CQUniversity Unit Profile
BLAR12054 Structural Design Processes
Structural Design Processes
All details in this unit profile for BLAR12054 have been officially approved by CQUniversity and represent a learning partnership between the University and you (our student).
The information will not be changed unless absolutely necessary and any change will be clearly indicated by an approved correction included in the profile.
General Information

Overview

This unit develops an understanding of: structural drawings and computational methods associated with timber, reinforced concrete and steel structures; design processes for timber structures including: beams, columns, tension members, compression members and connections; design processes for reinforced concrete structures including; approximate analysis and sizing of members; singly reinforced beams; doubly reinforced beams; T beams; L beams; One-way slabs; Two-way slabs; columns-short and long; footings; design process for steel structures including approximate sizing of beams and columns, tension members, compressing members, beams, columns-short and long, stiffeners and connections.

Details

Career Level: Undergraduate
Unit Level: Level 2
Credit Points: 6
Student Contribution Band: 8
Fraction of Full-Time Student Load: 0.125

Pre-requisites or Co-requisites

Prerequisites - BLAR11032

Important note: Students enrolled in a subsequent unit who failed their pre-requisite unit, should drop the subsequent unit before the census date or within 10 working days of Fail grade notification. Students who do not drop the unit in this timeframe cannot later drop the unit without academic and financial liability. See details in the Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).

Offerings For Term 1 - 2023

Online

Attendance Requirements

All on-campus students are expected to attend scheduled classes – in some units, these classes are identified as a mandatory (pass/fail) component and attendance is compulsory. International students, on a student visa, must maintain a full time study load and meet both attendance and academic progress requirements in each study period (satisfactory attendance for International students is defined as maintaining at least an 80% attendance record).

Class and Assessment Overview

Recommended Student Time Commitment

Each 6-credit Undergraduate unit at CQUniversity requires an overall time commitment of an average of 12.5 hours of study per week, making a total of 150 hours for the unit.

Class Timetable

Bundaberg, Cairns, Emerald, Gladstone, Mackay, Rockhampton, Townsville
Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney

Assessment Overview

1. Written Assessment
Weighting: 30%
2. Written Assessment
Weighting: 30%
3. Written Assessment
Weighting: 40%

Assessment Grading

This is a graded unit: your overall grade will be calculated from the marks or grades for each assessment task, based on the relative weightings shown in the table above. You must obtain an overall mark for the unit of at least 50%, or an overall grade of ‘pass’ in order to pass the unit. If any ‘pass/fail’ tasks are shown in the table above they must also be completed successfully (‘pass’ grade). You must also meet any minimum mark requirements specified for a particular assessment task, as detailed in the ‘assessment task’ section (note that in some instances, the minimum mark for a task may be greater than 50%). Consult the University’s Grades and Results Policy for more details of interim results and final grades.

Previous Student Feedback

Feedback, Recommendations and Responses

Every unit is reviewed for enhancement each year. At the most recent review, the following staff and student feedback items were identified and recommendations were made.

Feedback from Unit evaluation via Moodle

Feedback

Very well set out and delivered. Great use of resources. The unit was well formatted with a clear and logical progression. Lecturer was good and provided a good understanding of the unit content.

Recommendation

Good to know the content and resources were useful towards learning progress and knowledge development.

Feedback from Unit evaluation via Moodle

Feedback

I struggled with maths and one-to-one Zoom session helped. At the end understood the content well, maybe it is my own confidence issues.

Recommendation

Thanks for the feedback. Nice to see Lecturer helped the student/s to his level best.

Unit Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
  1. Describe structural analysis processes.
  2. Analyse statically indeterminate structures by both rigorous and approximate methods.
  3. Perform preliminary designs for structures and also sizing and design of simple structural members in buildings
  4. Use effectively a range of appropriate communication modes.


Alignment of Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Graduate Attributes
N/A Level
Introductory Level
Intermediate Level
Graduate Level
Professional Level
Advanced Level

Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes

Assessment Tasks Learning Outcomes
1 2 3 4
1 - Written Assessment - 30%
2 - Written Assessment - 30%
3 - Written Assessment - 40%

Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes

Graduate Attributes Learning Outcomes
1 2 3 4
1 - Communication
2 - Problem Solving
3 - Critical Thinking
4 - Information Literacy
5 - Team Work
6 - Information Technology Competence
7 - Cross Cultural Competence
8 - Ethical practice
9 - Social Innovation
10 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures

Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Graduate Attributes

Assessment Tasks Graduate Attributes
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
1 - Written Assessment - 30%
2 - Written Assessment - 30%
3 - Written Assessment - 40%
Textbooks and Resources

