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.

Unit details

Location:
Footscray Park
Remote
Study level:
Undergraduate
Credit points:
12
Unit code:
NEC2201

Prerequisites

NEC2102 - Solid Mechanics

Get help

Find a different unit

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

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

Where to next?

As part of a course

This unit is studied as part of the following courses. Refer to the course page for information on how to apply for the course.

VU takes care to ensure the accuracy of this unit information, but reserves the right to change or withdraw courses offered at any time. Please check that unit information is current with the Student Contact Centre.