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Course profile

Reinforced Concrete Design (CIVL3360)

Study period
Sem 2 2024
Location
St Lucia
Attendance mode
In Person

Course overview

Study period
Semester 2, 2024 (22/07/2024 - 18/11/2024)
Study level
Undergraduate
Location
St Lucia
Attendance mode
In Person
Units
2
Administrative campus
St Lucia
Coordinating unit
Civil Engineering School

Reinforced concrete theory for flexure, shear, compression; strength and serviceability limit states; slabs - lower bound analysis. Strength and deformation properties; material selection; mix design and specification; durability; code requirements; case studies; low cementitious binders; laboratory.

Concrete is the most widely used construction material in the world. Buildings, bridges, dams and roads – the infrastructure our cities and communities rely on– use reinforced concrete as the design material of choice.

In this course, you will learn how to design key elements in reinforced concrete structures – beams, slabs and columns – and how to combine these elements to design simple structures.

You will also learn about concrete as a material, and how as an engineer the choices you make can lead to more durable and sustainable concrete structures.

The course content provides the foundation on which advanced reinforced and prestressed concrete design skills are developed in later semesters.

Course requirements

Assumed background

REINFORCED CONCRETE: This component of the course assumes that the student will have a strong working understanding of applied mechanics/statics (ENGG1010/ENGG1400/ENGG1700) and basic understanding of structural mechanics (CIVL2330).ᅠ

CONCRETE TECHNOLOGY: There is no assumption of prior knowledge of Concrete Technology.

Prerequisites

You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:

ENGG1700 or ENGG1400

Incompatible

You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:

CIVL2360

Course contact

Course coordinator

Associate Professor Liza O'Moore

For general course queries please use civl3360@uq.edu.au. This email is monitored by A/Prof O'Moore, Dr Chen and the Civil Admin team.

For personal/sensitive emails please email me at l.omoore@uq.edu.au

Course staff

Lecturer

Timetable

The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.

Additional timetable information

Students must sign on to a practical class AND a workshop class using ALLOCATE+

A copy of the lab timetable will also be available on Blackboard.

Aims and outcomes

The aim of the Reinforced Concrete Structures part of this course is:

  • To give an introduction to the theory of reinforced concrete and techniques for the analysis, design and detailing of reinforced concrete elements.

The purpose of the Concrete Technology component of this course is:

  • To give an introduction to the properties, selection, performance and codified requirements of concrete, and to show how strength criteria and fundamental principles can be applied to concrete in a unified way.
  • To demonstrate the behaviour of concrete in civil engineering use via laboratory experiments.

The skills learnt in both the Concrete Technology and Reinforced Concrete Design sections of this course are used in numerous design and analysis courses in later semesters.

Learning outcomes

After successfully completing this course you should be able to:

LO1.

In-Depth Knowledge - Beams: The student will be able to analyse and design a reinforced concrete beam for flexure/bending and shear. The student will be able to analyse a reinforced concrete beam for serviceability response and calculate and evaluate deflections and crack control in accordance with the relevant code, AS3600. The student will be able to detail the reinforcement of a beam to comply with the regulations set out in AS3600.

LO2.

In-Depth Knowledge - Columns: The student will be able to analyse and design both slender and stocky reinforced concrete columns. The student will be able to analyse the biaxial bending behaviour of a column in accordance with the relevant code, AS3600. The student will be able to detail the reinforcement of a column to comply with the regulations set out in AS3600.

LO3.

In-Depth Knowledge - Slabs: The student will be able to analyse and design a reinforced concrete slab. The students will be able to calculate design bending moments and shears using codified analysis techniques and the Hillerborg Strip method. The student will be able to analyse a reinforced concrete slab for serviceability response and calculate and evaluate deflections and crack control in accordance with the relevant code, AS3600. The student will be able to detail the reinforcement of a slab to comply with the regulations set out in AS3600.

LO4.

Technical Knowledge (Concrete Technology): The student will be able to identify and describe the fundamental properties of concrete. The students will be able to specify the appropriate types of concrete for a range of environments. They will understand and be able to describe how the technology of the concrete and short and long term performance is related.

LO5.

Hands-on skills - The laboratory classes will provide students with the opportunity to develop practical hands-on knowledge of working with concrete and reinforcing steel.

LO6.

Critical Thinking: The student will be able to apply analysis and design skills to unfamiliar structural elements and applications.

LO7.

Communication: The student will demonstrate an ability to effectively communicate the results of engineering analysis and design to other engineers or professionals.

