Structural materials

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.

Active learning - This unit is delivered in a flipped learning mode, in which the content is supplied prior to the lecture through online videos. The lecture is then an active session in which the learning for the week is consolidated further by application to problem-solving.

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.