Introduction to Structural and Construction Engineering

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Introduction to Structural and Construction
Engineering
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Structural Engineering

• Structural Engineering is concerned with the
  research, planning, design, construction,
  inspection, monitoring, maintenance,
  rehabilitation and demolition of permanent and
  temporary structures and structural systems and
  their components and with associated technical,
  economic, environmental, aesthetic and social
  aspects.
• (Eng Aus Structural College http//www.ieaust.org
  .au/about_us/colleges/structural/)

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Buildings

http//www.GreatBuildings.com/picture_index.html
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Bridges

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In-ground structures

http//www.sageautomation.com/infrastructure.htm
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Structural frameworks

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Structural materials include

• Steel
• Concrete
• Stone, masonry
• Timber
• Glass
• Plastics and composites

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What is a structure?

• A structure is any form of construction used to
• support loads
• resist applied loads
• transfer these loads to the ground (foundation)

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Fibre Composite Bridge Supports 75 t Dump Truck
http//www.texcel.com.au/infra_projects.html
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Types of Loads

• Dead or Permanent, G (static)
• Live or Imposed, Q
• Wind, W (dynamic)
• Earthquake, Feq (dynamic)
• Soil Pressure, Fep
• Liquid Pressure, Flp
• Other (temperature, settlement, fire etc)

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The Engineers role in Structural Design

• With an acceptable probability of satisfactory
  performance during its intended life
• Ensure structure can sustain loads and resist
  forces
• Ensure structure remains fit for use
• Ensure appropriate durability to minimise
  maintenance

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What else is needed?

• Calculations alone are not enough. The Engineer
  must ensure
• suitability of materials
• detailing for ease of construction
• quality control and supervision of work during
  construction

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Structural Design Process

• Select structural system and materials
• Structural Analysis - determine loads and actions
• Structural Design incl. member design
• Checking
• Detailing and drawing
• Checking
• Supervision during construction

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Issues in Structural Design

• Environmental issues - sustainable building
  design
• Economic issues material costs and
  availability, labour and fabrications costs,
  whole of life cycle costs for maintenance,
  refurbishment, demolition, project financing and
  hence contract type
• Constructability issues ease of construction,
  repeatability and detailing
• Occupational Health and Safety issues

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Employers of Structural Engineers include

• Private consulting companies (design)
• Government and semi-government organisations
  (limited)
• Other Industry organisations materials and
  building system suppliers, fabricators, formwork
  designers,

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Construction Engineering

• Not yet recognised as a separate discipline area
  of engineering officially in Australia, but is in
  USA
• ASCE Journal of Construction Engineering and
  Management defines harmonize construction
  practices with design theories

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Construction engineering includes

• construction material handling equipment
• production planning, scheduling, estimating, cost
  control, quality control
• site inspection
• contract administration
• construction management

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Construction engineers may work on

• Building sites
• Roadworks and earthworks projects
• Other infrastructure projects pipelines, water
  treatment plants, tunnels etc

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Construction engineers may be employed by

• Large construction companies such as Lend Lease,
  Built Environs etc
• Earthworks and civil works contractors
• Local government and government (contract
  administration and project management)
• Industry organisations providing materials or
  equipment for construction