STRCTENG 304 : Structural Design for Civil Engineers

Engineering

2024 Semester One (1243) (15 POINTS)

Course Prescription

Structural loading for gravity and wind in accordance with the loading code AS/NZS1170. Design principles and examples for concrete and timber members and design for timber framed buildings using NZS3604 including the concept of safety in design. Discussion of sustainability and environmental implications of selecting different building materials. Introduction to seismic building behaviour at a conceptual level.

Course Overview

Structural Design for Civil Engineers is designed to provide our Civil Engineering students with an understanding of the principles of basic structural design in the main materials of concrete, timber and steel. The course builds on the knowledge gained from previous courses on the analysis of simple structures, and the mechanical properties of materials needed for structural design.
 
The loading codes AS/NZS1170 will be presented with the significance of uncertainties of loading discussed. The concepts behind lateral loading, including seismic and wind will be covered at a conceptual level such that load paths and structural systems can be discussed in context.

This course will focus on the specific design of beams for flexure and shear, as well as looking at the key considerations and design philosophy in the design of other structural elements and structural systems. The concept of non-specific design for timber will be used to investigate simple design for a residential project using NZS3604.

This course consists of lecture, a weekly tutorial, quizzes, a mid-semester test and design assignment. In addition, you will be expected to learn from additional reading, problem solving, structural drawings and other work outside of formal contact hours. The course requires students to become familiar with part of the Design Actions Standard and the material standards for concrete, timber and steel. The course is well supported by the course notes and published texts.

Course Requirements

Prerequisite: CIVIL 210 or STRCTENG 200 Restriction: CIVIL 312, 313

Capabilities Developed in this Course

Capability 1: People and Place
Capability 3: Knowledge and Practice
Capability 4: Critical Thinking
Capability 5: Solution Seeking
Capability 6: Communication

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, students will be able to:
  1. Understand and describe the different types of loading, and the degree of uncertainties for those loads, that a structure may experience. Implement the New Zealand Loadings Standard for permanent and imposed loading. (Capability 3.1)
  2. Demonstrate the role of various structural components in transmitting the forces from the loading location through the gravity and lateral force resisting system, including the foundations. (Capability 3.1)
  3. Demonstrate and apply the principles of flexural and shear design for beams in the three main structural materials (concrete, steel and timber). Understand the appropriate application of these materials with respect to sustainability, durability and structural response. (Capability 3.1, 4.1 and 5.1)
  4. Describe and discuss the factors that influence the capacity and performance of beams and columns in the main structural materials. (Capability 3.1 and 4.1)
  5. Design, execute, and present a structural solution for a timber project utilising the non-specific timber standard NZS3604. (Capability 1.1, 5.1 and 6.1)

Assessments

Assessment Type Percentage Classification
Quizzes 10% Individual Coursework
Design Project 15% Group Coursework
Test 25% Individual Test
Final Exam 35% Individual Examination
MDLS Lab 5% Group Coursework
Homework 10% Individual Coursework
Assessment Type Learning Outcome Addressed
1 2 3 4 5
Quizzes
Design Project
Test
Final Exam
MDLS Lab
Homework

Students must sit the exam to pass the course. Otherwise, a DNS (did not sit) result will be returned.

Workload Expectations

This course is a standard 15 point course and students are expected to spend 10 hours per week involved in each 15 point course that they are enrolled in.

During a typical teaching week there will be 3 hours of lectures and 1 hour of tutorial. In addition, there will be one 2 hour lab once during the semester. For the 12 teaching weeks, this totals to 50 hours. Since the course as a whole represents approximately 150 hours of study, that leaves a total of 100 hours across the entire semester for independent study, e.g. reading, reflection, preparing for and completing assessments. 

Delivery Mode

Campus Experience

Attendance is expected at scheduled activities including tutorials to complete components of the course.
Lectures will be available as recordings. Other learning activities including tutorials will be available as recordings.

There is one MDLS Lab scheduled for the course which is compulsory and will need to be attended in-person.

The course will include live online events including group discussions and tutorials.
Attendance on campus is required for the test/exam (dependent on Covid Restrictions and University Policy).
The activities for the course are scheduled as a standard weekly timetable.

Learning Resources

Course materials are made available in a learning and collaboration tool called Canvas which also includes reading lists and lecture recordings (where available).

Please remember that the recording of any class on a personal device requires the permission of the instructor.

The notes for Structural Design for Civil Engineers have been arranged into a course book that is available in a PDF form for download from CANVAS. Additional reference material that may be useful is listed for each section of notes.

Health & Safety

An appropriate Induction for the Health and Safety requirements of conducting the lab work within the MDLS will be included and required to participate in the MDLS activity. Students are expected to adhere to the guidelines outlined in the Health and Safety section of the Engineering Undergraduate Handbook.

Student Feedback

At the end of every semester students will be invited to give feedback on the course and teaching through a tool called SET or Qualtrics. The lecturers and course co-ordinators will consider all feedback and respond with summaries and actions.

Your feedback helps teachers to improve the course and its delivery for future students.

Class Representatives in each class can take feedback to the department and faculty staff-student consultative committees.

Based off feedback from 2023, the key changes to the course for 2023 will include the development of more practice problems and a new tutorial format. Assessment timing and weighting has been reviewed, and an MDLS hands on learning activity will be part of the course.

Academic Integrity

The University of Auckland will not tolerate cheating, or assisting others to cheat, and views cheating in coursework as a serious academic offence. The work that a student submits for grading must be the student's own work, reflecting their learning. Where work from other sources is used, it must be properly acknowledged and referenced. This requirement also applies to sources on the internet. A student's assessed work may be reviewed for potential plagiarism or other forms of academic misconduct, using computerised detection mechanisms.

Class Representatives

Class representatives are students tasked with representing student issues to departments, faculties, and the wider university. If you have a complaint about this course, please contact your class rep who will know how to raise it in the right channels. See your departmental noticeboard for contact details for your class reps.

Inclusive Learning

All students are asked to discuss any impairment related requirements privately, face to face and/or in written form with the course coordinator, lecturer or tutor.

Student Disability Services also provides support for students with a wide range of impairments, both visible and invisible, to succeed and excel at the University. For more information and contact details, please visit the Student Disability Services’ website http://disability.auckland.ac.nz

Special Circumstances

If your ability to complete assessed coursework is affected by illness or other personal circumstances outside of your control, contact a member of teaching staff as soon as possible before the assessment is due.

If your personal circumstances significantly affect your performance, or preparation, for an exam or eligible written test, refer to the University’s aegrotat or compassionate consideration page https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/students/academic-information/exams-and-final-results/during-exams/aegrotat-and-compassionate-consideration.html.

This should be done as soon as possible and no later than seven days after the affected test or exam date.

Learning Continuity

In the event of an unexpected disruption, we undertake to maintain the continuity and standard of teaching and learning in all your courses throughout the year. If there are unexpected disruptions the University has contingency plans to ensure that access to your course continues and course assessment continues to meet the principles of the University’s assessment policy. Some adjustments may need to be made in emergencies. You will be kept fully informed by your course co-ordinator/director, and if disruption occurs you should refer to the university website for information about how to proceed.

Student Charter and Responsibilities

The Student Charter assumes and acknowledges that students are active participants in the learning process and that they have responsibilities to the institution and the international community of scholars. The University expects that students will act at all times in a way that demonstrates respect for the rights of other students and staff so that the learning environment is both safe and productive. For further information visit Student Charter https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/students/forms-policies-and-guidelines/student-policies-and-guidelines/student-charter.html.

Disclaimer

Elements of this outline may be subject to change. The latest information about the course will be available for enrolled students in Canvas.

In this course students may be asked to submit coursework assessments digitally. The University reserves the right to conduct scheduled tests and examinations for this course online or through the use of computers or other electronic devices. Where tests or examinations are conducted online remote invigilation arrangements may be used. In exceptional circumstances changes to elements of this course may be necessary at short notice. Students enrolled in this course will be informed of any such changes and the reasons for them, as soon as possible, through Canvas.