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Earthquake Resistant Design of Buildings (CVEN90017)
Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
For information about the University’s phased return to campus and in-person activity in Winter and Semester 2, please refer to the on-campus subjects page.
About this subject
- Overview
- Eligibility and requirements
- Assessment
- Dates and times
- Further information
- Timetable(opens in new window)
Contact information
Semester 1
Please refer to the LMS for up-to-date subject information, including assessment and participation requirements, for subjects being offered in 2020.
Overview
Availability | Semester 1 |
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Fees | Look up fees |
AIMS
This subject introduces the fundamental concepts and practice of earthquake resistant design of buildings from an international perspective, incorporating consideration of design in regions of low to moderate seismicity such as Australia and in regions of high seismicity. The design of economically and environmentally feasible structures that can successfully withstand the forces and displacements generated by severe ground motions is a challenge demanding the best in structural engineering art and science. This subject builds on knowledge of Risk Analysis, Engineering Mathematics, Dynamics, and Structural Theory and Design to allow candidates to work as a supervised graduate engineer in this specialised area of practice.
INDICATIVE CONTENT
Topics covered include plate tectonics and seismicity, structural response to earthquake ground motions, design philosophy and design applications to buildings, assessment and retrofitting of existing buildings, and performance of non-structural components and building contents.
Intended learning outcomes
INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES (ILO)
On completion of this subject the student is expected to:
- Describe seismicity of the world and the role of plate tectonics
- Accurately interpret response spectra presented in the different formats including the Acceleration-Displacement Response Spectrum (ADRS) diagram for quantifying potential seismic hazards on infrastructure
- Accurately interpret performance limit states
- Undertake seismic design and assessment of building structures using both the force-based methods and displacement-based methods including the Capacity Response Spectrum Method and the Substitute-Structure Method. The implementation of measures to improve environmental sustainability will be discussed in relation to design
- Employ capacity design principles and the concept of strength hierarchies to ensure that the structure responds to an earthquake in the desirable way. Apply this concept to the design of a range of structural systems for buildings including moment resisting frames of reinforced concrete, steel and composite construction, reinforced concrete structural walls, and concentric or eccentrically braced steel frames
- Select and apply the appropriate energy dissipation or base-isolation device for mitigating seismically induced damage to a building
- Predict damage to un-reinforced masonry buildings and identify the vulnerable features
- Assess existing building structures and provide plans for their effective retrofitting
- Assess seismic performance of vulnerable buildings and components in regions of low and moderate seismicity taking into account the effects of soil resonance and identify effective means of retrofitting
- Assess seismic performance of non-structural components and building contents and identify effective measures to mitigate potential damage.
Generic skills
- Ability to apply knowledge of science and engineering fundamentals
- Ability to undertake problem identification, formulation, and solution
- Ability to utilise a systems approach to complex problems and to design and operational performance
- Proficiency in engineering design
- Capacity for creativity and innovation
- Understanding of professional and ethical responsibilities, and commitment to them
- Capacity for lifelong learning and professional development.
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
Admission into the MC-ENG Master of Engineering or 746ST Master of Engineering Structures
OR
Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
---|---|---|---|
CVEN90049 | Structural Theory and Design 2 | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
None
Recommended background knowledge
Knowledge gained in the following subject will assist in learning:
Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
---|---|---|---|
CVEN90026 | Extreme Loading of Structures | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)
The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.
Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Assessment
Due to the impact of COVID-19, assessment may differ from that published in the Handbook. Students are reminded to check the subject assessment requirements published in the subject outline on the LMS
Description | Timing | Percentage |
---|---|---|
One individual assignment approximately 1000 word. Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) 2 and 9 are addressed in this assignment
| From Week 5 to Week 11 | 10% |
One test. ILOs 1, 3 to 6 are addressed in the test
| From Week 5 to Week 11 | 10% |
One assignment: students will work in a team of 2/4 students. Approximately 2000 words. ILOs 3, 4 and 5 are addressed in this assignment
| From Week 5 to Week 11 | 10% |
One written, closed book, examination. ILOs 1 - 10 are addressed in this exam
| End of semester | 70% |
Additional details
Two assignments and a mid-semester test, due in approximately weeks 5, 8 and 11
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Dates & times
- Semester 1
Coordinator Elisa Lumantarna Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours 48 hours (Lectures: 30 hours per semester; Workshops and Tutorials: 18 hours per semester) Total time commitment 200 hours Teaching period 2 March 2020 to 7 June 2020 Last self-enrol date 13 March 2020 Census date 30 April 2020 Last date to withdraw without fail 5 June 2020 Assessment period ends 3 July 2020 Semester 1 contact information
Time commitment details
200 hours
Additional delivery details
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Further information
- Texts
Prescribed texts
None
Recommended texts and other resources
M.J.N. Priestley, G.M. Calvi & M.J Kowalsky 2007 Displacement-based Seismic Design of Structures IUSS Press
- Subject notes
LEARNING AND TEACHING METHODS
Lectures are used to convey basic information and design concepts. Lectures are supplemented with embedded tutorials and with workshop problems, all of which reinforce the students’ understanding of basic design principles.
INDICATIVE KEY LEARNING RESOURCES
Recommended text: Priestley, M.J.N., Calvi, G.M., and Kowalsky, M.J., Displacement-Based Seismic Design of Structures, IUSS Press, 2007
FEMA Guidelines
Australian Standard: Standards Australia, AS1170.4, Minimum Design Actions, Part 4: Earthquake Loads
CAREERS / INDUSTRY LINKS
Guest lecture by a professional seismologist.
Students access seismic records, design standards and guidelines that are the basis of industry practice. - Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Course Master of Engineering Structures Course Doctor of Philosophy - Engineering Course Ph.D.- Engineering Course Master of Philosophy - Engineering Specialisation (formal) Structural Specialisation (formal) Civil - Available through the Community Access Program
About the Community Access Program (CAP)
This subject is available through the Community Access Program (also called Single Subject Studies) which allows you to enrol in single subjects offered by the University of Melbourne, without the commitment required to complete a whole degree.
Entry requirements including prerequisites may apply. Please refer to the CAP applications page for further information.
Additional information for this subject
Subject coordinator approval required
- Available to Study Abroad and/or Study Exchange Students
This subject is available to students studying at the University from eligible overseas institutions on exchange and study abroad. Students are required to satisfy any listed requirements, such as pre- and co-requisites, for enrolment in the subject.
Last updated: 3 November 2022