Course Title: Introduction to Civil & Infrastructure Engineering

Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Introduction to Civil & Infrastructure Engineering

Credit Points: 12.00

Terms

Course Code

Campus

Career

School

Learning Mode

Teaching Period(s)

CIVE1265

City Campus

Undergraduate

172H School of Engineering

Face-to-Face

Sem 2 2020

Course Coordinator: Ricky Chan

Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 9925 9975

Course Coordinator Email: ricky.chan@rmit.edu.au

Course Coordinator Location: 012.12.11

Course Coordinator Availability: Appointment by email


Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

None


Course Description

This course is an introductory course to the profession of civil engineering. The first half of the course introduces statics: vectors, forces, moments, equilibrium of plane bodies, analysis of planar pin-jointed trusses, axial stress, deformations and buckling load. Learning activities allow you to apply your theoretical knowledge to the practical design of a model bridge structure for optimum strength which will be verified using experimentation, in which the model bridge will be tested to failure in laboratory class.

The course also introduces flexural elements subjected to transverse loads (i.e. beams). You will learn to evaluate internal shears, moments and corresponding stresses through problem solving sessions. This course provides foundation knowledge, skills and their application which are relevant to subsequent courses in Civil Engineering.

The second half of the course introduces the basic principles and construction practices for a range of constructions such as buildings, bridges, foundations and earth retaining structures. You will learn the basis of design criteria and construction technologies such as choice of structural systems, different types of foundations in relation to loads and ground conditions, construction materials and construction machineries.


Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

On completion of this course you should be able to:

  1. Discriminate vectors from scalars and perform mathematical operations on vectors;
  2. Develop equivalent systems of forces to a rigid body using equilibrium;
  3. Analyse A truss system of Joints and Method of Section, to determine internal forces;
  4. Calculate internal forces, stresses, deformations and strains in a flexural member and determine the buckling load of a straight pin-ended compression member;
  5. Identify characteristics of structural systems for buildings and bridges, load paths and types of loads;
  6. Identify and critically appraises contemporary construction technologies.


This course contributes to the following Program Learning Outcomes:

1.1. Comprehensive, theory-based understanding of the underpinning natural and physical sciences and the engineering fundamentals applicable to the engineering discipline;

1.5. Knowledge of engineering design practice and contextual factors impacting the engineering discipline.

2.1. Application of established engineering methods to complex engineering problem solving;

2.2. Fluent application of engineering techniques, tools and resources;

3.3. Creative, innovative and pro-active demeanour; and

3.6. Effective team membership and team leadership.


Overview of Learning Activities

This course involves lectures, tutorials, building a model bridge and laboratory classes. Concepts underlying each topic are made clear through problem solving in tutorial classes. The lab work and the construction project foster group discussion and communication skills relevant to professional engineering practices. Assessments are completed individually (lab reports and model truss bridge) and in teams (construction project).


Overview of Learning Resources

Resources include a text book, recommended reference books, learning packages, lecture notes (available via the Learning Management System) and lab manuals.


Overview of Assessment

☒This course has no hurdle requirements.

Assessment tasks

Assessment Task 1: Model truss bridge building and laboratory reports
Weighting 20%
This assessment task supports CLOs 1-4

Assessment Task 2:  Online tests 
Weighting 20%
This assessment task supports CLOs 1-6

Assessment 3: Construction Project (Team) 
Weighting 40% 
This assessment supports CLOs 5-6

Assessment 4: End of Semester examination
Weighting 30% 
This assessment supports CLOs 1-6