Assessment

Assessment summary

Category Assessment task Weight Due date
Quiz Quiz - Concrete Technology
  • Online
5% Summative

Week 1 - Week 6

Examination Concrete Technology In-Semester Examination
  • Hurdle
  • Identity Verified
  • In-person
20% Summative

In-semester Saturday

31/08/2024 - 14/09/2024

Exam is being run on Saturday 14/09/2024 at 9:00 AM


Product/ Design Reinforced Concrete Design Portfolio 15% Summative

Part A - Refer to Blackboard for details of submission requirement 19/08/2024 3:00 pm

Part B - Refer to Blackboard for details of submission requirement 30/09/2024 3:00 pm

Part C - Refer to Blackboard for details of submission requirement 21/10/2024 3:00 pm

Practical/ Demonstration Concrete Practical
  • Hurdle
  • In-person
Pass/Fail Hurdle

19/08/2024 - 21/10/2024

Group will complete all calculations during the prac classes.

Examination Reinforced Concrete Design End of Semester Examination
  • Hurdle
  • Identity Verified
  • In-person
60% Summative

End of Semester Exam Period

2/11/2024 - 16/11/2024

A hurdle is an assessment requirement that must be satisfied in order to receive a specific grade for the course. Check the assessment details for more information about hurdle requirements.

Assessment details

Quiz - Concrete Technology

  • Online
Mode
Written
Category
Quiz
Weight
5% Summative
Due date

Week 1 - Week 6

Learning outcomes
L04

Task description

Summative and formative quiz questions included with the Weekly Concrete Technology Modules.

This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT). Students are advised that the use of AI or MT technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.

Submission guidelines

Online quiz questions embedded in Concrete Technology Modules

Deferral or extension

You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.

Quiz questions remain open and students can attempt as many times as they like.

Late submission

You will receive a mark of 0 if this assessment is submitted late.

Quizzes will be open from week 1 week 6 and students will have unlimited attempts during this time

Concrete Technology In-Semester Examination

  • Hurdle
  • Identity Verified
  • In-person
Mode
Written
Category
Examination
Weight
20% Summative
Due date

In-semester Saturday

31/08/2024 - 14/09/2024

Exam is being run on Saturday 14/09/2024 at 9:00 AM


Other conditions
Time limited.

See the conditions definitions

Learning outcomes
L04, L07

Task description

COMPULSORY 60-minute multiple-choice and short answer closed-book examination covering Concrete Technology. This is the only assessment covering Concrete Technology component of the course.


The exam will be held on a Saturday in the mid-semester exam block as per https://my.uq.edu.au/information-and-services/manage-my-program/exams-and-assessment/exam-timetables-and-venues/important-exam-dates.


This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT). Students are advised that the use of AI or MT technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.

Hurdle requirements

To receive an overall grade of 4 or more, a student must achieve a grade of 3 or more on the Concrete Technology In-Semester Examination. Students who obtain a grade of 1 or 2 on the Concrete technology exam will be given the opportunity to sit a School based supplementary exam during week 10. The maximum grade for this School based supplementary exam will be a grade of 3 or 45% The supplementary exam will be a 20 minute Viva Voce examination with A/Prof O'Moore and Dr Chen.

Exam details

Planning time 10 minutes
Duration 60 minutes
Calculator options

No calculators permitted

Open/closed book Closed Book examination - no written materials permitted
Exam platform Paper based
Invigilation

Invigilated in person

Submission guidelines

Deferral or extension

You may be able to defer this exam.

Reinforced Concrete Design Portfolio

Mode
Written
Category
Product/ Design
Weight
15% Summative
Due date

Part A - Refer to Blackboard for details of submission requirement 19/08/2024 3:00 pm

Part B - Refer to Blackboard for details of submission requirement 30/09/2024 3:00 pm

Part C - Refer to Blackboard for details of submission requirement 21/10/2024 3:00 pm

Learning outcomes
L01, L02, L03, L04, L06, L07

Task description

A series of staged tasks covering the design and detailing of reinforced concrete elements.

To aid students' time management, students will be required to submit in stages.


This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT). Students are advised that the use of AI or MT technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.

Submission guidelines

Via Blackboard - Refer to instructions on Blackboard for submission via Gradescope.

Non-compliant submissions will not be marked.

Deferral or extension

You may be able to apply for an extension.

The maximum extension allowed is 7 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.

Solutions will be released 7 days after submission to aid in exam preparation.

Students with a valid reason for a longer extension will have the weighting of the remaining submissions increased on a prorated basis.

Late submission

A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.

Concrete Practical

  • Hurdle
  • In-person
Mode
Activity/ Performance
Category
Practical/ Demonstration
Weight
Pass/Fail Hurdle
Due date

19/08/2024 - 21/10/2024

Group will complete all calculations during the prac classes.

Learning outcomes
L01, L04, L05

Task description

Students must attend 2 practical classes. Students will undertake calculations as a group during the prac class.

