Course coordinator
Associate Professor Johnny Ho
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
Structural engineers around the world depend on reliable and effective structural analysis to study the behaviour of complex structures and to design them. Numerical methods play a key role in modern day structural analysis, and enable structural engineers to effectively use geometry and material combinations to design efficient structures. This course will provide knowledge on the theory of finite element (FE) methods their applications to structures and other civil engineering problems by the use of open-source finite element software. The key focus of the course will be on the practical aspects of applying the FE method appropriately to structural analysis and design. Students will be equipped with the fundamentals of finite element principles that will enable them to understand the behaviour of various finite elements so as to be able to select appropriate elements to analyse structural problems. Series of examples on the use of FE in design of structures (using an open-source FE software) will be presented to demonstrate the use of FE in structural design. Students will also complete the design of a real-world structure, thereby obtaining hands-on experience on the use of FE method for analysis and design of structures.
This is an advanced course offering students the finite element method and its application in structural analysis with emphasis on manual calculation
Course requirements
Prerequisites
You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:
CIVL3340
Recommended companion or co-requisite courses
We recommend completing the following courses at the same time:
(CIVL2360 or CIVL3360) and (CIVL3350 or CIVL3390) and CIVL3380 and CIVL4333 and CIVL4334
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Associate Professor Johnny Ho
Dr Phu Nguyen
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Aims and outcomes
The course aims to enhance student's knowledge in structural engineering. This course will specifically focus on enhancing the students understanding about theory behind finite element analysis for structural engineering problem solving.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
ANALYTICAL: Apply fundamental principles and analysis techniques to identify, idealize and solve advanced problems in structural engineering.
LO2.
CONCEPTUAL: Understand the fundamental concepts in structural mechanics and analysis and transform analysis results to design scenarios.
LO3.
CRITICAL THINKING: Compare, evaluate and query analysis results and develop insight into structural response under various actions.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tutorial/ Problem Set | Assignments series | 40% |
Assignment 1 - weighted residual integral 12/08/2024 4:00 pm Assignment 2 - beam deflection 19/08/2024 4:00 pm Assignment 3 - FEM formulation 26/08/2024 4:00 pm Assignment 4 - axial bar element 2/09/2024 4:00 pm Assignment 5 - heat transfer 9/09/2024 4:00 pm Assignment 6 - Euler-Bernoulli beam element 16/09/2024 4:00 pm Assignment 7 - Eigenvalue problem (beam vibration) 30/09/2024 4:00 pm Assignment 8 - Eigenvalue problem (column buckling) 8/10/2024 4:00 pm Assignment 9 - two-dimensional plate exact analysis 14/10/2024 4:00 pm Assignment 10 - two dimension plate FEM analysis 21/10/2024 4:00 pm |
| Examination |
Final Exam
|
60% |
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
Assignments series
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Tutorial/ Problem Set
- Weight
- 40%
- Due date
Assignment 1 - weighted residual integral 12/08/2024 4:00 pm
Assignment 2 - beam deflection 19/08/2024 4:00 pm
Assignment 3 - FEM formulation 26/08/2024 4:00 pm
Assignment 4 - axial bar element 2/09/2024 4:00 pm
Assignment 5 - heat transfer 9/09/2024 4:00 pm
Assignment 6 - Euler-Bernoulli beam element 16/09/2024 4:00 pm
Assignment 7 - Eigenvalue problem (beam vibration) 30/09/2024 4:00 pm
Assignment 8 - Eigenvalue problem (column buckling) 8/10/2024 4:00 pm
Assignment 9 - two-dimensional plate exact analysis 14/10/2024 4:00 pm
Assignment 10 - two dimension plate FEM analysis 21/10/2024 4:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03
Task description
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
Assessment must be submitted through the course BlackBoard site.
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.
Submit your request through My UQ
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.
Submit your request via my UQ
Final Exam
- Hurdle
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 60%
- Due date
End of Semester Exam Period
2/11/2024 - 16/11/2024
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03
Task description
The final exam will include conventional problem-solving calculation questions.
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 at least 40% on the final exam.Exam details
| Planning time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 180 minutes |
| Calculator options | Any calculator permitted |
| Open/closed book | Open Book examination |
| 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 - 19.99 |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The student fails to demonstrate any relevant knowledge of the course or understanding of the key concepts |
| 2 (Fail) | 20 - 44.99 |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The student demonstrates only minimal relevant knowledge of the course or understanding of the key concepts |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 45 - 49.99 |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: The student demonstrates marginal relevant knowledge of the course of understanding of the key concepts. The student falls short of satisfying the basic requirements for a passing grade. |
| 4 (Pass) | 50 - 64.99 |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The student demonstrates a sound knowledge of the relevant information and a fair understanding of the key concepts |
| 5 (Credit) | 65 - 74.99 |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The student demonstrates a sound knowledge of the relevant information and a good understanding of the key concepts |
| 6 (Distinction) | 75 - 84.99 |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The student understands the key concepts and has a comprehensive knowledge of the course |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 85 - 100 |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The student understands the key concepts, has a comprehensive knowledge of the course and exhibit strong evidence of ability to critically analyse and ability to synthesise information from different aspects of the course |
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Additional assessment information
The pass percentage for supplementary exam is 50.
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
Lecture notes including handwritten notes and/or PPT
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 6 |
Lecture |
Theory of Finite Element Method (FEM) (Lecture & Tutorial Series) Theory of FEM on structural beams & frames frames, dynamics and heat transfer problem Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
Multiple weeks From Week 7 To Week 9 |
Lecture |
Application of Finite Element Method (FEM) (Lecture & Tutorial Series) Application of FEM to structural beams & frames frames, dynamics and heat transfer problem Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
Multiple weeks From Week 10 To Week 13 |
Lecture |
Exact analysis and Finite Element Method for plates (FEM) (Lecture & Tutorial Series) Theory and Applications of FEM for Plates Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
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: