Overview
This unit introduces you to the design of concrete structures, including structural components such as beams, slabs, columns, footings and retaining walls. You will identify loads and load paths for gravity and lateral loading. Construction materials are also reviewed in the context of sustainability and environmental issues. You will also plan, prepare and carry out tests on structural concrete components, interpret the results and prepare test reports. You will investigate building design and serviceability requirements. Individual and teamwork focus on the development of professionalism, ethical practice, problem solving and communication. In this unit, you must complete compulsory practical activities. Refer to the Engineering Undergraduate Course Moodle site for proposed dates.
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 2 - 2025
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 Student Evaluations
The unit was interactive and the lecturer made great efforts to support our learning - overall well-delivered unit.
This practice should continue in future offerings as well.
Feedback from Student Evaluations and Self-reflection
Some detailed feedback can be added to the team projects.
This should be taken into consideration in the 2023 offer.
- Explain how the key material properties of reinforced concrete affect the structural performance
- Explain the ultimate and serviceability design limit states for reinforced concrete members
- Design reinforced concrete members subjected to various design actions according to Australian Standard AS3600
- Interpret the result of conducting laboratory tests on the properties of concrete
- Demonstrate a professional level of communication and teamwork.
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
Intermediate
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
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes
| Assessment Tasks | Learning Outcomes | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | |
| 1 - Written Assessment - 10% | |||||
| 2 - Laboratory/Practical - 20% | |||||
| 3 - Project (applied) - 30% | |||||
| 4 - Online Test - 40% | |||||
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 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures | |||||
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Graduate Attributes
| Assessment Tasks | Graduate Attributes | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | |
| 1 - Written Assessment - 10% | ||||||||||
| 2 - Laboratory/Practical - 20% | ||||||||||
| 3 - Project (applied) - 30% | ||||||||||
| 4 - Online Test - 40% | ||||||||||
Textbooks
Reinforced Concrete Basics
3rd Edition (2021)
Authors: Stephen Foster, Andrew Kilpatrick and Robert Warner
Pearson Original Australia
Australia
ISBN: 9780655703679
Print version also available (ISBN: 9780655703662)
Binding: eBook
Print version also available (ISBN: 9780655703662)
IT Resources
- CQUniversity Student Email
- Internet
- Unit Website (Moodle)
All submissions for this unit must use the referencing style: Harvard (author-date)
For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.
t.suntharavadivel@cqu.edu.au
Module/Topic
Concrete Technology
- Cement, Aggregates
- Concrete Mix Design
- Curing Process
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Concrete Constructions
- Handling and Placing concrete
- Testing of Concrete
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Introduction of RC Design
- Limit State Design and Load Combinations
- Design Properties of Concrete and Reinforcement
- Durability and Fire Resistance Requirements
- Structural Analysis as per AS3600
Chapter
Chapters 1 and 2
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Design of RC Beam I
- Analysis and design for Serviceability Limit State requirements
Chapter
Chapter 3
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Design of RC Beam II
- Analysis and design for Ultimate Limit State requirements (Flexural strength, Shear and Torsion) for Rectangular beam
Chapter
Chapter 3
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Mid-Term Break
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Design of RC Beam III
- Design of T-Beams and irregular shapes
Chapter
Chapter 3
Events and Submissions/Topic
Laboratory Session in GLD & MKY campuses (Monday - Wednesday)
Module/Topic
- Slabs Supported by Beams/Walls [One-way and Two-way slab system]
Chapter
Chapter 4
Events and Submissions/Topic
Laboratory Session in ROK, BDG & CRN campuses (Monday - Wednesday)
Module/Topic
Design of RC Slabs II
- Slabs supported by columns [Flat Slabs]
- Beam-slab system
Chapter
Chapter 4
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Design of Columns I
- The load capacity of rectangular columns
Chapter
Chapter 5
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Design of Columns II
- Design of longitudinal and shear reinforcements for columns
Chapter
Chapter 5
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Advanced Topics
- Design Considerations for Walls and Footings
- Beam Design using Strut-and-tie Modelling
Chapter
Chapter 6 & 7
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Revision
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
This unit includes a compulsory Residential School/Practical Class that all students are required to attend in person. Please refer to the schedule for specific dates and campus locations of these sessions.
1 Written Assessment
This assignment provides students with the opportunity to demonstrate their understanding of the fundamental concepts, theories, and processes related to reinforced concrete design, as covered in the unit up to and including Week 6.
Assignment Structure:
The assignment comprises three questions, each released weekly from Week 3 and due the following Friday:
- Question 1 – Released Monday, Week 3 | Due Friday, Week 4
- Question 2 – Released Monday, Week 4 | Due Friday, Week 5
- Question 3 – Released Monday, Week 5 | Due Friday, Week 6
Detailed instructions and submission links will be provided on Moodle.
