Course coordinator
Associate Professor Johnny Ho
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 1, 2025 (24/02/2025 - 21/06/2025)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Civil Engineering School
This course builds on previous courses to introduce students to real structures as assemblies of members and elements, including how they are connected. Types of loading, the probabilistic basis for both self-weight and applied loading and the concept of design limit states will lead to calculation of loading for stability, strength and; serviceability limit states, based on Australian Standards. The concept of load paths and the requirement for stability, strength and stiffness for both braced and un-braced (sway) framed structures are introduced. This knowledge will be applied to the design of simple steel frames, to calculate member sizes or capacity in tension, compression, shear and bending and the connections required to create a practical structure, based on Australian Standards. This course will prepare students for subsequent courses in the structural design of statically indeterminate steel frames and structural design in other materials, structural systems or forms.
This course provides training to undergraduate students with the fundamental method of analysis and design of Structural Steelwork. The design of structural steelwork is way different from that of other structures, in which the stability design due to geometric nonlinearity (or slenderness) is more critical than their structural strength design. Connection details are also very different from that in the design of RC (and other) structures. By taking this course, students will be equipped with the essential skills to design structural steelwork including simple axial load members, flexural members, combined axial load and flexural members, simple portal frame, connection details and the use of commercial software for the structural analysis. The fourth-order ordinary differential equation for the Lateral Torsional Buckling (LTB) of flexural beam will be derived in this course. All design details are per AS4100-2020.
Course requirements
Assumed background
It is assumed that students have already passed statics and a basic structural analysis course, are familiar with the stresses, bending moment and shear force diagrams and are capable of calculating the reactions and forces on a freebody using equilibrium equations.
Prerequisites
You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:
CIVL2330
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
CIVL2340
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Associate Professor Johnny Ho
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
Timetables are subject to change during the beginning of semester. For up to date timetable information please check mySI-net.
Aims and outcomes
The aim of this subject is to provide a solid foundation in the behaviour and limit states design of steel structures. In this course within the framework of steel, different design methodologies are discussed, a range of loading actions are described and different design strategies are taught. The subject is the first one in civil engineering program that provides the basic knowledge and skills required for structural designs and paves the way for more advanced courses that will be taught in later years of the civil engineering program.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Explain the chronological developments in the design methods and how to work with the Limit States Design (LSD) method.
LO2.
Discuss the presence, importance, types and use of standards and codes of practice relevant to structural design in Australia. This will include the ability to calculate loads applied to structures based on relevant Australian codes and standards.
LO3.
Explain the behaviour of steel as a material with specific properties and explain how this behaviour affects the development of design methods.
LO4.
Design steel elements in tension, compression, bending and combined actions using AS4100 (Australian Standards for the Design of Steel Structures) and be able to explain the theories behind the design methods in simple terms using visual models.
LO5.
Be able to relate the learning activities in the class to the real world applications, and discuss the ethical and legal obligations of a structural engineer.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Project | Assignment Series | 40% |
Assignment 1 - Tension member (6%) 24/03/2025 4:00 pm Assignment 2 -Compression member (6%) 7/04/2025 4:00 pm Assignment 3 - Flexural member I (7%) 28/04/2025 4:00 pm Assignment 4 - Flexural member II (7%) 6/05/2025 4:00 pm Assignment 5 - Combined action and portal frame (7%) 19/05/2025 4:00 pm Assignment 6 - Connections (7%) 30/05/2025 4:00 pm |
| Examination |
Final Examination
|
60% |
End of Semester Exam Period 7/06/2025 - 21/06/2025 |
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
Assignment Series
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Project
- Weight
- 40%
- Due date
Assignment 1 - Tension member (6%) 24/03/2025 4:00 pm
Assignment 2 -Compression member (6%) 7/04/2025 4:00 pm
Assignment 3 - Flexural member I (7%) 28/04/2025 4:00 pm
Assignment 4 - Flexural member II (7%) 6/05/2025 4:00 pm
Assignment 5 - Combined action and portal frame (7%) 19/05/2025 4:00 pm
Assignment 6 - Connections (7%) 30/05/2025 4:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05
Task description
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Students are advised that the use of AI technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
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.
