Construction Principles

Subject ABPL90292 (2011)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2011.

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 9 (Graduate/Postgraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject is not offered in 2011.

Time Commitment: Contact Hours: 36 hours: 2x2 hr lecture per week; 1x1 hr tutorial per week
Total Time Commitment: 120 hours
Prerequisites: Admission to the 300 point Master of Construction Management.
Corequisites: None specified
Recommended Background Knowledge: None specified
Non Allowed Subjects:

702-672 Concrete Structures and Construction;

702-677 Structures and Construction Systems.

Subject
Core Participation Requirements: For the purposes of considering requests for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Description, Subject Objectives, Generic Skills and Assessment Requirements of this entry.
The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison Unit website: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

Contact

Environments and Design Student Centre
Ground Floor, Baldwin Spencer (building 113)

Enquiries
Phone: 13 MELB (13 6352)
Website: http://www.msd.unimelb.edu.au

Subject Overview:

This subject provides a broad overview of structural systems and an introduction to construction principles. The subject is arranged to introduce the students to the basic structural concepts in order to understand the building construction process. The essential techniques of structural analysis and soil mechanics relevant to the construction are addressed. A section on materials emphasises the mechanical properties of concrete, steel and timber, the three main materials used in construction, and the characteristics of these materials which influence the selection and application of these materials in the building. The subject also considers building maintenance, services and defects.

Objectives:

This subject is designed to introduce the concepts of structural analysis, the selection of materials and the method of construction as applied to buildings. Upon completion of the course, the student should be able to appreciate the factors affecting the choice of structural system, the choice of materials, and the construction process of a residential building. They should also understand the roles and responsibilities of the designers, builders and other parties involved in the design and construction of a building. This course is designed for students who enrol in the Master of Construction Management without a background in construction.

Assessment:
  • Assignment 1 (20%) handed out early in the semester (equivalent 1500 words).
  • Assignment 2 (20%), mid-semester (equivalent 1500 words).
  • Final end of semester examination (3 hours, 60%).

Students are required to achieve a mark of at least 40% in the exam in order to pass the subject.

Prescribed Texts:
  • A coursework reader will be provided.
  • Place, Wayne. Architectural Structures, John Wiley and Sons, Inc. 2007.
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:

Upon completion of this subject, students should have developed the following skills and capabilities:

  • problem solving and analytical skills;
  • communication skills.

Related Course(s): Master of Construction Management

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