Structural Design of Low Rise Buildings
Duration
- One Semester or equivalent
Contact hours
- 48 hours face to face + Blended
On-campus unit delivery combines face-to-face and digital learning.
Aims and objectives
This unit of study aims to provide students with knowledge and skills to design low rise buildings such as houses and small commercial buildings.
Unit Learning Outcomes (ULO)
On successful completion of this unit students will be able to:
1. Select the most suitable form of residential form of residential footings depending on the site reactivity. (K3, S1, S3)
2. Design timber and steel elements such as steel floor joists, beams, lintels and posts. (K2, K3, S1, S3, A6, A7)
3. Select timber framing for sub floor, walls, lintels, roofs, bracing and tie down and design nailed and bolted timber connections. (K3,S1,S3, A6, A7)
4. Design un-reinforced and reinforced masonry in compression and flexure. (K3,S1,S3, A6, A7)
5. Propose construction details for performance and durability. (K1, K3, K6)
Swinburne Engineering Competencies (A1-7, K1-6, S1-4): find out more about Engineering Skills and Competencies including the Engineers Australia Stage 1 Competencies.
Unit information in detail
- Teaching methods, assessment, general skills outcomes and content.
Teaching methods
Hawthorn
Type | Hours per week | Number of Weeks | Total Hours |
Live Online Lecture | 2 | 12 | 24 |
| On Campus Tutorial | 2 | 12 | 24 |
Unspecified Activities Independent Learning | 8.5 | 12 | 102 |
TOTAL | 150 hours |
Assessment
Types | Individual/Group Role | Weighting | Unit Learning Outcomes (ULOs) |
Assignment | Individual | 40% | 1,2,3,5 |
| Examination | Individual | 60% | 2,3,4 |
General skills outcomes
Content
- Introduction to the unit, regulations, building acts, and codes
- Site classification, Reactivity, Effect of Fill, Bore Logs Interpretation and Footing Design
- Wind Loads for Houses and Load Combinations with Permanent and Imposed Loads for Stability, Strength and Serviceability
- Structural Timber Framing, Terminology, Timber Grades
- Timber design (flexure and axial compression) according to AS1720
- Timber framing, bracing and tie down according to AS 1684
- Timber Connections (Nailed and Bolted)
- Design of un-reinforced masonry for flexure and axial compression
- Design of un-reinforced Masonry (continued) and Reinforced Masonry
- Retaining Walls
- Detailing for good performance, durability, drainage and local practices
- Use of Steel in houses, revision
Study resources
- Reading materials and text books.
Reading materials
A list of reading materials and/or required texts will be made available in the Unit Outline.