CIV2235 · Structural materials

Overview

This unit introduces you to fundamental concepts in the common structural materials including concrete, steel, timber, and masonry. The major topics include concrete technology and the durability of concrete structures, sustainability considerations in concrete technology, the handling and placement of concrete components, the mechanical properties of different steels and steel connectors (bolts and welds), the behaviour of steel materials under fire, and the mechanical properties of timber and masonry materials. Additionally, you will gain knowledge about various structural loads and load combinations, and estimation of material quality based on statistical theory. Finally, you will learn about some significant case studies of structural failures which will reinforce the importance of material behaviours on structural safety.

Areas of study: E3001 Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) - Specialisation: Civil engineering E6011 Master of Professional Engineering - Specialisation: Civil engineering

Offerings

Assessment

The Handbook lists an examination for this unit.

Continuous assessment: 50% Final assessment: 50% This unit contains threshold hurdle requirements that you must achieve to be able to pass the unit. You are required to achieve at least 45% in the total continuous assessment component and at least 45% in the final assessment component. The consequence of not achieving a hurdle requirement is a fail grade (NH) and a maximum mark of 45 for the unit.

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Requisites

Learning outcomes

1. Describe types of cements, aggregates, and admixtures in concrete and their effect on the properties of fresh and hardened concrete, with the consideration of sustainability goals in construction.
2. Formulate concrete mixes for various applications.
3. Describe the properties and behaviour of structural steel, unreinforced masonry and timber for structural design.
4. Formulate the main loads and load combinations relevant to structural design.
5. Estimate material quality based on statistical theory (sampling distributions), through hypothesis testing and formulation.
6. Appraise the structural behaviour of material specimens, and discuss and communicate findings through team-based reporting.

Workload

The minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of 3-6 hours of scheduled learning activities and 6-9 hours of independent study per week. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher-directed learning, peer-directed learning and online engagement. Independent study may include associated readings, assessment and preparation for scheduled activities.

Student experience, not official rules. Nothing here changes what the Handbook says.