CIV2235 Structural materials
Faculty of Engineering
CIV2235 Structural materials is a level 2, 6-credit-point, undergraduate unit from the Faculty of Engineering, offered in 2026 in Semester 2 at Clayton and Malaysia. It needs ENG1011 or ENG1001 and unlocks 2 units, leading on to 4 units in all.
- Credit points
- 6
- Offered in 2026
- Semester 2
- Clayton, Malaysia
- Assessment
- Exam 50%
- and 3 other tasks
- Workload
- 144 hours
- per semester
This is the 2026 handbook entry. See the 2027 entry.
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Requisites
Before CIV2235
Prerequisites
Pass these before you enrol.
Prohibitions
You can't enrol if you have passed any of these.
After CIV2235
2 units list CIV2235 as a prerequisite or corequisite.
Enrolment rules
E6011 Master of Professional Engineering - You are exempt from the prerequisite rule if you are enrolled in this course.
Overview
This unit introduces you to fundamental concepts in the common structural materials including concrete, steel, timber, and masonry. The major topics include concrete technology and the durability of concrete structures, sustainability considerations in concrete technology, the handling and placement of concrete components, the mechanical properties of different steels and steel connectors (bolts and welds), the behaviour of steel materials under fire, and the mechanical properties of timber and masonry materials. Additionally, you will gain knowledge about various structural loads and load combinations, and estimation of material quality based on statistical theory. Finally, you will learn about some significant case studies of structural failures which will reinforce the importance of material behaviours on structural safety.
Offerings in 2026
| Teaching period | Campus | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| Second semester | Clayton | On campus |
| Second semester | Malaysia | On campus |
Assessment
- Weekly practice classExerciseThreshold hurdle15%
- ProjectThreshold hurdle20%
- TestsQuiz / TestThreshold hurdle15%
- Final assessmentExaminationThreshold hurdle50%
Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.
Learning outcomes
When you finish this unit, you should be able to:
- 1
Describe types of cements, aggregates, and admixtures in concrete and their effect on the properties of fresh and hardened concrete, with the consideration of sustainability goals in construction.
- 2
Formulate concrete mixes for various applications.
- 3
Describe the properties and behaviour of structural steel, unreinforced masonry and timber for structural design.
- 4
Formulate the main loads and load combinations relevant to structural design.
- 5
Estimate material quality based on statistical theory (sampling distributions), through hypothesis testing and formulation.
- 6
Appraise the structural behaviour of material specimens, and discuss and communicate findings through team-based reporting.
Workload and teaching
- Laboratories4 hours
- Practical activities24 hours
- Applied sessions2 hours
- Workshops24 hours
- Teaching approachActive learning
The minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of 3-6 hours of scheduled learning activities and 6-9 hours of independent study per week. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher-directed learning, peer-directed learning and online engagement. Independent study may include associated readings, assessment and preparation for scheduled activities.
This unit is delivered in a flipped learning mode, in which the content is supplied prior to the lecture through online videos. The lecture is then an active session in which the learning for the week is consolidated further by application to problem-solving.
Learning resources
Required resources
Materials Science and Engineering: An Introduction by W. Callister Jr., Concrete Technology by A. Neville, Australian Standards 3600
Recommended resources
Structures: Or Why Things Don't Fall Down by J E Gordon, The New Science Of Strong Materials by J E Gordon.
Where it fits
CIV2235 is part of 2 areas of study in the 2026 handbook.
Contacts
- Chief Examiners
- Dr Phu Nguyen
- Unit Coordinators
- Dr Phu Nguyen
- Professor Sudharshan Raman
Common questions
What are the prerequisites for CIV2235?
You need ENG1011 or ENG1001 before you enrol. Enrolment rules also apply.
What can I take after CIV2235?
CIV2235 is a prerequisite or corequisite for 2 units, including CIV3221 and CIV3294. Those lead on to 4 units in all.
When is CIV2235 offered?
In 2026, CIV2235 runs in Semester 2 at Clayton and Malaysia.
How much work is CIV2235?
The handbook expects about 144 hours of study across the semester. No students have rated its difficulty yet.
Does CIV2235 have an exam?
Yes. The exam is worth 50% of the final mark, alongside 3 other tasks.
Which majors and minors include CIV2235?
CIV2235 is part of Civil engineering.