Textbooks

Prescribed

Understanding Structures

Edition: 5th (2014)
Authors: Seward, D
Palgrave Macmillan
Basingstoke Basingstoke , Hampshire , UK
ISBN: 1137376562
Binding: Paperback

Additional Textbook Information

The prescribed textbook can be accessed online at the CQUniversity Library website. Access may be limited. If you would prefer your own copy, purchase either paper or eBook versions at the CQUni Bookshop here: http://bookshop.cqu.edu.au (search on the Unit code)

IT Resources

You will need access to the following IT resources:
  • CQUniversity Student Email
  • Internet
  • Unit Website (Moodle)
  • Access to printer and scanner
  • Computer headset (microphone speaker combo)
  • MS Office or equivalent software
  • Web camera (webcam)
Referencing Style

All submissions for this unit must use the referencing style: Harvard (author-date)

For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.

Teaching Contacts
Peter F Lawrence (Engineering) Unit Coordinator
p.lawrence1@cqu.edu.au
Schedule
Week 1 Begin Date: 06 Mar 2023

Module/Topic

Structural analysis processes: an overview of the design of multi cell buildings

Chapter

Please refer to the Moodle unit site for additional information.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 2 Begin Date: 13 Mar 2023

Module/Topic

The analysis of indeterminate structures

Chapter

Please refer to the Moodle unit site for additional information.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 3 Begin Date: 20 Mar 2023

Module/Topic

Combined stress analysis and limit state philosophies

Design of timber structures (start)

Chapter

Please refer to the Moodle unit site for additional information.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 4 Begin Date: 27 Mar 2023

Module/Topic

Design of timber structures (continued)

Chapter

Please refer to the Moodle unit site for additional information.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 5 Begin Date: 03 Apr 2023

Module/Topic

Design of timber structures (finish)

Design of concrete structures (start)

Chapter

Please refer to the Moodle unit site for additional information.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Assessment 1 Due: Week 5 Wednesday (5 Apr 2023) 11:45 pm AEST
Vacation Week Begin Date: 10 Apr 2023

Module/Topic

No scheduled class

Chapter

Consider using this week to work on an assessment or take a wellness break.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 6 Begin Date: 17 Apr 2023

Module/Topic

Design of concrete structures (continued)

Chapter

Please refer to the Moodle unit site for additional information.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 7 Begin Date: 24 Apr 2023

Module/Topic

Design of concrete structures (continued)

Chapter

Please refer to the Moodle unit site for additional information.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 8 Begin Date: 01 May 2023

Module/Topic

Design of concrete structures (finish)

Chapter

Please refer to the Moodle unit site for additional information.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Assessment 2 Due: Week 8 Wednesday (3 May 2023) 11:45 pm AEST
Week 9 Begin Date: 08 May 2023

Module/Topic

Design of steel structures (start)

Chapter

Please refer to the Moodle unit site for additional information.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 10 Begin Date: 15 May 2023

Module/Topic

Design of steel structures (continued)

Chapter

Please refer to the Moodle unit site for additional information.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 11 Begin Date: 22 May 2023

Module/Topic

Design of steel structures (finish)

Chapter

Please refer to the Moodle unit site for additional information.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 12 Begin Date: 29 May 2023

Module/Topic

Professional practice: the future

Chapter

Please refer to the Moodle unit site for additional information.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Review/Exam Week Begin Date: 05 Jun 2023

Module/Topic

No class

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Assessment 3 Due: Review/Exam Week Wednesday (7 June 2023) 11:45 pm AEST
Exam Week Begin Date: 12 Jun 2023

Module/Topic

No exam for this unit.

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Assessment Tasks

1 Written Assessment

Assessment Title
Assessment 1

Task Description

This assessment aligns to learning outcomes 1 to 4. Assessment 1 requires you to research and answer questions exploring the theory and analysis of common building structures.


Assessment Due Date

Week 5 Wednesday (5 Apr 2023) 11:45 pm AEST


Return Date to Students

Week 7 Wednesday (26 Apr 2023)


Weighting
30%

Assessment Criteria

(5%) Presentation and layout—includes the selection of typeface, written and general appearance, detail and quality of the assessment submission.

(90%) Content—includes the accuracy and relevance of information, application of knowledge, language and grammar used in answering questions, and proper referencing of sources of information, equations, images, data and tables used in the assessment submission.

(5%) Referencing - demonstrating compliance with the CQU Harvard Referencing Guide.


