Civil engineering construction

An introduction to the nature of civil engineering construction projects. This includes an overview of materials and methodologies in civil construction, as well as the historic approaches and drivers of change. This unit introduces current construction approaches including:

- techniques, plant and equipment for earthworks, structural and pavement construction

- cranes and lifting principles, load charts and lift plans.

- requirements around project cost estimation, project planning and scheduling.

An introduction to key quality management processes in project management will include:

• the role of quality management tools in effective project management
• planning and implementing quality management processes to satisfy the quality requirements of a project
• inspection and testing
• quality management systems with an emphasis on ISO 9000
• organisational and teamwork requirements for quality implementation
• strategic issues in quality management
• auditing and non-conformity.

You will acquire an appreciation for the risks associated with Construction Law and the various contract controls in place and for the dispute and conflict resolution and arbitration processes.

Relevant OHS, site environmental management issues and requirements will also be covered, leading to awareness for safety and the environment. You will gain experience in developing a Safe Work Method Statement, an Aspects and Impacts Risk Register and a minor Environmental Management Plan (EMP) for a typical construction project.

INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE

Clayton campus

Before you can commence the face-to-face teaching component of the unit, you must have completed a minimum of 27 hours of work experience in an industry or government organisation, under the supervision of an engineering manager, project engineer or equivalent. This must be evidenced by a letter from the employer, stating the period of work experience, general tasks observed and/or undertaken, and the name of the reporting supervisor. You are encouraged to obtain this work experience as soon as possible (it must be done before Semester 1 commences), and you must submit evidence of this through Moodle and fill in the Expression of Interest (EOI) form. Suitable industry organisations must be in the civil engineering sector and may include civil engineering consultants, construction companies or service authorities that have, as a minimum, safety, quality and environmental systems that comply with ISO 45001 (Prev ISO 4801), 9001, 14001 or equivalent. Suitable government organisations include local and regional councils and state government organisations that manage civil engineering assets.

If you require assistance to obtain the minimum 4-day work experience, the Department of Civil Engineering will review the industry placement information you submitted in the EOI, and do their best to place you based on available industry places. Typically, approximately 60 places are provided. 

You will also be required to view a compulsory work experience general induction video prior to commencing work. The video is accessible in Moodle.

Malaysia campus

The industry experience component at the Malaysia campus will be fulfilled as an in-semester activity.