To access the concrete prac classes it is a mandatory requirement that you have

  • Completed the U/G Student Lab Safety Induction Assessment (UGRD01) prior to attending a practical experiment session. Students only have to complete the assessment once during their undergraduate degree. (by Friday of week 3)
  • Steel capped safety boots & Safety glasses
  • If you do not have all of these items at the time of your first prac, you will NOT be permitted to access the laboratory.

Suitable clothing is as follows:

  • lab coats are NOT required
  • students must wear shirts with sleeves (no singlet tops) and suitable shorts/pants. Very short shorts are not permitted - shorts should come to the knee.

Hurdle requirements

To receive an overall grade of 4 or more, a student must achieve a passing grade for the Concrete Practical.

Submission guidelines

Group will complete all calculations during the prac classes.

Deferral or extension

You may be able to apply for an extension.

The maximum extension allowed is 7 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.

If a student us unable to attend their designated practical class they should apply for an extension and will be allocated to another practical class where possible.

If there is no alternative practical class available, a student with an approved extension will be provided with alternative assessment via a virtual practical class.

Late submission

You will receive a mark of 0 if this assessment is submitted late.

As time is provided within the practical class to complete all work, no late submissions will be accepted.

Reinforced Concrete Design End of Semester Examination

  • Hurdle
  • Identity Verified
  • In-person
Mode
Written
Category
Examination
Weight
60% Summative
Due date

End of Semester Exam Period

2/11/2024 - 16/11/2024

Other conditions
Time limited.

See the conditions definitions

Learning outcomes
L01, L02, L03, L06, L07

Task description

The format of the exam will be written and/or problem-solving calculation-based questions covering the Reinforced Concrete Design content only.


This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of AI or MT may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.

Hurdle requirements

To receive an overall grade of 4 or more, a student must achieve a grade of 3 or more on the Reinforced Concrete Design End of Semester Examination.

Exam details

Planning time 10 minutes
Duration 180 minutes
Calculator options

(In person) Casio FX82 series only or UQ approved and labelled calculator

Open/closed book Closed Book examination - specified written materials permitted
Materials

One A4 sheet of handwritten or typed notes, double sided, is permitted

UNANNOTATED copy of AS3600-2018 printed no smaller than 2 pages per A4 page, single or double sided.

Exam platform Paper based
Invigilation

Invigilated in person

Submission guidelines

Deferral or extension

You may be able to defer this exam.

Course grading

Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.

Grade Cut off Percent Description
1 (Low Fail) 0 - 19.9

Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes.

Course grade description: The student fails to demonstrate sufficient knowledge or understanding of the underlying concepts. Much of the information provided is inaccurate and irrelevant. Assessment is incomplete.

2 (Fail) 20 - 44.9

Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes.

Course grade description: The student fails to demonstrate sufficient knowledge or understanding of the underlying concepts. Much of the information provided is inaccurate and irrelevant.

3 (Marginal Fail) 45 - 49.9

Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes

Course grade description: Falls short of satisfying all the requirements for a Pass

4 (Pass) 50 - 64.9

Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes.

Course grade description: The student demonstrates functional knowledge and at least partial understanding of the underlying concepts. Has some correct and some incorrect information.

5 (Credit) 65 - 74.9

Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes.

Course grade description: The student demonstrates proficient level of knowledge and understanding of the key concepts. Has some correct and some incorrect information.

6 (Distinction) 75 - 84.9

Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes.

Course grade description: Key concepts are understood. There is a demonstrated advanced ability to solve previously unseen problems. There are only minor factual inaccuracies and there is little irrelevant information.

7 (High Distinction) 85 - 100

Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes.

Course grade description: Key concepts are understood. There is a demonstrated exceptional ability mastering both key concpets and to solve previously unseen problems. There are insignificant factual inaccuracies and there is very limited irrelevant information.

Additional course grading information

Exam Grades & Moderation

Moderation of marking is a policy requirement of The University. Therefore, marks (raw, scaled and/or aggregated), on an examination script, are only an aid to the Course Coordinator in determining the final mark for the examination assessment item, and for providing feedback to students on course achievement.

Therefore the percentage cutoffs typically used by The University of Queensland to establish grades ( 7: >85 ; 6: 75-84; 5: 65-74; 4: 50-64; 3: 45-49; 2: 20-44; 1: <20) may be altered in CIVL3360 exam grading. The decision to change cutoffs is not taken lightly; your work will be analysed with respect to the above grade descriptions by the CIVL3360 teaching team and proposed changes will be discussed with and approved by the SoCE Director of Teaching and Learning and/or the Chief Examiner.

Please discuss this with the course coordinator if you require clarification of the criteria or marking.

FINAL GRADE - HURDLE REQUIREMENTS

To receive an overall grade of 4 or more, a student MUST

  • "Pass" for practical component.
  • Grade of at least 3 on each of the exam components. i.e.
  • A grade of 3 on the CT Exam; AND
  • A grade of 3 on the RC Exam

EFFORT vs ACHIEVEMENT and Assessment in CIVL3360

The School of Civil Engineering rewards achievement and proficiency in the skills relevant to a particular course. This is in alignment with criteria based assessment as used at the University of Queensland.

