48389 Computer Modelling and Design
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Credit points: 6 cp
Subject level:
Undergraduate
Result type: Grade and marksRequisite(s): (144 credit points of completed study in Bachelor's Degree courses owned by FEIT OR 144 credit points of completed study in Bachelor's Honours Embedded courses owned by FEIT OR 144 credit points of completed study in Bachelor's Combined Degree courses owned by FEIT OR 144 credit points of completed study in Bachelor's Combined Honours owned by FEIT OR 144 credit points of completed study in Bachelor's Combined Degree courses with FEIT as secondary owner OR 144 credit points of completed study in Bachelor's Combined Honours courses with FEIT as secondary owner) AND 48366c Steel and Timber Design AND (48359 Structural Design 1 OR 48353 Concrete Design)
The lower case 'c' after the subject code indicates that the subject is a corequisite. See definitions for details.
Description
This subject introduces senior civil engineering students to the preparation and analysis of computer models of load bearing structures. Students learn how to establish loads on buildings in compliance with Australian standards and how to apply them correctly to the computer models they prepare. Building on subjects completed earlier for the design of structures, students extend their design skills by being introduced to commercial software programs for structural analysis in hands-on lab sessions.
Subject learning objectives (SLOs)
Upon successful completion of this subject students should be able to:
| 1. | Establish loads on buildings in compliance with Australian standards. (B.1) |
|---|---|
| 2. | Apply the theory and algorithms used to develop frame analysis software (Matrix Methods of Analysis). (D.1) |
| 3. | Model structures and prepare computer models of load bearing structural frameworks and perform linear elastic analyses for static loads. (D.1) |
| 4. | Model 2D and 3D framework structures and interpret computer output. (D.1) |
Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)
This subject also contributes specifically to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs):
- Socially Responsible: FEIT graduates identify, engage, interpret and analyse stakeholder needs and cultural perspectives, establish priorities and goals, and identify constraints, uncertainties and risks (social, ethical, cultural, legislative, environmental, economics etc.) to define the system requirements. (B.1)
- Technically Proficient: FEIT graduates apply abstraction, mathematics and discipline fundamentals, software, tools and techniques to evaluate, implement and operate systems. (D.1)
Contribution to the development of graduate attributes
Engineers Australia Stage 1 Competencies
This subject contributes to the development of the following Engineers Australia Stage 1 Competencies:
- 1.2. Conceptual understanding of the mathematics, numerical analysis, statistics, and computer and information sciences which underpin the engineering discipline.
- 1.3. In-depth understanding of specialist bodies of knowledge within the engineering discipline.
- 1.6. Understanding of the scope, principles, norms, accountabilities and bounds of sustainable engineering practice in the specific discipline.
- 2.2. Fluent application of engineering techniques, tools and resources.
Teaching and learning strategies
Teaching and learning in this subject comprises workshops and hands-on tutorials -- computer laboratory sessions. The workshops will guide students on how to interpret and apply Australian Standards to establish loads on buildings and to introduce them to the theory and application of structural analysis software.
Students are required to install Microstran software to their own devices for the tutorials and for practice using the software. The subject requires students to work alone or in groups on specific parts of the design assignment or be involved in group discussions. Prior to attending the tutorial sessions, students should prepare by reviewing the requirements of the Australian Standards, reviewing the design procedure presented in the prerequisite subjects, and continue to work on the assessment tasks.
Computer laboratory sessions will be used to facilitate students' self-learning and to aid them with the correct application of the software. Computer based learning exercises combined with excel-based assessment tasks will be used to promote students' self-learning and to reinforce their understanding of the topics covered during the workshops.
Content (topics)
Material covered in this subject will focus on the following:
1. Computer modelling and analysis of structural frameworks, including theoretical background.
2. Structural Loads on Buildings
3. Integration of structural design with modelling and analysis
Assessment
Assessment task 1: eTask - Computer methods of structural analysis
| Intent: | For students to test their understanding of introductory concepts of computer modelling of structural frameworks and the use of structural analysis software. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs): 1 and 4 This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs): B.1 and D.1 |
| Type: | Exercises |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 10% |
Assessment task 2: eTask 2
| Intent: | For students to evaluate computer models of plane frames and trusses, to analyse them and to correctly interpret the computer output; and ability to establish Permanent and Imposed actions on buildings in accordance with AS/NZ1170.0:2002. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs): 1, 3 and 4 This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs): B.1 and D.1 |
| Type: | Quiz/test |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 30% |
Assessment task 3: Quiz 1
| Intent: | To test student competency in computerised methods of structural analysis: Ability to prepare computer models of 2D and 3D trusses, frames and grillages and to take advantage of symmetry conditions. Ability to analyse structures subjected to applied static loads, temperature effects and foundation settlement. Ability to identify and rectify errors in computer models and to correctly interpret the output. Ability to understand the theory and algorithms used in developing frame analysis software and to apply them using spreadsheet software to analyse simple plane trusses. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs): 1, 2, 3 and 4 This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs): B.1 and D.1 |
| Type: | Quiz/test |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 30% |
Assessment task 4: Design project
| Intent: | In this assessment task students will calculate structural loads based on AS1170, to correctly model structures using Microstran and design the structure based on the model outputs. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs): 1, 3 and 4 This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs): B.1 and D.1 |
| Type: | Project |
| Groupwork: | Group, individually assessed |
| Weight: | 30% |
| Criteria: | The output of the final design should be presented in the form of an engineering drawing and a scaled physical model. The drawing should be prepared using AutoCAD with proper dimensions and at a suitable scale. Sufficient details should be included in the drawing so that it is self-explanatory. Refer to Canvas for the Design Assignment requirements and details. |
Minimum requirements
In order to pass the subject, a student must achieve an overall mark of 50% or more.
References
• Autocad; MicroStran
UTS Library:
Australian Standards On-Line
- AS/NZ1170.0:2002 Structural Design Actions (Permanent & Imposed Actions)
- AS/NZ1170.1:2002 Structural Design Actions (General Principles)
- AS1170.3:2011 - Wind Actions
- AS1170.4:2007 - Earthquake Actions
HB7-1993 "Engineering Drawing Handbook"
In the subject folder:
• AS1100.501-2002 "Technical Drawing, Part 501: Structural Engineering Drawing".
• Syam, AA (1995) "A Guide to the Requirements for Engineering Drawings of Structural Steelwork" in
"Steel Construction" (The Journal of the Australian Institute of Steel Construction), Vol 29, No 3, Sept
1995.
Other resources
Canvas provides an Internet based learning aid to students who are formally enrolled in this subject. By logging in you can access part of study documentation, online assessment tasks and answers to frequently asked questions. You should check this site frequently to keep yourself informed about important announcements such as timetable changes and assessable tasks.