48349 Computer Modelling & Design

This subject combines computer modeling and civil engineering design for senior engineering students. Students learn basic concepts necessary to develop and apply computer models to prepare a complete structural engineering design. Building on subjects they have completed earlier, students learn to integrate their engineering knowledge to design a multi-storey building or an industrial enclosure. They are guided by a team of academic staff through a wide range of fundamental design aspects covering the design of foundation, design loads and water drainage and the preparation of design drawings.

Course Name:                       BACHELOR OF ENGINEERING

Modes of Presentation:         Normal (3 hpw for one semester)

Pre-requisites:                         48359 Structural Design 1 and 144 Credit Point

Co-requisites:                         48369 Structural Design 2

Contributions to overall course aims:

In previous civil engineering subjects the students have been introduced to and attained competence in various aspects of engineering design. In this subject the students will further advance their understanding of design and learn to integrate their engineering knowledge and skills to prepare a full engineering design in accordance to Australian engineering standards. Students also extend their structural analysis skills by introducing them to the application of structural analysis software.

Material covered in this subject will focus on what is necessary for the student to design a complete engineering structure in compliance with Australian standards. Computer modeling will be used as a practical engineering tool to complete a mandatory design project. The knowledge and skills to be attained in this subject are delivered in three parts: 1) Computer Modeling. 2) Design and 3) Design Project.

The computer-modeling component will involve the hands-on use of commercial software packages to enable both the analysis of structural frameworks and the preparation of design drawings. Topics covered in this component will be directly applied in the design project. Students will develop computer models of the structure to be designed and the computer results will form an integral part of the analysis-design cycle. Students will also be able to prepare part of their design drawings using computer software.

2) Design:

The Design component encompasses structural design, geotechnical and foundation design and water engineering design.

1. Design Loads: Establishing design loads in compliance with the Australian Standard AS1170.1 - Dead and Live Loads. AS1170.2 - Wind Loads. AS1170.4 - Earthquake Loads.
2. Concrete Design: Preliminary Design, Design Analysis Cycle, Detail design of selected components (Slabs, Columns, Beams, Connections and Foundations
3. Steel Design:

1. Footings
2. Design of retaining walls

In accordance with AS3500.3.2, two design aspects will be covered:

1. Roof drainage design.
2. Surface and subsurface drainage design.

Students will be guided through the design process of a multi-storey building or an industrial enclosure. The design will be completed in stages including preliminary sizing of structural components, structural analysis, and design computations in accordance with Australian Standards and to scale design drawings.

In the computer-modeling component, teaching and learning strategies will include formal lectures combined with in-class tutorials. Hands-on computer laboratory sessions will be used to guide students' self-learning and to aid them with correct application of the software and the preparation of sound computer models.

In the design component, a series of lectures will guide students on how to integrate various design aspects of the project and to draw on material learnt in previous subjects.

A major assignment requiring students to prepare and submit a complete engineering design of a typical building will allow students to integrate knowledge which they acquired throughout their study and to give them an overview of an entire project in contrast to focusing on the design of independent components.