  • Effort on the part of students is required to attain the knowledge, experience and skills necessary to be able to demonstrate achievement and proficiency in the learning objectives of particular courses.
  • Students will demonstrate effort through the satisfactory completion of practical and tutorial work. In this course some small recognition of this effort is (at the Course Coordinators discretion) included through a small percentage of marks for quizzes.

Students should not, however, assume that effort and achievement are equal. Effort and achievement are not equivalent.

Overall Assessment does not reward effort, it measures and rewards achievement against the course criteria.

Supplementary assessment

Supplementary assessment is available for this course.

Additional assessment information

Students must retain their assessment items. Without the original assessment item, it is not possible for a mark to be changed if the mark is contested.

Learning resources

You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.

Library resources

Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.

Own copy required

You'll need to have your own copy of the following reading resources. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.

Item Description
Document AS 3600:2018: Concrete structures
Publisher: Standards Australia Limited
ISBN: 9771760721466

Other course materials

If we've listed something under further requirement, you'll need to provide your own.

Required

Item Description Further Requirement
Safety Boots Access to laboratories not permitted without PPE own item needed
Safety Glasses Access to laboratories not permitted without PPE own item needed
Approved calculator The use of unlabelled calculators is not permitted except for the Casio fx-82 series own item needed

Additional learning resources information

Approved calculators can be found my.UQ (see http://www.uq.edu.au/student-centre/docs/exams/approved-calculators.pdf).

The use of unlabelled calculators is not permitted except for the Casio fx-82 series (https://my.uq.edu.au/information-and-services/manage-my-program/exams-and-assessment/sitting-exam/approved-calculators).

Learning activities

The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.

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Learning period Activity type Topic
Multiple weeks

From Week 1 To Week 13
(22 Jul - 27 Oct)

Lecture

Lecture (Reinforced Concrete)

During lectures key concepts in reinforced concrete design are introduced. Examples of the design principles being developed are given. The lectures signpost the way for students to learn in the workshops, practical sessions and their own study. Discussion and questions are encouraged.

A detailed outline of lecture topics is available on the BlackBoard site.

  • Reinforced Concrete Lectures will be in person

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L06

Workshop

Workshop

In the workshop sessions the students can apply the techniques presented in lectures to solve problems. The workshops provide the students with the opportunity to discuss any questions which arise from the lectures and the practical sessions with the tutor, teaching staff and amongst themselves.

The independent completion of workshop is the single most significant learning activity students will undertake for the reinforced concrete design component.

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L06, L07

Not Timetabled

Reading - Reinforced Concrete Design

Students will spend time outside the designated contact hours reviewing lecture material, working on workshop problems and reading reference texts relevant to the Reinforced Concrete Design section of the course.

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03

Multiple weeks

From Week 1 To Week 5
(22 Jul - 25 Aug)

Lecture

Pre-recorded Lecture (Concrete Technology)

During the pre-recorded lectures key concepts in concrete technology are introduced. The lectures signpost the way for students to learn in the workshops, practical sessions and their own study. Discussion and questions are encouraged.

A detailed outline of lecture topics is available on the BlackBoard site.

  • Concrete Technology Lectures will be pre-recorded and there will be an in-person Lecture used for review and discussion. See the Schedule on BlackBoard.

Learning outcomes: L04

Lecture

Lecture Review (Concrete Technology)

During the CT Review lecture the lecturer will lead a discussion and Q&A session on the relevant CT lectures.. Discussion and questions are encouraged.

A detailed outline of lecture topics is available on the BlackBoard site.

  • Concrete Technology Lectures will be pre-recorded and there will be an in-person Lecture used for review and discussion. See the Schedule on BlackBoard.

Learning outcomes: L04

Not Timetabled

Reading - Concrete Technology

Students will spend time outside the designated contact hours reviewing lecture material, working on workshop problems and reading reference texts relevant to the Concrete Technology section of the course. Additional reading is essential if students want to pass the concrete technology component.

Learning outcomes: L04

Multiple weeks

From Week 5 To Week 13

Practical

Prac Classes

Students will attend two practical sessions as per their personal timetable.

In these sessions the students will work in a group of approximately 12 -14 students to design, construct and test 2 reinforced concrete beams. The group will be responsible for analysing the aggregates; designing the concrete mix; designing and constructing the reinforcing cage; mixing and placing the concrete; and testing the beams to failure.

Learning outcomes: L01, L04, L05

Policies and procedures

University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:

Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.

You'll also need to be aware of the following policies and procedures while completing this course:

  • Laboratory Occupational Health and Safety

School guidelines

Your school has additional guidelines you'll need to follow for this course: