Design of Concrete Structures
Overview
This unit of study aims to provide students with knowledge and skills to design reinforced concrete structural elements including: beams, slabs and columns according to Australian Standards AS3600. Students will also be equipped to analyse indeterminate structures using approximate methods of analysis.
Requisites
02-November-2025
Learning outcomes
Students who successfully complete this unit will be able to:
- Determine the static degree of indeterminacy for beams, frames and trusses (K1,K3,S1,S2)
- Use approximate methods of analysis such as portal and cantilever methods to analyse indeterminate beams, frames and trusses (K1,K3,S1,S2)
- Recognise the basis for current codified structural design philosophy (K1,K3,K5)
- Specify the constituents of concrete and its properties (K1,K3,K5)
- Design reinforced concrete beams, one way slabs, two way slabs and columns (K1,K3,K5,S3)
- Work effectively in small groups to design a reinforced concrete structure considering different loading actions, serviceability and ultimate limit states (K3,S1,S2,S3,A2,A4,A7)
Teaching methods
Hawthorn
| Type | Hours per week | Number of weeks | Total (number of hours) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live Online Lecture | 2.00 | 8 weeks | 16 |
| On-campus Lecture | 2.00 | 4 weeks | 8 |
| On-campus Class | 1.83 | 12 weeks | 22 |
| On-campus Lab | 2.00 | 1 week | 2 |
| Specified Activities Various | 2.00 | 3 weeks | 6 |
| Unspecified Activities Independent Learning | 8.00 | 12 weeks | 96 |
| TOTAL | 150 |
Assessment
| Type | Task | Weighting | ULO's |
|---|---|---|---|
| Analysis | Individual/Group | 10 - 20% | 1,2,6 |
| Design Project | Individual/Group | 20 - 30% | 3,4,5,6 |
| Laboratory Practicals | Individual/Group | 5 - 15% | 2,5,6 |
| Online Tests | Individual | 5 - 15% | 1,2 |
| Online Tests | Individual | 15 - 25% | 3,4,5 |
| Online Tests | Individual | 15 - 25% | 3,4,5 |
Content
Approximate Methods of Analysis of Indeterminate Structures
- Degree of indeterminacy
- Portal and cantilever methods of analysis
- Approximate methods of analysis for indeterminate trusses
Concrete Technology
- Properties of concrete constitutes
- Properties of fresh and hardened concrete
Design Philosophy
- Limit states design and working stress design methods
- Types and definitions of loads in accordance with AS/NZS 1170
Design of Concrete Members
- Beams:
Design for bending, durability and fire
Design for shear
- Continuous beams and one-way slabs:
Analysis and design
Deflections and crack control
Detailing of reinforcement
- Flat slabs and punching shear
- Columns:
Design of short columns for combined axial force and bending
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Study resources
Reading materials
A list of reading materials and/or required textbooks will be available in the Unit Outline on Canvas.