Overview
This unit introduces Australian Standards used for steel and timber design. Basic material and section properties and factors affecting the properties of structural members are introduced. You will design steel and timber members subjected to axial loads, bending moments and combined actions, then check whether they comply with both ultimate and serviceability limit states as required in AS4100 and AS1720 respectively. Furthermore, you also will design steel connection and timber joints according to Australian Standards. You also develop skills in the use of computer software in structural design. You are expected to document the process of analysis and design and communicate, work and learn, both individually and in teams in a professional manner.
Details
Pre-requisites or Co-requisites
Prerequisites: ENEC12012 Stress Analysis AND MATH11218 Applied Mathematics
Important note: Students enrolled in a subsequent unit who failed their pre-requisite unit, should drop the subsequent unit before the census date or within 10 working days of Fail grade notification. Students who do not drop the unit in this timeframe cannot later drop the unit without academic and financial liability. See details in the Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).
Offerings For Term 1 - 2026
Attendance Requirements
All on-campus students are expected to attend scheduled classes - in some units, these classes are identified as a mandatory (pass/fail) component and attendance is compulsory. International students, on a student visa, must maintain a full time study load and meet both attendance and academic progress requirements in each study period (satisfactory attendance for International students is defined as maintaining at least an 80% attendance record).
Recommended Student Time Commitment
Each 6-credit Undergraduate unit at CQUniversity requires an overall time commitment of an average of 12.5 hours of study per week, making a total of 150 hours for the unit.
Class Timetable
Assessment Overview
Assessment Grading
This is a graded unit: your overall grade will be calculated from the marks or grades for each assessment task, based on the relative weightings shown in the table above. You must obtain an overall mark for the unit of at least 50%, or an overall grade of 'pass' in order to pass the unit. If any 'pass/fail' tasks are shown in the table above they must also be completed successfully ('pass' grade). You must also meet any minimum mark requirements specified for a particular assessment task, as detailed in the 'assessment task' section (note that in some instances, the minimum mark for a task may be greater than 50%). Consult the University's Grades and Results Policy for more details of interim results and final grades.
All University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
You may wish to view these policies:
- Grades and Results Policy
- Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework)
- Review of Grade Procedure
- Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure - Domestic Students
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure - International Students
- Student Refund and Credit Balance Policy and Procedure
- Student Feedback - Compliments and Complaints Policy and Procedure
- Information and Communications Technology Acceptable Use Policy and Procedure
This list is not an exhaustive list of all University policies. The full list of University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
Feedback, Recommendations and Responses
Every unit is reviewed for enhancement each year. At the most recent review, the following staff and student feedback items were identified and recommendations were made.
Feedback from Unit Evaluation
Well-delivered unit.
This practice should be continued in future offerings.
Feedback from Unit Evaluation
It is beneficial if more real-world problems are included in tutorials.
Additional real-world problems should be incorporated into the tutorials to further strengthen the connection between theory and practice.
- Explain how the key materials and section properties of steel and timber affect the structural performance
- Explain the ultimate and serviceability design limit states for steel and timber members
- Design steel and timber members and connections subjected to various design actions according to relevant Australian Standards
- Design structures subjected to load combinations according to Australian Standards
- Demonstrate a professional level of communication.
The Learning Outcomes for this unit are linked with the Engineers Australia Stage 1 Competency Standards for Professional Engineers in the areas of 1. Knowledge and Skill Base, 2. Engineering Application Ability and 3. Professional and Personal Attributes at the following levels:
Introductory
3.5 Orderly management of self, and professional conduct. (LO: 5N)
Intermediate
1.2 Conceptual understanding of the mathematics, numerical analysis, statistics, and computer and information sciences which underpin the engineering discipline. (LO: 3I 4N)
3.1 Ethical conduct and professional accountability. (LO: 3I)
3.2 Effective oral and written communication in professional and lay domains. (LO: 5I)
3.3 Creative, innovative and pro-active demeanour. (LO: 3I)
3.4 Professional use and management of information. (LO: 1I 3I)
Advanced
1.1 Comprehensive, theory-based understanding of the underpinning natural and physical sciences and the engineering fundamentals applicable to the engineering discipline. (LO: 1I 2I 3A)
1.3 In-depth understanding of specialist bodies of knowledge within the engineering discipline. (LO: 1A 2I 3A)
1.4 Discernment of knowledge development and research directions within the engineering discipline. (LO: 1I 2I 3A)
1.5 Knowledge of engineering design practice and contextual factors impacting the engineering discipline. (LO: 1I 2I 3A 4I)
1.6 Understanding of the scope, principles, norms, accountabilities and bounds of sustainable engineering practice in the specific discipline. (LO: 1A 3A)
2.1 Application of established engineering methods to complex engineering problem-solving. (LO: 3A 4I)
2.2 Fluent application of engineering techniques, tools and resources. (LO: 3A 4I)
2.3 Application of systematic engineering synthesis and design processes. (LO: 1N 3A 4I)
Note: LO refers to the Learning Outcome number(s) which link to the competency and the levels: N – Introductory, I – Intermediate and A - Advanced.
