Introduction to Structural Engineering Design

Unit code: NEC2201 | Study level: Undergraduate
Credit points
12
(Generally, 1 credit = 10 hours of classes and independent study.)
Location
Footscray Park
Prerequisites
NEC2102 - Solid Mechanics
(Or equivalent to be determined by unit coordinator)
Overview
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Overview

This unit provides a basic introduction to the design of structural timber and steel elements. Topics include:

Timber: Calculations of dead and live loads and specific loads, material and design properties, beams, columns, and nailed and bolted connections in simple shear.


Steel: Stability of elements, beams, members under axial compression, members in tension, and bolted and welded connections in simple shear or tension.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:

  1. Compute dead and live loads on structural members and structures;
  2. Demonstrate professional understanding of timber material and design properties;
  3. Design timber beams, timber columns and timber connections;
  4. Apply the theory of stability to the design of steel elements; and
  5. Design steel beams, steel members in axial compression and tension, and steel connections in shear or tension.

Assessment

For Melbourne campuses

Assessment type: Assignment
|
Grade: 20%
Assignment 1: Tutorial Problems in Timber Design
Assessment type: Test
|
Grade: 30%
Test 1 (Timber Design)
Assessment type: Assignment
|
Grade: 20%
Assignment 2: Tutorial Problems in Steel Design
Assessment type: Test
|
Grade: 30%
Test 2 (Steel Design)

The assignments may be undertaken by groups, and assess a student’s ability to problem solve and interact in a team situation. The tests focus upon the individual student’s ability to demonstrate his or her in-depth understanding of specialist bodies of knowledge within the engineering discipline and apply established engineering methods to complex engineering problems, as defined in Engineers Australia competencies 1.3 and 2.1. As the test is the one clear way by which these competencies can be assessed on an individual basis, a student must achieve a minimum mark of 40% in Test 1 and a minimum mark of 40% in Test 2 and 50% in the overall unit assessment in order to pass the unit.

Required reading

Refer to VU Collaborate for recommended reading and additional resources.

As part of a course

This unit is not compulsory for any specific course. Depending on the course you study, this unit may be taken as an elective.

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