Unit outline_

CIVL6267: Steel Structures - Adv Analysis and Design

Semester 1, 2026 [Normal evening] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

This Unit covers: a) Principles of the design of cold-formed steel structural members, where reference is made to the Australian Standard AS/NZS4600, explaining the underlying theory for its provisions; and b) The behaviour of steel columns under transverse impact loads, where reference is made to design procedures established in the research literature. The objectives are to provide students with advanced knowledge of steel structural design and confidence to apply the underlying principles to solve a wide range of structural steel problems. This Unit will provide students with the following knowledge and skills: An understanding of the basic principles of reliability based design on steel structures; An understanding of the relationship between structural analysis and design provisions; An understanding of the background to the design provisions for cold-formed steel structures; Proficiency in applying the provisions of AS/NZS4600 to columns and beams; An understanding of the behaviour of steel columns under transverse impact; Proficiency in performing structural analyses of steel columns subjected to transverse impact loads. Syllabus Summary: Limit states design philosophy and approaches, Loading standards, Methods of analysis, Interrelationship between analysis and design, Flexural members section and member capacity, Compression members section and member capacity, Plastic collapse mechanisms and Impact resistance, of structural steel members.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Civil Engineering
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
None
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
CIVL5267
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator Cao Hung Pham, caohung.pham@sydney.edu.au
The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2026
Type Description Weight Due Length Use of AI
Written exam Final written exam
Final written exam
50% Formal exam period 2 hours AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed: LO3 LO5 LO1 LO2 LO4
Practical skill EWM assignment
EWM assignment
20% Week 05
Due date: 27 Mar 2026 at 23:59
- AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO4
Practical skill DSM assignment
DSM assignment
10% Week 08
Due date: 24 Apr 2026 at 23:59
- AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO4
Practical skill Impact assignment
Impact assignment
20% Week 12
Due date: 22 May 2026 at 23:59
- AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO3 LO5

Assessment summary

    
 

Assessment criteria

As per University policy

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

  • Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
  • After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 Effective width design to AS/NZS4600 Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4
Effective width design to AS/NZS4600 Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4
Week 02 Effective width design to AS/NZS4600 Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4
Effective width design to AS/NZS4600 Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4
Week 03 Effective width design to AS/NZS4600 Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4
Effective width design to AS/NZS4600 Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 04 Effective width design to AS/NZS4600 Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4
Effective width design to AS/NZS4600 Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 05 DSM design to AS/NZS4600 Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4
DSM design to AS/NZS4600 Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4
Week 06 DSM design to AS/NZS4600 Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4
DSM design to AS/NZS4600 Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4
Week 07 DSM design to AS/NZS4600 Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4
DSM design to AS/NZS4600 Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4
Week 08 Impacts on steel structures Lecture (1 hr) LO3 LO5
Impacts on steel structures Tutorial (2 hr) LO3 LO5
Week 09 Impacts on steel structures Lecture (1 hr) LO3 LO5
Impacts on steel structures Tutorial (2 hr) LO3 LO5
Week 10 Impacts on steel structures Lecture (1 hr) LO3 LO5
Impacts on steel structures Tutorial (2 hr) LO3 LO5
Week 11 Impacts on steel structures Lecture (1 hr) LO3 LO5
Impacts on steel structures Tutorial (2 hr) LO3 LO5
Week 12 Impacts on steel structures Lecture (1 hr) LO3 LO5
Impacts on steel structures Tutorial (2 hr) LO3 LO5

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. understand the relationship between structural analysis and design provisions
  • LO2. understand the background to the design provisions for cold-formed steel structures
  • LO3. understand the behaviour of steel columns under transverse impact
  • LO4. demonstrate proficiency in applying the provisions of AS/NZS4600 to columns and beams
  • LO5. demonstrate proficiency in performing structural analyses of steel columns subjected to transverse impact loads

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1 Depth of disciplinary expertise

Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.

GQ2 Critical thinking and problem solving

Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.

GQ3 Oral and written communication

Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.

GQ4 Information and digital literacy

Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.

GQ5 Inventiveness

Generating novel ideas and solutions.

GQ6 Cultural competence

Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.

GQ7 Interdisciplinary effectiveness

Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.

GQ8 Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity

An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.

GQ9 Influence

Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes Graduate qualities
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

The final written exam is reintroduced for the first time since 2019, with a weighting of 50%. The assessment weights for the three assignments are now: Assignment 1 (20%), Assignment 2 (10%), and Assignment 3 (20%).

Disclaimer

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