49150 Prestressed Concrete Design
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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 marksRequisite(s): (48353 Concrete Design AND (120 credit points of completed study in spk(s): C10061 Bachelor of Engineering Diploma Engineering Practice OR 120 credit points of completed study in spk(s): C10066 Bachelor of Engineering Science OR 120 credit points of completed study in spk(s): C10067 Bachelor of Engineering OR 120 credit points of completed study in spk(s): C09067 Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) Diploma Professional Engineering Practice OR 120 credit points of completed study in spk(s): C09066 Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)))
These requisites may not apply to students in certain courses. See access conditions.
Recommended studies: knowledge of linear-elastic analysis of cracked and uncracked PSC sections, equivalent loads and load-balancing techniques for PSC beams, design to AS 3600 Concrete Structures for ultimate moment capacity, shear and strength at transfer of statically determinate PSC beams, and the fundamentals of the structural analysis of indeterminate structures
Description
Structural engineers must have the competence and confidence to design in prestressed concrete (PSC). Part of the knowledge gained by students in this subject is a further understanding of PSC behaviour and competence in PSC design so that the appropriate use of this structural material can be made in decisions on future structural designs.
This subject is intended to build on their knowledge of the fundamentals of PSC behaviour aspects of design of simply supported beams (uncracked and cracked section behaviour under linear elastic conditions, equivalent loads and load balancing techniques, ultimate moment capacity of rectangular PSC beams) to encompass the major items in prestressed (post-tensioned) concrete design.
The main topics are the analysis and design of continuous (statically indeterminate) PSC beams and of PSC flat slab systems. Other topics include the analysis and design of PSC tension members, a more detailed consideration and estimation of losses in PSC members and anchorage and end-block reinforcement design. The design is in accordance with the requirements of the current edition of AS3600 Concrete Structures.
Subject learning objectives (SLOs)
Upon successful completion of this subject students should be able to:
| 1. | Design and construct prestressed concrete elements by utilising modelling and analysing skills to meet professional guidelines and codes of practice. (C.1) |
|---|---|
| 2. | Identify the problem definition and apply appropriate approaches and methods of problem solving in determining the viability of all types of prestressed concrete structures. (D.1) |
| 3. | Interpret and apply Australian Standards in design and construction of prestressed structures. (C.1) |
| 4. | Recognise, identify and make decisions on the different uses of conventional and prestressed concrete to optimize the required strength, serviceability and durability with appropriate budget. (D.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)
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:
- 1.3. In-depth understanding of specialist bodies of knowledge within 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.
- 2.3. Application of systematic engineering synthesis and design processes.
- 2.4. Application of systematic approaches to the conduct and management of engineering projects.
Teaching and learning strategies
Prestressed concrete design focuses on:
- theoretical material;
- its application to professional and construction practice in structural design; and
- lectures supplemented by notes, worked examples and practice problems.
Students are encouraged to conduct the following activities during preparatory weeks:
- Watch the introductory video to become familiar with the subject, coordinator and contents
- Attempt the preliminary prerequisite online test
- Read the Subject Outline
- Read the teaching program and topics
- Become familiar with the assessments, rules and resources.
During the session students are
- Lecture/tutorial content (in class and online content)
- Computer lab workshop
- Discussion board and feedback (in/out of class and online)
This subject includes three hours of lectures per week throughout the session. To promote the development of technical co-ordination skills, including teamwork, critical evaluation, feedback and communication skills, as well as academic honesty, a process of self and peer assessment will be enabled in a collaborative environment. This will be used both to provide constructive feedback to students on their team contributions (both technical and team function) as well as to determine individual assignment marks by adjusting the group mark (SPARK plus, Self and Peer Assessment Resource Kit) before census date and throughout session.
Canvas will be used in this subject for online assignments and subject announcements. Discussion boards will also be used for any questions regarding subject material.
As a student in this subject you are expected to attend all lecture sessions, complete your assignments by their due dates, and contribute to the Canvas discussion board(s).
This subject is primarily delivered in face-to face lecture sessions each week with a computer lab workshop, along with self-directed learning through some practice problems and the assignments that cover the topics in the subject. The workload for an average student might be expected to be 120 – 150 hours through the session.
Assessment
Assessment task 1: Quizzes
| Intent: | To assess understanding of prestressed concrete design according to AS3600-2018. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs): 1, 2 and 3 This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs): C.1 and D.1 |
| Type: | Quiz/test |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 45% |
Assessment task 2: Design Project
| Intent: | To utilise computer modelling software and synthesise a project report in order to develop design thinking and decision-making methodologies. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs): 1, 2 and 3 This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs): C.1 and D.1 |
| Type: | Project |
| Groupwork: | Group, group assessed |
| Weight: | 25% |
Assessment task 3: Exercises
| Intent: | For students to identify problems and apply appropriate approaches, make decisions to solve the problem, and design components and systems for prestressed concrete structures that satisfy Australian standards and international guidelines. |
|---|---|
| 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): C.1 and D.1 |
| Type: | Exercises |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 30% |
Minimum requirements
In order to pass the subject, a student must achieve an overall mark of 50% or more.
Required texts
- AS3600 – 2018 Concrete structures, Standards Australia International (SAI)
- Gilbert, R.I., Mickleborough, N. C. and Ranzi G. (2016) Design of prestressed concrete to AS3600-2009, Second Edition, CRC Press, Taylor & Francis Group.TA683.G52 2016.
- Warner, RF, Faulkes, KA and Foster S (2022) Prestressed Concrete, 5th Edition, Pearson Australia.
- Warner, RF, Rangan, BV, Hall, AS & Faulkes, KA (1998) Concrete structures, Longman, Melbourne.(abbreviated to WRHF (1998)) 620.137 WARN
- Gilbert, R.I. and Mickleborough, N. C. (1992) Design of prestressed concrete. E&FN Spon, London. 624.183412 GILB
Other resources
- Lin, TY & Burns, N (1981) Design of prestressed concrete structures, 3rd ed, Wiley, New York. 693.542 LINT (ED.3)
- Nawy E.G., (2006) Prestressed Concrete, A fundamental approach, 5th ed, Pearson Prentice Hall