Overview
Concrete Design is an advanced civil engineering unit that introduces the analysis and design of complex reinforced and prestressed concrete structures. In this unit, you will develop knowledge of state-of-the-art construction materials and design technologies in the context of structural engineering and environmental sustainability. You will be expected to conceptualise the vertical and horizontal load resisting mechanism of concrete structural systems, interpret and apply the relevant Australian Standards, and ensure the designed structure/structural components also meet the serviceability and stakeholder requirements. The use of commercial computer software is required to analyse and design these structures. In this unit, you will document the processes involved in modelling, analysis, design, and communication, and work and learn, both individually and in teams in a professional manner.
Details
Pre-requisites or Co-requisites
There are no requisites for this unit.
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 12-credit Postgraduate unit at CQUniversity requires an overall time commitment of an average of 25 hours of study per week, making a total of 300 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 with appropriate support given by the lecturer as required.
This outcome directly reflects the dedicated approach to unit delivery in 2025. This practice should continue in future offerings, with the inclusion of pre-recorded lectures and dedicated interactive tutorials and workshops to further support student learning.
- Determine various types of loads acting on a structural system, provide a rationale for load combinations applied, and conceptualise the load resisting concrete structural systems
- Formulate, plan, manage, and complete projects, individually or in teams, in an ethical and professional manner considering stakeholder requirements and principals of sustainable development
- Design complex reinforced concrete structural components using appropriate Australian Standards
- Design prestressed concrete structural components using appropriate Australian Standards
- Use appropriate software to analyse and/or design the structural components subjected to different load combinations
- Demonstrate a professional level of communication and leadership.
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes
| Assessment Tasks | Learning Outcomes | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | |
| 1 - Project (applied) - 30% | ||||||
| 2 - Project (applied) - 30% | ||||||
| 3 - In-class Test(s) - 40% | ||||||
Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes
| Graduate Attributes | Learning Outcomes | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | |
| 1 - Knowledge | ||||||
| 2 - Communication | ||||||
| 3 - Cognitive, technical and creative skills | ||||||
| 4 - Research | ||||||
| 5 - Self-management | ||||||
| 6 - Ethical and Professional Responsibility | ||||||
| 7 - Leadership | ||||||
| 8 - First Nations Knowledges | ||||||
| 9 - 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 | |
| 1 - Project (applied) - 30% | |||||||||
| 2 - Project (applied) - 30% | |||||||||
| 3 - In-class Test(s) - 40% | |||||||||
Textbooks
Prestressed Concrete
- 5th Edition (2022)
- Authors: R F. Warner, Stephen Foster, Andrew Kilpatrick, Rebecca Gravina
- Pearson Australia
- Melbourne Melbourne , VIC , Australia
- ISBN: 9780655706403
- Binding: Paperback
Reinforced Concrete Basics
- 3rd Edition (2021)
- Authors: Stephen Foster, Andrew Kilpatrick and Robert Warner
- Pearson Australia
- Melbourne Melbourne , VIC , Australia
- ISBN: 9780655703679
- Binding: Hardcover
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
Structural Design Process
- Limit State Design
- Design Action and Load Combinations
Basics of Concrete Design
- Design Properties of Concrete and Steel (Reinforcement and Tendons) - AS3600:2018
- Durability and Fire Resistance requirements
Chapter
Chapter 1 of Reinforced Concrete Basics
Standards for Design Actions: AS1170.0, AS1170.1 & AS1170.2
Standard for Concrete Structures AS3600
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 2
Begin Date: 16 Mar 2026Module/Topic
Basics of Concrete Design
- Structural Analysis - Approximate method (AS3600:2018)
- Structural Analysis using software
Chapter
Chapter 2 of Reinforced Concrete Basics
Standard for Concrete Structures AS3600
Spacegass Software
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 3
Begin Date: 23 Mar 2026Module/Topic
Design of RC Beam - Analysis and design for Serviceability Limit State requirements
- Deflection limit
- Crack control requirements
Chapter
Chapter 3 of Reinforced Concrete Basics
Standard for Concrete Structures AS3600
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 4
Begin Date: 30 Mar 2026Module/Topic
Design of RC Beam - Analysis and design for Ultimate Limit State requirements
- Flexural strength
- Shear and Torsional reinforcements
Chapter
Chapter 3 of Reinforced Concrete Basics
Standard for Concrete Structures AS3600
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 5
Begin Date: 06 Apr 2026Module/Topic
Design of RC Slab
- Slab supported by beams/walls (One-way and two-way slabs)
- Slab supported by columns (Flat slabs)
Chapter
Chapter 4 of Reinforced Concrete Basics
Standard for Concrete Structures AS3600
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 6
Begin Date: 13 Apr 2026Module/Topic
Design of Columns and Walls
Chapter
Chapter 5 of Reinforced Concrete Basics
