42020 Structural Design for Blast Loads
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particular session, location and mode of offering is the authoritative source
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Subject handbook information prior to 2025 is available in the Archives.
Credit points: 6 cp
Subject level:
Postgraduate
Result type: Grade and marksDescription
In this subject, students learn to design blast resistant structures using understanding of the fundamental characteristics of blast loads and the basic principles of dynamic analysis. The subject also provides opportunity to develop the ability to communicate through report writing and to encourage original thought, which are essential attributes for practising engineers.
Subject learning objectives (SLOs)
Upon successful completion of this subject students should be able to:
| 1. | Characterise air-blast loading and blast induced vibrations. (D.1) |
|---|---|
| 2. | Apply basic theory of structural dynamics. (D.1) |
| 3. | Calculate dynamic material strength and section moment capacity. (D.1) |
| 4. | Execute dynamic analysis methods. (D.1) |
| 5. | Design a structural member against blast loading. (C.1) |
Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)
This subject also contributes specifically to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs):
- Design Oriented: FEIT graduates apply problem solving, design thinking and decision-making methodologies in new contexts or to novel problems, to explore, test, analyse and synthesise complex ideas, theories or concepts. (C.1)
- Technically Proficient: FEIT graduates apply theoretical, conceptual, software and physical tools and advanced discipline knowledge to research, evaluate and predict future performance of systems characterised by complexity. (D.1)
Teaching and learning strategies
Student learning in the subject is facilitated through two x 1.5 hr lectures and tutorial sessions each week.
Students are expected to read the indicated material and complete exercises before coming to class and identify gaps in their knowledge and skills. The lectures are organised around big questions and students work in small groups to discuss and share responses, particularly around the identified gaps.
The tutorial sessions will consist mainly of problem-solving and discussion. Students are expected to attempt the tutorial questions before their scheduled tutorial.
NOTE: As an indication, a typical 6 CP subject would normally assume a total time commitment (including class time) of approximately 150 hours, for an average student aiming to pass the subject. Students’ knowledge in this subject will be reinforced with assignments, an individual project and a group project. The individual task will include calculation of blast loading due to multiple explosions and group task will design concrete structures against blast loads. Lectures, tutorials and assignments will support concept development for both individual and group projects. Please note that self and peer assessment will be conducted on group task.
Content (topics)
- Characterise and discuss different blast loads
- Evaluate dynamic material strength and section moment capacity
- Execute dynamic analysis methods (CILOs/FEIT Graduate attributes)
- Design structural elements against blast loads
Assessment
Assessment task 1: Report
| Intent: | To provide students with practice in problem solving and applying concepts to real structures. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs): 2 and 3 This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs): D.1 |
| Type: | Report |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 20% |
Assessment task 2: Individual Project
| Intent: | To allow students to demonstrate what they have learnt, to calculate Blast Loading Due to Multiple Explosions. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs): 1 This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs): D.1 |
| Type: | Project |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 30% |
Assessment task 3: Group Project
| Intent: | To allow students to demonstrate what they have learnt, to design a structural beam against blast loads. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs): 2, 3, 4 and 5 This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs): C.1 and D.1 |
| Type: | Project |
| Groupwork: | Group, individually assessed |
| Weight: | 50% |
Minimum requirements
In order to pass the subject, a student must achieve an overall mark of 50% or more.