Refer to the Engineering Undergraduate Course Moodle site for further information on the Engineers Australia's Stage 1 Competency Standard for Professional Engineers and course level mapping information https://moodle.cqu.edu.au/course/view.php?id=1511
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes
| Assessment Tasks | Learning Outcomes | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | |
| 1 - Written Assessment - 25% | |||||
| 2 - Written Assessment - 25% | |||||
| 3 - Examination - 50% | |||||
Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes
| Graduate Attributes | Learning Outcomes | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | |
| 1 - Communication | |||||
| 2 - Problem Solving | |||||
| 3 - Critical Thinking | |||||
| 4 - Information Literacy | |||||
| 5 - Team Work | |||||
| 6 - Information Technology Competence | |||||
| 7 - Cross Cultural Competence | |||||
| 8 - Ethical practice | |||||
| 9 - Social Innovation | |||||
| 10 - First Nations Knowledges | |||||
| 11 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures | |||||
Textbooks
Steel Designers' Handbook
- 8th Edition (2012)
- Authors: Gorenc, B, Tinyou, R and Syam, A
- Australian Steel Institute
- Sydney Sydney , NSW , Australia
- ISBN: 9781742233413
- Binding: Hardcover
Timber Design Handbook (SA HB 108-2013)
- (2013)
- Authors: Boughton, G. N, Crews, K. and Standards Association of Australia
- Standards Australia
- Sydney Sydney , NSW , Australia
- ISBN: 9781743423738
Students can access this book through the library website free of charge.
- Binding: eBook
Students can access this book through the library website free of charge.
Additional Textbook Information
SpaceGass student version should be installed on the student's PC.
IT Resources
- CQUniversity Student Email
- Internet
- Unit Website (Moodle)
No referencing style set.
t.suntharavadivel@cqu.edu.au
Week 1
Begin Date: 09 Mar 2026Module/Topic
Introduction to Structural Design Process & Limit State Approaches
Structural Analysis using Software
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Please install the Spacegass (Student Version) on your PC before the tutorial class.
Obtain the free student version from Free Student Version | SPACE GASS
Week 2
Begin Date: 16 Mar 2026Module/Topic
Estimation of Design Actions on Structures
Chapter
Dead and Live Load (AS1170.1), Wind Action (AS1170.2) and Load Combination (AS1170.0)
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 3
Begin Date: 23 Mar 2026Module/Topic
Design of Steel Members subjected Tension and Compression
Chapter
Study Guide: Tension Member
Study Guide: Compression Member
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 4
Begin Date: 30 Mar 2026Module/Topic
Design of Steel Members Subjected to Bending
Chapter
Study Guide: Bending
Study Guide: Shear & Bearing
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 5
Begin Date: 06 Apr 2026Module/Topic
Design of Steel Members Subjected to Combined Actions
Application of Design Software in Steel Design
Chapter
Study Guide: Combined Action
Spacegass Guide
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 6
Begin Date: 13 Apr 2026Module/Topic
Design of Steel Connections
Chapter
Study Guide: Connections
Events and Submissions/Topic
Vacation Week
Begin Date: 20 Apr 2026Module/Topic
Mid-term Break
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 7
Begin Date: 27 Apr 2026Module/Topic
Introduction to Timber Design
Chapter
Study Resources
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 8
Begin Date: 04 May 2026Module/Topic
Design Timber Members Subjected to Tension and Compression
Chapter
Study Resources
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 9
Begin Date: 11 May 2026Module/Topic
Design Timber Members Subjected to Bending and Shear
Chapter
Study Resources
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 10
Begin Date: 18 May 2026Module/Topic
Design Timber Members Subjected to Combined Actions
Chapter
Study Resources
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 11
Begin Date: 25 May 2026Module/Topic
Design of Timber Connections
Chapter
Study Resources
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 12
Begin Date: 01 Jun 2026Module/Topic
Review
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Exam Week
Begin Date: 08 Jun 2026Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Vacation/Exam Week
Begin Date: 15 Jun 2026Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
1 Written Assessment
This assignment aims to allow the students to demonstrate their understanding of various concepts, theories, and processes studied and developed in steel design.
