EGB275 Structural Mechanics
To view more information for this unit, select Unit Outline from the list below. Please note the teaching period for which the Unit Outline is relevant.
| Unit code: | EGB275 |
|---|---|
| Prerequisite(s): | (EGB121 OR EGD121 OR ENB110) AND (MZB127 OR MZB126 OR EGD126) OR (MXB105 and MXB107)) |
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Timetable | Details in HiQ, if available |
| Availabilities |
|
| CSP student contribution | $1,192 |
| Domestic tuition unit fee | $5,364 |
| International unit fee | $6,684 |
Unit Outline: Semester 1 2026, Gardens Point, Internal
| Unit code: | EGB275 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Pre-requisite: | (EGB121 OR EGD121 OR ENB110) AND (MZB127 OR MZB126 OR EGD126 OR (MXB105 and MXB107)) |
| Coordinator: | Tommy Chan | tommy.chan@qut.edu.au |
Overview
Structural engineering focuses on analysis and design of safe, economical and sustainable structures to meet stakeholders' needs. In this intermediate unit, you will learn moment distribution, introduction to structural analysis software, principle of virtual work for deflections, transformation of stresses and Mohr's Circle, torsion, shear flow, shear centre, unsymmetrical bending, principle of compatibility, and combined axial loading and bending of structural elements and systems. Strong emphasis is given on digital practices and technologies in structural engineering. With embedded support for learning, you will further develop your mathematical skills in structural engineering applications, and professional skills in engineering communication. This unit draws upon your learning in EGB121 Engineering Mechanics and MZB127 Engineering Mathematics and Statistics, and provides foundation for all structural engineering units in the Civil Engineering major.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Explain the properties of a structural engineering system and its elements at an introduced level.
- Determine the behaviour of a structural engineering system when subject to loading theoretically at an introduced level.
- Model the behaviour of a structural engineering system when subject to loading using a computational approach at an introduced level.
- Apply mathematical methods to model and analyse structural engineering systems subject to loading at a developed level.
- Appraise a structural engineering system with regard to constructability considerations at an introduced level.
- Compose technical documentation of a structural engineering task that includes design calculations and preliminary design drawings at an introduced level.
Content
This unit focuses on the theory and application of the principles of mechanics of materials and analysis in structural engineering field. The topics include:
- Introduction to structural analysis software.
- Mathematics of trigonometry, transformations, Mohr's circle and cartesian coordinates.
- Method of moment distribution for statically indeterminate structures and its applications to continuous beams & non-sway frames.
- Principle of virtual work method and application to determine deflections in statically determinate structures.
- Transformation of stresses in two dimensions and Mohr's circle.
- Torsion in circular and non-circular sections, shear flow, shear centre, and unsymmetrical bending.
- The principle of compatibility.
- Combined axial loading and bending of structural members.
Learning Approaches
In this unit you can expect to experience the following timetabled activities:
- Formal lectures: 3 hours per week, delivered by experienced mathematicians and professional civil engineers to give you insight into knowledge, skills, and attributes. You have the opportunity to ask questions during these lectures.
- Tutorial classes: 1 hour per week, will give you the opportunity to work collaboratively with your peers to solve problems. They will be facilitated by tutors and will provide an opportunity to test your understanding and gain feedback on your work. One of the tutorial classes will be conducted as a computer lab session.
- Two practical sessions: 1 hour each in Weeks 6 and 8 that will enhance your understanding on topics such as shear centre, shear flow and moment distribution method.
- There will be six weeks of mathematics lectures (1 hour per week) dedicated to mathematical content, and corresponding four weeks of mathematics workshops (1 hour per week) addressing the mathematical content that will be facilitated by instructors to provide guidance and feedback on your work.
These activities will be detailed by week of semester on the unit schedule. You can also expect to be provided with learning resources including video presentations and readings on a unit Canvas site, which you can access flexibly to complete your learning in this unit.
At the beginning of the unit, you will be made aware of the ways in which you can ask questions or seek clarification from the unit coordinator, lecturers and tutors.
You are expected to:
- Engage with timetabled learning activities on campus and ask questions.
- Engage with online resources outside of timetabled learning activities. They will be available on the unit Canvas site. You will receive regular email announcements regarding the release of these resources.
- Work individually and consistently throughout the semester to complete the mathematical and structural mechanics problem solving tasks and laboratory tasks by the due dates that are published on the unit Canvas site. While there will be time during timetabled tutorial classes and mathematics workshops, you will also need to undertake independent work outside of that time to complete this assessment.
- Prepare for learning activities according to the unit schedule, and follow up on any work not completed.
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
- During tutorial and workshop classes, you will share your formative ideas for your assessment problem solving tasks and you will receive feedback from your peers and teacher.
- Submission of problem solving tasks and laboratory tasks will be graded against criteria and standards that will be shared with you at the beginning of semester through Assessment Task Descriptions and Marking Rubrics. Marked assessment will include feedback given by the markers against the criteria.
Assessment
Overview
Assessment in the unit includes a problem solving task, a structural engineering laboratory task and a final examination.
Assessment of the mathematics content in Assessment 1 Mathematical and Structural Mechanics
Problem Solving Task will contribute 10% to your final result in this unit. Assessment of the mathematics content in Assessment 3 Invigilated Written Examination will contribute 10% to your final result in this unit.
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Mathematical and Structural Mechanics Problem Solving Task
Problem solving of mathematics and application to basic engineering structures. You are required to solve a series of problems related to the topics taught in the unit.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
The use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is prohibited during this assessment.
Assessment: Structural Engineering Laboratory Task
Structural mechanics laboratory tasks. You are required to complete two practicals on topics such as shear flow, shear centre and moment distribution method.
Attendance is compulsory for this assessment.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
The use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is prohibited during this assessment.
Assessment: End of semester examination
Examination (Written) will involve descriptive questions and problems in all of the
topics covered in the whole of this unit. You will use the principles taught in this unit
to describe concepts and/or principles and solve problems in mathematics, structural mechanics and structural analysis.
The use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is prohibited during this assessment
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
Learning material in this unit will be managed from its Canvas site. There are also two reference textbooks.
Resource Materials
Reference book(s)
- Hibbeler, R.C. 2023. Mechanics of Materials (in SI Units), Eleventh Edition. Pearson,
(does not need to be purchased). - Hibbeler, R.C. 2024. Structural Analysis (in SI Units), Eleventh Edition. Pearson,
(does not need to be purchased).
Software
- SPACE GASS software (Student Version)
Risk Assessment Statement
- You will undertake lectures and tutorials in the traditional classrooms and lecture theatres of QUT. You will follow all legitimate instructions of staff in accordance with QUT workplace health and safety requirements.
- You are required to have completed a valid Undergraduate Health, Safety and Environment Induction course before conducting the two practicals scheduled in Week 6 and 8. In all laboratory practicals you will be advised of requirements of safe and responsible behaviour and you are required to wear appropriate protective items (e.g. covered shoes or steel capped shoes and eye protection).
Standards/Competencies
This unit is designed to support your development of the following standards\competencies.
Engineers Australia Stage 1 Competency Standard for Professional Engineer
1: Knowledge and Skill Base
Relates to: Mathematical and Structural Mechanics Problem Solving Task, End of semester examination
Relates to: Mathematical and Structural Mechanics Problem Solving Task, End of semester examination
Relates to: Mathematical and Structural Mechanics Problem Solving Task, Structural Engineering Laboratory Task, End of semester examination
Relates to: Structural Engineering Laboratory Task
2: Engineering Application Ability
Relates to: Mathematical and Structural Mechanics Problem Solving Task, End of semester examination
Relates to: Structural Engineering Laboratory Task, End of semester examination
Relates to: Mathematical and Structural Mechanics Problem Solving Task, Structural Engineering Laboratory Task, End of semester examination
Relates to: Structural Engineering Laboratory Task
3: Professional and Personal Attributes
Relates to: Mathematical and Structural Mechanics Problem Solving Task, Structural Engineering Laboratory Task
Relates to: Structural Engineering Laboratory Task
Course Learning Outcomes
This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.EN01 Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)
- Engage stakeholders professionally and communicate the outcomes of your work effectively to expert and non-expert audiences using appropriate modes.
Relates to: ULO6, Mathematical and Structural Mechanics Problem Solving Task, Structural Engineering Laboratory Task - Manage projects to solve complex engineering problems, using appropriate information, engineering methods, and technologies.
Relates to: ULO1 - Deploy appropriate approaches to engineering design and quality.
Relates to: ULO5, Structural Engineering Laboratory Task, End of semester examination - Demonstrate coherent knowledge and skills of physical, mathematical, statistical, computer, and information sciences that are fundamental to professional engineering practice.
Relates to: ULO3, ULO4, Mathematical and Structural Mechanics Problem Solving Task, Structural Engineering Laboratory Task, End of semester examination - Demonstrate a thorough understanding of one engineering discipline, its research directions, and its application in contemporary professional engineering practice.
Relates to: ULO2, Mathematical and Structural Mechanics Problem Solving Task, Structural Engineering Laboratory Task, End of semester examination
EV01 Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)
- Engage stakeholders professionally and communicate the outcomes of your work effectively to expert and non-expert audiences using appropriate modes.
Relates to: Mathematical and Structural Mechanics Problem Solving Task, Structural Engineering Laboratory Task - Deploy appropriate approaches to engineering design and quality.
Relates to: Structural Engineering Laboratory Task, End of semester examination - Demonstrate coherent knowledge and skills of physical, mathematical, statistical, computer, and information sciences that are fundamental to professional engineering practice.
Relates to: Mathematical and Structural Mechanics Problem Solving Task, Structural Engineering Laboratory Task, End of semester examination - Demonstrate a thorough understanding of one engineering discipline, its research directions, and its application in contemporary professional engineering practice.
Relates to: Mathematical and Structural Mechanics Problem Solving Task, Structural Engineering Laboratory Task, End of semester examination
Unit Outline: Semester 2 2026, Gardens Point, Internal
| Unit code: | EGB275 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Pre-requisite: | (EGB121 OR EGD121 OR ENB110) AND (MZB127 OR MZB126 OR EGD126 OR (MXB105 and MXB107)) |
Overview
Structural engineering focuses on analysis and design of safe, economical and sustainable structures to meet stakeholders' needs. In this intermediate unit, you will learn moment distribution, introduction to structural analysis software, principle of virtual work for deflections, transformation of stresses and Mohr's Circle, torsion, shear flow, shear centre, unsymmetrical bending, principle of compatibility, and combined axial loading and bending of structural elements and systems. Strong emphasis is given on digital practices and technologies in structural engineering. With embedded support for learning, you will further develop your mathematical skills in structural engineering applications, and professional skills in engineering communication. This unit draws upon your learning in EGB121 Engineering Mechanics and MZB127 Engineering Mathematics and Statistics, and provides foundation for all structural engineering units in the Civil Engineering major.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Explain the properties of a structural engineering system and its elements at an introduced level.
- Determine the behaviour of a structural engineering system when subject to loading theoretically at an introduced level.
- Model the behaviour of a structural engineering system when subject to loading using a computational approach at an introduced level.
- Apply mathematical methods to model and analyse structural engineering systems subject to loading at a developed level.
- Appraise a structural engineering system with regard to constructability considerations at an introduced level.
- Compose technical documentation of a structural engineering task that includes design calculations and preliminary design drawings at an introduced level.
Content
This unit focuses on the theory and application of the principles of mechanics of materials and analysis in structural engineering field. The topics include:
- Introduction to structural analysis software.
- Mathematics of trigonometry, transformations, Mohr's circle and cartesian coordinates.
- Method of moment distribution for statically indeterminate structures and its applications to continuous beams & non-sway frames.
- Principle of virtual work method and application to determine deflections in statically determinate structures.
- Transformation of stresses in two dimensions and Mohr's circle.
- Torsion in circular and non-circular sections, shear flow, shear centre, and unsymmetrical bending.
- The principle of compatibility.
- Combined axial loading and bending of structural members.
Learning Approaches
In this unit you can expect to experience the following timetabled activities:
- Formal lectures: 3 hours per week, delivered by experienced mathematicians and professional civil engineers to give you insight into knowledge, skills, and attributes. You have the opportunity to ask questions during these lectures.
- Tutorial classes: 1 hour per week, will give you the opportunity to work collaboratively with your peers to solve problems. They will be facilitated by tutors and will provide an opportunity to test your understanding and gain feedback on your work. One of the tutorial classes will be conducted as a computer lab session.
- Two practical sessions: 1 hour each in Weeks 6 and 8 that will enhance your understanding on topics such as shear centre, shear flow and moment distribution method.
- There will be six weeks of mathematics lectures (1 hour per week) dedicated to mathematical content, and corresponding four weeks of mathematics workshops (1 hour per week) addressing the mathematical content that will be facilitated by instructors to provide guidance and feedback on your work.
These activities will be detailed by week of semester on the unit schedule. You can also expect to be provided with learning resources including video presentations and readings on a unit Canvas site, which you can access flexibly to complete your learning in this unit.
At the beginning of the unit, you will be made aware of the ways in which you can ask questions or seek clarification from the unit coordinator, lecturers and tutors.
You are expected to:
- Engage with timetabled learning activities on campus and ask questions.
- Engage with online resources outside of timetabled learning activities. They will be available on the unit Canvas site. You will receive regular email announcements regarding the release of these resources.
- Work individually and consistently throughout the semester to complete the mathematical and structural mechanics problem solving tasks and laboratory tasks by the due dates that are published on the unit Canvas site. While there will be time during timetabled tutorial classes and mathematics workshops, you will also need to undertake independent work outside of that time to complete this assessment.
- Prepare for learning activities according to the unit schedule, and follow up on any work not completed.
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
- During tutorial and workshop classes, you will share your formative ideas for your assessment problem solving tasks and you will receive feedback from your peers and teacher.
- Submission of problem solving tasks and laboratory tasks will be graded against criteria and standards that will be shared with you at the beginning of semester through Assessment Task Descriptions and Marking Rubrics. Marked assessment will include feedback given by the markers against the criteria.
Assessment
Overview
Assessment in the unit includes a problem solving task, a structural engineering laboratory task and a final examination.
Assessment of the mathematics content in Assessment 1 Mathematical and Structural Mechanics
Problem Solving Task will contribute 10% to your final result in this unit. Assessment of the mathematics content in Assessment 3 Invigilated Written Examination will contribute 10% to your final result in this unit.
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Mathematical and Structural Mechanics Problem Solving Task
Problem solving of mathematics and application to basic engineering structures. You are required to solve a series of problems related to the topics taught in the unit.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
The use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is prohibited during this assessment.
Assessment: Structural Engineering Laboratory Task
Structural mechanics laboratory tasks. You are required to complete two practicals on topics such as shear flow, shear centre and moment distribution method.
Attendance is compulsory for this assessment.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
The use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is prohibited during this assessment.
Assessment: End of semester examination
Examination (Written) will involve descriptive questions and problems in all of the
topics covered in the whole of this unit. You will use the principles taught in this unit
to describe concepts and/or principles and solve problems in mathematics, structural mechanics and structural analysis.
The use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is prohibited during this assessment
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
Learning material in this unit will be managed from its Canvas site. There are also two reference textbooks.
