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Extreme Loading of Structures (CVEN90026)
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
Associate Professor Nelson Lam
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 is aimed at teaching the scientific principles associated with extreme events including that of earthquakes, impact, blast and cyclonic wind and their effects on a structure. Students will also be trained to make effective use of state-of-the-art techniques in quantifying the effects of the design actions in order that suitable level of protection can be incorporated into the structure to counter an extreme event. At the conclusion of this subject students should be capable of modelling a variety of extreme loadings by employing advanced techniques. Students will also be able to apply the modelling methodologies to fulfil performance based design objectives. Improved proficiencies in countering extreme loading in the design of structures will achieve better economy and a more sustainable built environment. This subject builds on students’ fundamental knowledge of engineering mathematics, mechanics and structural analysis. With frequency of extreme events increasing due to climate change, increased mass and speed of vehicles and terrorism, this subject provides graduates with specialist knowledge to work in the field of hazard reduction or avoidance under the guidance of a chartered engineer.
INDICATIVE CONTENT
Topics covered include Rayleigh Method for developing a simplified model of a structural element, hand calculation techniques for analysing the impact action of a solid object based on linear elastic and elasto-plastic behaviour of the structure, considerations for the conditions of contact and anomalies associated with contributions by the higher modes. Another major topic to be covered is the capacity spectrum method involving linear, or non-linear, static analysis for the assessment of a building structure subject to seismic actions. Other topics include the analysis of blast actions by hand calculations and phenomena associated with the aerodynamic actions of wind.
Intended learning outcomes
INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES (ILO)
On completion of this subject the students is expected to:
- Demonstrate the ability to describe the effects of a range of extreme transient actions (including earthquake ground shaking, accidental impact, blast and strong wind) on a structure and their implications on structural design
- Use hand calculation methods to estimate the effects of the listed extreme transient actions and be able to correctly interpret results and identify their limitations
- Apply numerical techniques with the use of EXCEL spreadsheets as a generic tool to model the effects of transient actions on a building structure for benchmarking results generated from a commercial computational package
- Assess the output to these models to inform the design process for safety and serviceability, and apply the learnt analysis techniques to ensure compliance with performance based design criteria.
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 a commitment to them.
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
None
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
None
Recommended background knowledge
Learning will be assisted by knowledge gained in the following subject:
Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
---|---|---|---|
CVEN90049 | Structural Theory and Design 2 | 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 |
---|---|---|
Two assignments due in week 8 and late semester, each of no more than 1500 words. Intended Learning Outcome (ILO) 2 is addressed in assignment 1. ILOs 3 and 4 are addressed in assignment 2
| Late in the teaching period | 30% |
One quiz. ILOs 1 and 2 are addressed in this quiz
| Week 7 | 5% |
One written examination. ILOs 1 and 2 are addressed in this exam
| End of semester | 65% |
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Dates & times
- Semester 1
Principal coordinator Nelson Lam Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours 48 hours (Lectures/Practicals: 4 hours per week) 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
Associate Professor Nelson Lam
Time commitment details
200 hours
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Further information
- Texts
Prescribed texts
There are no specifically prescribed or recommended texts for this subject.
- Subject notes
LEARNING AND TEACHING METHODS
The subject will be delivered through a combination of lectures and tutorials. In addition, students will undertake miniature experiments to reinforce materials covered in the lectures and also a design exercise which involves applying the learnt techniques in solving problems that are likely to be encountered in practice.
INDICATIVE KEY LEARNING RESOURCES
Students will have access to lecture slides, recommended reading materials including selected journal publications and EXCEL spreadsheets showing examples of numerical simulations.
CAREERS / INDUSTRY LINKS
Representatives from the Victorian Division of the Institution of Structural Engineers will contribute to the teaching of the subject. In addition, a practising specialist in the field of aero-dynamics will also contribute to the teaching of the subject and give advice on the assignment exercises. - 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