Assignment 1 will be available on Moodle by the end of week 1.
Week 7 Monday (27 Apr 2026) 5:00 pm AEST
Week 9 Monday (11 May 2026)
Each question will be assessed based on the following criteria.
- Correct application of mathematics and arithmetic
- The problem clearly identified and explained in the answer
- Correct results/explanation
In addition, the following criteria will be considered:
Evidence of correct procedures
- All necessary steps in the analysis are presented in the correct order
- Clear presentation of mathematical work
Evidence of an understanding of the topic
- Use of correct principles and theories
- Interpretation of results as necessary
Professional presentation
- Appropriate use of diagrams, clear diagrams
- Use of correct terminologies and conventions
- Explain how the key materials and section properties of steel and timber affect the structural performance
- Explain the ultimate and serviceability design limit states for steel and timber members
- Design steel and timber members and connections subjected to various design actions according to relevant Australian Standards
- Design structures subjected to load combinations according to Australian Standards
- Demonstrate a professional level of communication.
2 Written Assessment
This assignment aims to allow the students to demonstrate their understanding of various concepts, theories, and processes studied and developed in timber design.
Assignment 2 will be available on Moodle by the end of week 7.
Week 12 Monday (1 June 2026) 5:00 pm AEST
Vacation/Exam Week Monday (15 June 2026)
Each question will be assessed based on the following criteria.
- Correct application of mathematics and arithmetic
- The problem clearly identified and explained in the answer
- Correct results/explanation
In addition, the following criteria will be considered:
Evidence of correct procedures
- All necessary steps in the analysis are presented in the correct order
- Clear presentation of mathematical work
Evidence of an understanding of the topic
- Use of correct principles and theories
- Interpretation of results as necessary
Professional presentation
- Appropriate use of diagrams, clear diagrams
- Use of correct terminologies and conventions
- Explain how the key materials and section properties of steel and timber affect the structural performance
- Explain the ultimate and serviceability design limit states for steel and timber members
- Design steel and timber members and connections subjected to various design actions according to relevant Australian Standards
- Design structures subjected to load combinations according to Australian Standards
- Demonstrate a professional level of communication.
Examination
Calculator - non-programmable, no text retrieval, silent only
As a CQUniversity student you are expected to act honestly in all aspects of your academic work.
Any assessable work undertaken or submitted for review or assessment must be your own work. Assessable work is any type of work you do to meet the assessment requirements in the unit, including draft work submitted for review and feedback and final work to be assessed.
When you use the ideas, words or data of others in your assessment, you must thoroughly and clearly acknowledge the source of this information by using the correct referencing style for your unit. Using others’ work without proper acknowledgement may be considered a form of intellectual dishonesty.
Participating honestly, respectfully, responsibly, and fairly in your university study ensures the CQUniversity qualification you earn will be valued as a true indication of your individual academic achievement and will continue to receive the respect and recognition it deserves.
As a student, you are responsible for reading and following CQUniversity’s policies, including the Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure. This policy sets out CQUniversity’s expectations of you to act with integrity, examples of academic integrity breaches to avoid, the processes used to address alleged breaches of academic integrity, and potential penalties.
What is a breach of academic integrity?
A breach of academic integrity includes but is not limited to plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, cheating, contract cheating, and academic misconduct. The Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure defines what these terms mean and gives examples.
Why is academic integrity important?
A breach of academic integrity may result in one or more penalties, including suspension or even expulsion from the University. It can also have negative implications for student visas and future enrolment at CQUniversity or elsewhere. Students who engage in contract cheating also risk being blackmailed by contract cheating services.
Where can I get assistance?
For academic advice and guidance, the Academic Learning Centre (ALC) can support you in becoming confident in completing assessments with integrity and of high standard.
What can you do to act with integrity?
