 |
Analysis of statically determinate structures, and Limit States Design incl. loads, load combinations, and load combination arrangements; Computer modelling fundamentals. |
Week 2 |
Analysis of statically determinate structures, and Limit States Design incl. wind effects on buildings; Computer modelling – analysis of statically determinate beams. |
Week 3 |
Analysis of statically determinate structures, and Limit States Design incl. wind actions on structures; Computer modelling – analysis of statically determinate beams (deflection). |
Week 4 |
Analysis of statically determinate trusses and frames; Computer modelling – analysis of statically determinate compound beams; Computer modelling – analysis of statically indeterminate beams. |
Week 5 |
Indeterminacy, analysis of statically indeterminate structures; Computer modelling – analysis of statically determinate and indeterminate trusses. |
Week 6 |
Deflection by double integration method; Computer modelling – group project. |
Week 7 |
Principle of Work incl. Virtual Work (deformation); Computer modelling – group project. |
Week 8 |
Principle of Virtual work (Integration table); Computer modelling – group project. |
Week 9 |
Force method (beams); Computer modelling – group project. |
Week 10 |
Force method (frames & trusses); Computer modelling – group project. |
Week 11 |
Influence lines (beams); Computer modelling – group project. |
Week 12 |
Influence lines (trusses); Computer modelling – group project. |
Week 13 |
Revision |
Please note: Course information, including specific information of recommended readings, learning activities, resources, weekly readings, etc. are available on the course Canvas site– Please log in as soon as possible.
Please note that you need to have regular access to the resource(s) listed below. Resources may be required or recommended.
Required? | Author | Year | Title | Edition | Publisher |
Required | Russell C. Hibbeler | 0 | Structural Analysis in SI Units | n/a | n/a |
Required | AS/NZS | 0 | AS/NZS 1170.0 Structural design actions - General principles | n/a | n/a |
Required | AS/NZS | 0 | AS/NZS 1170.1 Structural design actions - Permanent, imposed and other actions | n/a | n/a |
Required | AS/NZS | 0 | AS/NZS 1170.2 Structural design actions - Wind actions | n/a | n/a |
Not applicable
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Academic integrity means that you do not engage in any activity that is considered to be academic fraud; including plagiarism, collusion or outsourcing any part of any assessment item to any other person. You are expected to be honest and ethical by completing all work yourself and indicating in your work which ideas and information were developed by you and which were taken from others. You cannot provide your assessment work to others. You are also expected to provide evidence of wide and critical reading, usually by using appropriate academic references.
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