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Unit of study_
CIVL1810: Engineering Construction and Surveying
2026 unit information
This unit introduces students to the realities of on-site civil construction and develops a fundamental understanding of the construction materials, methods, and techniques that underpin civil engineering design. It complements the analytical knowledge gained in units such as Structural Mechanics and Soil Mechanics by showing how engineering concepts are applied during the delivery of infrastructure projects. Students are introduced to the principles of engineering construction, including the design, control, management, measurement and construction methods associated with excavation, embankments, earthworks, hauling and related operations. The unit also provides a conceptual introduction to building construction methods and materials, reinforced concrete, masonry, steel and timber, as well as the principles of drilling and blasting. The unit further introduces the fundamentals of engineering surveying and the critical role it plays in planning and delivering civil engineering projects. Students gain experience with traditional methods of measuring distance, angles and height; develop an understanding of three-dimensional mapping using electronic total stations and digital data capture; and explore the growing applications of GPS and GIS in modern practice. By the end, students will have developed foundational competency in earthworks engineering and an appreciation of the economic considerations that influence construction planning. Through case studies, they will explore the optimisation of construction systems and methods, including estimating project outputs, evaluating unit costs and assessing productivity, alongside the principles of vertical construction in reinforced concrete, steel and timber. Students will also design and implement mapping systems using both traditional and electronic field equipment supported by industry-standard software (AutoCAD and Revit).
Unit details and rules
Managing faculty or University school:
Engineering
| Study level | Undergraduate |
|---|---|
| Academic unit | Civil Engineering |
| Credit points | 6 |
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Prerequisites:
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None |
|---|---|
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Corequisites:
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None |
| Prohibitions:
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CIVL2810 |
| Assumed knowledge:
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CIVL1900. Some statistical awareness is an advantage and co-enrolment in MATH1005 Statistics is advised. HSC Mathematics Extension 1 or completion of (MATH1021 and MATH1002) or MATH1061 are sufficient for non-statistical maths preparation |
At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:
- LO1. Ability to convey complex technical information clearly and concisely.
- LO2. Skill in organizing ideas logically and presenting them in a structured format.
- LO3. Competence in using appropriate language and terminology for the target audience.
- LO4. Ability to create, modify, and annotate 2D drawings using AutoCAD software.
- LO5. Skill in accurately dimensioning and scaling drawings to industry standards.
- LO6. Knowledge of AutoCAD tools and commands relevant to civil engineering design and drafting.
- LO7. Understanding the impact of construction projects and aspects to be considered in selecting methods and materials.
- LO8. Understanding the principles and theories related to excavation, embankments, and other earthwork operations.
- LO9. Knowledge of geotechnical investigation techniques and their role in assessing soil conditions for earthwork projects.
- LO10. Understanding equipment selection, operation, and maintenance for earthwork activities.
- LO11. Knowledge of surveying techniques and equipment used for stakeout, elevation control, and as-built surveys in earthwork projects.
- LO12. Understanding of environmental regulations and sustainability practices relevant to earthwork projects.
- LO13. Understanding common building materials' properties, characteristics, and applications, such as concrete and steel.
- LO14. Ability to comprehend and apply construction methods and techniques specific to reinforced concrete and steel structures.
- LO15. Familiarity with local and international building codes and regulations related to reinforced concrete and steel structures.
- LO16. Familiarities with surveying instruments' types, components, and operations, such as total stations, theodolites, levels, and EDM (Electronic Distance Measurement) devices.
- LO17. Ability to select and employ appropriate methods for distance measurement, including tape measures, electronic distance measurement, and laser-based technologies.
- LO18. Understanding of angular units, principles of angular measurement, and the use of theodolites and total stations for precise angle measurements.
- LO19. Skill in setting up and operating theodolites or total stations to measure horizontal and vertical angles.
- LO20. Competence in planning and organizing surveying tasks, including selecting appropriate methods for distance, angle, and height measurements based on project requirements.
- LO21. Knowledge of the basic principles and functioning of GPS, including satellite constellations, signals, and positioning methods.
Unit availability
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