Re-attempt Policy: Re-attempts are not allowed for this assessment.
AI Assessment Scale - AI Planning: You may use AI for planning, idea development, and research. Your final submission should show how you have developed and refined these ideas.
Various due date - see the Task Description for more details
In 2 weeks after the due date
Each question will be assessed for criterion accuracy and correct answers.
- Correct application of mathematics and arithmetic
- Answers clearly identified and explained
- Correct results/explanation
- Explain how the key material properties of reinforced concrete affect the structural performance
- Design reinforced concrete members subjected to various design actions according to Australian Standard AS3600
- Communication
- Problem Solving
- Critical Thinking
- Information Literacy
2 Laboratory/Practical
Students will work on various practical activities associated with concrete design including
- Characterise the materials and determine the required quantities of cement, water and aggregates for a given concrete grade
- Plan and prepare concrete samples for laboratory tests according to Australian Standards
- Test the samples to determine both fresh and hardened properties of concrete.
- Explain the different NDT techniques used in the concrete industry.
Re-scheduling Policy: Since practical work requires at least two members in a team, rescheduling may not be possible. Students can attend the practical class on other campuses (recommended) or defer until the next offer of this unit (approval from the Head of Course is required).
The Residential school is exempted from the 72-hour submission grace period and must be completed by the stated date and time. Partial attendance is also not allowed.
AI Assessment Scale
For Practical Class - No AI: You must not use AI at any point during the assessment. You must demonstrate your core skills and knowledge.
For Report -AI Collaboration: You may use AI to assist with specific tasks such as drafting text, refining and evaluating your work. You must critically evaluate and modify any AI-generated content you use.
Week 9 Wednesday (17 Sept 2025) 5:00 pm AEST
Week 11 Wednesday (1 Oct 2025)
Each question will be assessed for criterion accuracy and correct answers.
- Correct application of mathematics and arithmetic
- Answers clearly identified and explained
- Correct results/explanation
In addition, the student's participation in the practical class also will be considered in the final marks.
- Interpret the result of conducting laboratory tests on the properties of concrete
- Demonstrate a professional level of communication and teamwork.
- Communication
- Problem Solving
- Team Work
3 Project (applied)
Students will work in a team to design a simple reinforced concrete structure (main structural elements such as Slab, Beam and Column) according to the stakeholders' requirements. Details of this project will be available on Friday, Week 6.
Re-attempt Policy: Re-attempts are not allowed for this assessment.
AI Assessment Scale - AI Planning: You may use AI for planning, idea development, and research. Your final submission should show how you have developed and refined these ideas.
Week 11 Wednesday (1 Oct 2025) 5:00 pm AEST
Review/Exam Week Wednesday (15 Oct 2025)
Each question will be assessed for criterion accuracy and correct answers.
- Correct application of mathematics and arithmetic
- Answers clearly identified and explained
- Correct results/explanation
In addition, the student's contribution in the team work also will be considered in the final marks.
- Explain the ultimate and serviceability design limit states for reinforced concrete members
- Design reinforced concrete members subjected to various design actions according to Australian Standard AS3600
- Demonstrate a professional level of communication and teamwork.
- Communication
- Problem Solving
- Critical Thinking
- Information Literacy
- Team Work
- Cross Cultural Competence
4 Online Test
The end-of-term examination will be conducted online during the official examination week.
Important: Students must complete the exam at the scheduled time listed below. It is expected that students remain visible on their web camera throughout the duration of the exam for invigilation purposes.
Students are required to submit a scanned copy of their completed answers immediately after the exam.
Exam Date and Time: Monday, 20 October 2025, at 9:00 AM (QLD time)
Duration: 3 hours
Submission Deadline: The scanned copy of the solutions must be uploaded by 12:30 PM (QLD time) on the same day.
Note: Late submissions will not be accepted.
This assessment is exempted from the 72-hour submission grace period and must be completed by the stated date and time.
Re-attempt Policy: Re-attempts are not allowed for this assessment.
AI Assessment Scale - No AI: You must not use AI at any point during the assessment. You must demonstrate your core skills and knowledge.
Exam Week Monday (20 Oct 2025) 12:30 pm AEST
Submission link will close at 12:30 PM. Single file (word or pdf) submission.
On the Certification of Grade day
Each question will be assessed for criterion accuracy and correct answers.
- Correct application of mathematics and arithmetic
- Answers clearly identified and explained
- Correct results/explanation
- Explain how the key material properties of reinforced concrete affect the structural performance
- Explain the ultimate and serviceability design limit states for reinforced concrete members
- Design reinforced concrete members subjected to various design actions according to Australian Standard AS3600
- Communication
- Problem Solving
- Critical Thinking
- Information Literacy
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?