Resource Materials
Reference book(s)
- Hibbeler, R.C. 2023. Mechanics of Materials (in SI Units), Eleventh Edition. Pearson,
(does not need to be purchased). - Hibbeler, R.C. 2024. Structural Analysis (in SI Units), Eleventh Edition. Pearson,
(does not need to be purchased).
Software
- SPACE GASS software (Student Version)
Risk Assessment Statement
- You will undertake lectures and tutorials in the traditional classrooms and lecture theatres of QUT. You will follow all legitimate instructions of staff in accordance with QUT workplace health and safety requirements.
- You are required to have completed a valid Undergraduate Health, Safety and Environment Induction course before conducting the two practicals scheduled in Week 6 and 8. In all laboratory practicals you will be advised of requirements of safe and responsible behaviour and you are required to wear appropriate protective items (e.g. covered shoes or steel capped shoes and eye protection).
Standards/Competencies
This unit is designed to support your development of the following standards\competencies.
Engineers Australia Stage 1 Competency Standard for Professional Engineer
1: Knowledge and Skill Base
Relates to: Mathematical and Structural Mechanics Problem Solving Task, End of semester examination
Relates to: Mathematical and Structural Mechanics Problem Solving Task, End of semester examination
Relates to: Mathematical and Structural Mechanics Problem Solving Task, Structural Engineering Laboratory Task, End of semester examination
Relates to: Structural Engineering Laboratory Task
2: Engineering Application Ability
Relates to: Mathematical and Structural Mechanics Problem Solving Task, End of semester examination
Relates to: Structural Engineering Laboratory Task, End of semester examination
Relates to: Mathematical and Structural Mechanics Problem Solving Task, Structural Engineering Laboratory Task, End of semester examination
Relates to: Structural Engineering Laboratory Task
3: Professional and Personal Attributes
Relates to: Mathematical and Structural Mechanics Problem Solving Task, Structural Engineering Laboratory Task
Relates to: Structural Engineering Laboratory Task
Course Learning Outcomes
This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.EN01 Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)
- Engage stakeholders professionally and communicate the outcomes of your work effectively to expert and non-expert audiences using appropriate modes.
Relates to: ULO6, Mathematical and Structural Mechanics Problem Solving Task, Structural Engineering Laboratory Task - Manage projects to solve complex engineering problems, using appropriate information, engineering methods, and technologies.
Relates to: ULO1 - Deploy appropriate approaches to engineering design and quality.
Relates to: ULO5, Structural Engineering Laboratory Task, End of semester examination - Demonstrate coherent knowledge and skills of physical, mathematical, statistical, computer, and information sciences that are fundamental to professional engineering practice.
Relates to: ULO3, ULO4, Mathematical and Structural Mechanics Problem Solving Task, Structural Engineering Laboratory Task, End of semester examination - Demonstrate a thorough understanding of one engineering discipline, its research directions, and its application in contemporary professional engineering practice.
Relates to: ULO2, Mathematical and Structural Mechanics Problem Solving Task, Structural Engineering Laboratory Task, End of semester examination
EV01 Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)
- Engage stakeholders professionally and communicate the outcomes of your work effectively to expert and non-expert audiences using appropriate modes.
Relates to: Mathematical and Structural Mechanics Problem Solving Task, Structural Engineering Laboratory Task - Deploy appropriate approaches to engineering design and quality.
Relates to: Structural Engineering Laboratory Task, End of semester examination - Demonstrate coherent knowledge and skills of physical, mathematical, statistical, computer, and information sciences that are fundamental to professional engineering practice.
Relates to: Mathematical and Structural Mechanics Problem Solving Task, Structural Engineering Laboratory Task, End of semester examination - Demonstrate a thorough understanding of one engineering discipline, its research directions, and its application in contemporary professional engineering practice.
Relates to: Mathematical and Structural Mechanics Problem Solving Task, Structural Engineering Laboratory Task, End of semester examination