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Submission Instructions
Submit as a single PDF or DOCX file. Legible hand-written calculations as a PDF file are accepted.

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Describe structural analysis processes.
  • Analyse statically indeterminate structures by both rigorous and approximate methods.
  • Perform preliminary designs for structures and also sizing and design of simple structural members in buildings
  • Use effectively a range of appropriate communication modes.


Graduate Attributes
  • Communication
  • Problem Solving
  • Critical Thinking
  • Information Literacy
  • Information Technology Competence
  • Ethical practice

2 Written Assessment

Assessment Title
Assessment 2

Task Description

This assessment aligns to learning outcomes 1,3 and 4. Assessment 2 requires you to research and answer questions exploring the theory and design of structural elements.



Assessment Due Date

Week 8 Wednesday (3 May 2023) 11:45 pm AEST


Return Date to Students

Week 10 Wednesday (17 May 2023)


Weighting
30%

Minimum mark or grade
12/30 (40%)

Assessment Criteria

(5%) Presentation and layout—includes the selection of typeface, written and general appearance, detail and quality of the assessment submission.

(90%) Content—includes the accuracy and relevance of information, application of knowledge, language and grammar used in answering questions, and proper referencing of sources of information, equations, images, data and tables used in the assessment submission.

(5%) Referencing - demonstrating compliance with the CQU Harvard Referencing Guide.


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Submission Instructions
Submit as a single PDF or DOCX file. Legible hand-written calculations as a PDF file are accepted.

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Describe structural analysis processes.
  • Perform preliminary designs for structures and also sizing and design of simple structural members in buildings
  • Use effectively a range of appropriate communication modes.


Graduate Attributes
  • Communication
  • Problem Solving
  • Critical Thinking
  • Information Literacy
  • Information Technology Competence
  • Ethical practice

3 Written Assessment

Assessment Title
Assessment 3

Task Description

This assessment aligns to learning outcomes 3 and 4. Assessment 3 requires you to research and answer questions exploring the theory and design of structural members.



Assessment Due Date

Review/Exam Week Wednesday (7 June 2023) 11:45 pm AEST


Return Date to Students

Friday 30/06/23


Weighting
40%

Minimum mark or grade
16/40 (40%)

Assessment Criteria

(5%) Presentation and layout—includes the selection of typeface, written and general appearance, detail and quality of the assessment submission.

(90%) Content—includes the accuracy and relevance of information, application of knowledge, language and grammar used in answering questions, and proper referencing of sources of information, equations, images, data and tables used in the assessment submission.

(5%) Referencing - demonstrating compliance with the CQU Harvard Referencing Guide.


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Submission Instructions
Submit as a single PDF or DOCX file. Legible hand-written calculations as a PDF file are accepted.

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Perform preliminary designs for structures and also sizing and design of simple structural members in buildings
  • Use effectively a range of appropriate communication modes.


Graduate Attributes
  • Communication
  • Problem Solving
  • Critical Thinking
  • Information Literacy
  • Information Technology Competence
  • Ethical practice

Academic Integrity Statement

As a CQUniversity student you are expected to act honestly in all aspects of your academic work.

Any assessable work undertaken or submitted for review or assessment must be your own work. Assessable work is any type of work you do to meet the assessment requirements in the unit, including draft work submitted for review and feedback and final work to be assessed.

When you use the ideas, words or data of others in your assessment, you must thoroughly and clearly acknowledge the source of this information by using the correct referencing style for your unit. Using others’ work without proper acknowledgement may be considered a form of intellectual dishonesty.

Participating honestly, respectfully, responsibly, and fairly in your university study ensures the CQUniversity qualification you earn will be valued as a true indication of your individual academic achievement and will continue to receive the respect and recognition it deserves.

As a student, you are responsible for reading and following CQUniversity’s policies, including the Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure. This policy sets out CQUniversity’s expectations of you to act with integrity, examples of academic integrity breaches to avoid, the processes used to address alleged breaches of academic integrity, and potential penalties.

What is a breach of academic integrity?

A breach of academic integrity includes but is not limited to plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, cheating, contract cheating, and academic misconduct. The Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure defines what these terms mean and gives examples.

Why is academic integrity important?

A breach of academic integrity may result in one or more penalties, including suspension or even expulsion from the University. It can also have negative implications for student visas and future enrolment at CQUniversity or elsewhere. Students who engage in contract cheating also risk being blackmailed by contract cheating services.

Where can I get assistance?

For academic advice and guidance, the Academic Learning Centre (ALC) can support you in becoming confident in completing assessments with integrity and of high standard.

What can you do to act with integrity?