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.
Final Examination
- Hurdle
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 60%
- Due date
End of Semester Exam Period
7/06/2025 - 21/06/2025
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05
Task description
This assessment task is to be completed in-person and evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Students are advised that the use of AI technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Hurdle requirements
To receive a grade 4 or above, students must obtain: (1) not less than 50% in the overall marks; AND (2) not less than 40% in the final exam.Exam details
| Planning time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 120 minutes |
| Calculator options | (In person) Casio FX82 series only or UQ approved and labelled calculator |
| Open/closed book | Closed Book examination - no written materials permitted |
| Materials | Any additional written or printed material is permitted; material may also be annotated |
| 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 |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: As for a grade of 2 AND the student fails to complete the assessment for the course. |
| 2 (Fail) | 20 - 44 |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The student fails to demonstrate any relevant knowledge or understanding of the underlying concepts. Much of the information provided is inaccurate and irrelevant. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 45 - 49 |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: Some knowledge of the subject is evident but the student only demonstrates a limited understanding of the underlying concepts and the information provided is largely inaccurate or irrelevant. |
| 4 (Pass) | 50 - 64 |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The student demonstrates a sound knowledge of the relevant information and at least a partial understanding of the underlying concepts. Has some correct and some incorrect information. |
| 5 (Credit) | 65 - 74 |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The student demonstrates a sound knowledge of the relevant information and a sound understanding of the key concepts. There are only minor factual inaccuracies. |
| 6 (Distinction) | 75 - 84 |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Key concepts are understood. There are only very minor factual inaccuracies and no 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 evidence of critical analysis and an ability to synthesise information from different aspects of the subject. There are no factual inaccuracies and no irrelevant information. |
Additional course grading information
To receive a grade 3S4, students must obtain not less than 50% in the supplementary exam.
Grade cutoffs and hurdles
Final marks will be rounded up to an integer value prior to applying hurdles or grade boundaries.
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
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.
Additional learning resources information
SpaceGass & iSA (Instant Structural Analysis)
Access to both software will be provided in the course
AS4100-2020 and Scientific calculator to be prepared by students
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Multiple weeks From Week 1 To Week 13 |
Tutorial |
Tutorials (Self-practice questions + Q&A) Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Week 1 (24 Feb - 02 Mar) |
Lecture |
Course Introduction; Introduction to Structural Steelwork design (Dr Johnny Ho) Learning outcomes: L01 |
Week 2 (03 Mar - 09 Mar) |
Lecture |
Design of tension members (Dr Johnny Ho) Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
Multiple weeks From Week 3 To Week 4 |
Lecture |
Design of compression members (Dr Johnny Ho) Learning outcomes: L02 |
Multiple weeks From Week 5 To Week 6 |
Lecture |
Design of flexural members; shear design (Dr Johnny Ho) Learning outcomes: L02, L03 |
Multiple weeks From Week 7 To Week 8 |
Lecture |
Lateral torsional buckling (LTB); stiffener design; monorail design (Dr Johnny Ho) Learning outcomes: L02, L03 |
Week 9 (28 Apr - 04 May) |
Lecture |
Combined actions (Dr Johnny Ho) Learning outcomes: L03, L04, L05 |
Week 10 (05 May - 11 May) |
Lecture |
Application to simple portal frame design (Dr Johnny Ho) Learning outcomes: L04, L05 |
Multiple weeks From Week 11 To Week 13 |
Lecture |
Connections (A/P Joe Gattas) Learning outcomes: L02, L03, 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:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments - Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.
School guidelines
Your school has additional guidelines you'll need to follow for this course: