Structural Mechanics unit (ENG208)

Hobart

Introduction

This unit provides students with a comprehensive understanding of structural mechanics and structural analysis. Drawing on fundamental knowledge of equilibrium and the behaviour of structural materials and elements under simple loading conditions, students will learn in detail principles of internal forces, stress-strain relationships, deflections, and failure criteria, extending these to analysis of statically indeterminate frames. Integrating hand calculations with the use of structural frame analysis software, students will develop skills in structural design for strength, serviceability, and stability, forming the analytical foundation for structural design and sustainable infrastructure.

Students will also explore the climate resilience of structures, considering life cycle costs, material sustainability, and long-term environmental impacts. Practical applications will reinforce key design methodologies and compliance with Australian Standards (AS 1170), ensuring students develop the structural analysis expertise required for advanced civil engineering coursework and professional practice.

Summary

Unit name	Structural Mechanics
Unit code	ENG208
Credit points	12.5
College/School	Sciences and Engineering School of Engineering
Discipline	Engineering
Coordinator	Associate Professor Damien Holloway
Available as an elective?	No
Delivered By	University of Tasmania
Level	Intermediate

Availability

Location	Study period	Attendance options		Available to
Hobart	Semester 1

Note

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Key Dates

Study Period	Start date	Census date	WW date	End date
Semester 1	22/02/2027	16/03/2027	19/04/2027	13/06/2027

* The Final WW Date is the final date from which you can withdraw from the unit without academic penalty, however you will still incur a financial liability (refer to How do I withdraw from a unit? for more information).

Unit census dates currently displaying for 2027 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2027 will be available from the 1st October 2026. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).

About Census Dates

Learning Outcomes

• Apply the concepts of stress, strain and internal forces to evaluate the strength and deflections of structural elements.
• Model and analyse the mechanical behaviour of statically indeterminate frame structures using both hand calculations and software.
• Design frame structures that can withstand various loading conditions to ensure strength, serviceability and elastic stability criteria are met.
• Discuss the the implications of climate change over the design life of a structure on structural design.

Fee Information

Field of Education	Commencing Student Contribution 1,3	Grandfathered Student Contribution 1,3	Approved Pathway Course Student Contribution 2,3	Domestic Full Fee 4
030903	$1,235.00	$1,235.00	not applicable	$3,571.00

• Available as a Commonwealth Supported Place
• HECS-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility³
• FEE-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility⁴

¹ Please refer to more information on student contribution amounts.
² Please refer to more information on eligibility and Approved Pathway courses.
³ Please refer to more information on eligibility for HECS-HELP.
⁴ Please refer to more information on eligibility for FEE-HELP.

If you have any questions in relation to the fees, please contact UniConnect or more information is available on StudyAssist.

Please note: international students should refer to What is an indicative Fee? to get an indicative course cost.

Requisites

Prerequisites

ENG106 Civil Engineering Foundations|KMA154

Teaching

Teaching Pattern	1 x 2 hour Lectures per week 1 x 2 hour Tutorials per week 2 hour workshop per fortnight
Assessment	Assessed tutorial problems (10%)|Class Presentation (20%)|Design Assignment (30%)|Examination (40%)
Timetable	View the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable

Textbooks

Required	Australian Standards, including AS 1170 "Structural Design Actions" (Available via the UTAS library)
Recommended	Hibbeler R.C. "Structural Analysis", 11th edition in SI units, Pearson, 2024 (ISBN-13: 9781292469720) (or any other recent SI edition)

The University reserves the right to amend or remove courses and unit availabilities, as appropriate.