Standard for Concrete Structures AS3600
Events and Submissions/Topic
Vacation Week
Begin Date: 20 Apr 2026Module/Topic
Vacation Week
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 7
Begin Date: 27 Apr 2026Module/Topic
Introduction to Prestressed Concrete Design
- Principle of Prestressed Concrete
- Type of Prestressing
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 8
Begin Date: 04 May 2026Module/Topic
Design of Prestressed Concrete Members
- Analysis PC members
- Determine prestressing force using the Magnel Diagram
- Determine the Tendon profiles
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 9
Begin Date: 11 May 2026Module/Topic
Design of Prestressed Concrete Members
- Ultimate Moment Checks
- Check for shear capacity
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 10
Begin Date: 18 May 2026Module/Topic
Design of Prestressed Concrete Members
- Estimation of Losses
- End-block design
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 11
Begin Date: 25 May 2026Module/Topic
Advanced topics in RC Design
- Design requirements for Walls and Footings
- Strut and tie model design as per AS3600:2018
Chapter
Chapters 6 & 7 of Reinforced Concrete Basics
Standard for Concrete Structures AS3600
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 12
Begin Date: 01 Jun 2026Module/Topic
Revision
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 Project (applied)
This assignment aims to allow you to demonstrate your understanding of basic concepts, theories, and processes related to reinforced concrete design studied in this unit.
To complete the assessment, you will undertake the following tasks.
- structural analysis (using both simplified approaches and software)
- design of main elements of an RC structure (slab, beam and column) as per the stakeholders' requirements
- structural drawing
Assessment tasks will be available on Monday, Week 2.
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 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
- Determine various types of loads acting on a structural system, provide a rationale for load combinations applied, and conceptualise the load resisting concrete structural systems
- Formulate, plan, manage, and complete projects, individually or in teams, in an ethical and professional manner considering stakeholder requirements and principals of sustainable development
- Design complex reinforced concrete structural components using appropriate Australian Standards
- Use appropriate software to analyse and/or design the structural components subjected to different load combinations
- Demonstrate a professional level of communication and leadership.
- Knowledge
- Communication
- Cognitive, technical and creative skills
- Research
- Self-management
- Ethical and Professional Responsibility
- Leadership
2 Project (applied)
This assignment aims to allow you to demonstrate your understanding of basic concepts, theories, and processes related to prestressed concrete design studied in this unit.
To complete the assessment, you will undertake the following tasks.
- structural analysis
- design of the main elements of a PC member (prestressing force and tendon details) as per the stakeholders' requirements
Assessment tasks will be available on Friday, Week 7.
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 12 Wednesday (3 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
- Determine various types of loads acting on a structural system, provide a rationale for load combinations applied, and conceptualise the load resisting concrete structural systems
- Formulate, plan, manage, and complete projects, individually or in teams, in an ethical and professional manner considering stakeholder requirements and principals of sustainable development
- Design prestressed concrete structural components using appropriate Australian Standards
- Use appropriate software to analyse and/or design the structural components subjected to different load combinations
- Demonstrate a professional level of communication and leadership.
- Knowledge
- Communication
- Cognitive, technical and creative skills
- Research
- Self-management
- Ethical and Professional Responsibility
- Leadership
3 In-class Test(s)
An end-of-term assessment will be conducted as a class test during the examination week.
Date: Monday, 15th of June 2026 at 09:00 AM AEST
Duration of the Test: 3 hours
This assessment is exempt from the 72-hour submission grace period and must be completed by the stated date and time.
This class test will be conducted only in Melbourne and Rockhampton campuses. All students (including distance mode students) must present on one of these campuses to complete the test. On request (with a valid reason), this test may be arranged at another campus of CQUniversity. Any such request should be forwarded to the unit coordinator before Friday, Week 6 of the term.
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.
Vacation/Exam Week Monday (15 June 2026) 12:00 pm AEST
On the Certification of Grade day
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
- Clear English in the explanation of procedure and interpretation of results
- Design complex reinforced concrete structural components using appropriate Australian Standards
- Design prestressed concrete structural components using appropriate Australian Standards
- Knowledge
- Communication
- Cognitive, technical and creative skills
- Self-management
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?
