ABB100 Introduction to Building Structures

Unit Outline: Semester 2 2026, Gardens Point, Internal

Overview

This unit introduces structural and non-structural materials and systems for the development of constructed entities such as buildings and bridges. You will learn about the most common types of materials (timber, building boards, fibre composites, concrete, masonry, metals, ceramics, glass and granular materials) used to create modern constructed entities are introduced, and their basic properties, behaviour, strength, durability, suitability, sustainability, limitations, and applications. The unit also introduces the statics and other relevant concepts in physics at an elementary level. The unit develops a strong foundation for architectural design and construction management disciplines and further studies on the designing of structures.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:

1. Apply theoretical and practical knowledge of structural and non-structural materials to different contexts
2. Collect data in a group and interpret and analyse data and information related to mechanical properties of materials
3. Solve simple numerical problems related to mechanical and other properties of materials
4. Apply risk management and workplace health and safety to evaluate structures

Content

Learning Approaches

This unit is primarily studied through lectures, tutorials and application of theory through laboratory testing (approx. 3.5 hours/week).

You will learn the technical content of the unit through:

• Formal lecture sessions that cover theory and illustrate some practical applications of materials. Lecture slides and additional readings will be available via the unit online portal
• Laboratory testings of various materials to assist your learning progress during the semester
• Tutorial classes to assist learning
• Projects that enable you to apply theories covered in lectures and introduced and discussed in activities, including working in a group to study the real-life applications of structural systems and present outcomes

Feedback on Learning and Assessment

You will receive:

• feedback on at least 20% of your assessment by mid-semester
• generic feedback in lectures
• specific oral and/or written feedback on your project
• written and/or oral feedback on your tutorial activities

Assessment

Unit Grading Scheme

7- point scale

Assessment Tasks

Assessment: Quiz/Test

You will answer a series of question in class to demonstrate a foundational understanding of building structures.

Assessment: Project (Applied)

You will develop a building structure proposal based on a foundational understanding of structural systems.

This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.

Assessment: Examination (Written)

You will answer a series of question to demonstrate an understanding of structural materials, building structural systems, construction management, and structural design.

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a commitment to undertaking academic work and assessment in a manner that is ethical, fair, honest, respectful and accountable.

The Academic Integrity Policy sets out the range of conduct that can be a failure to maintain the standards of academic integrity. This includes, cheating in exams, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion and contract cheating. It also includes providing fraudulent or altered documentation in support of an academic concession application, for example an assignment extension or a deferred exam.

You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.

Breaching QUT’s Academic Integrity Policy or engaging in conduct that may defeat or compromise the purpose of assessment can lead to a finding of student misconduct (Code of Conduct – Student) and result in the imposition of penalties under the Management of Student Misconduct Policy, ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.

Resources

Risk Assessment Statement

All commencing Faculty of Engineering students are required to complete the Mandatory Safety Induction

There are no extraordinary risks associated with the classroom/lecture activities in this unit.

Course Learning Outcomes

AB01 Bachelor of Built Environment (Honours)

1. Apply theoretical, practical and cultural knowledge and skills across a range of disciplines and specialist knowledge and skills in one built environment area.
   Relates to: ULO1, Quiz/Test, Project (Applied), Examination (Written)
2. Design and critically evaluate sustainable and creative solutions to social, economic, technological and environmental challenges.
   Relates to: Quiz/Test, Project (Applied), Examination (Written)
3. Strategically collaborate with diverse stakeholders and communities, including First Nations peoples.
   Relates to: Project (Applied)
4. Reflect on feedback and experience, and display professional and ethical judgment and initiative.
   Relates to: Project (Applied), Examination (Written)

AB05 Bachelor of Architectural Design

1. Apply theoretical, practical and cultural knowledge and skills in architecture.
   Relates to: Quiz/Test, Project (Applied), Examination (Written)
2. Design and critically evaluate sustainable and creative architectural solutions to social, economic, technological and environmental challenges.
   Relates to: Quiz/Test, Project (Applied), Examination (Written)
3. Strategically collaborate with diverse stakeholders and communities, including First Nations peoples, as architectural thinkers.
   Relates to: Project (Applied)
4. Reflect on feedback and experience, and display professional and ethical judgment and initiative.
   Relates to: Project (Applied), Examination (Written)