CIV2283 - Civil engineering construction - 2019

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 provides an introduction to 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.

  Students 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 an awareness for safety and the environment. Students will gain experience in developing a Safe Work Method Statement and an Aspects & Impacts Risk Register, and a minor Environmental Management Plan (EMP) for a typical construction project.

Compulsory requirements for Industry Work Experience

Industry experience

Before students can commence the face-to-face teaching component of the unit, students must have completed a minimum 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. Students are encouraged to obtain this work experience as soon as possible.

Students who require assistance to obtain the work experience can apply to the Department of Civil Engineering office for an allocated set of a 4-day consecutive block between mid-Jan to end-Feb, which they must attend if they wish to continue with the unit. Students who fail to complete the allocated work experience will be withdrawn from the unit.

Students will also be required to complete a compulsory online work experience general induction prior to commencing the work. Relevant access details will be provided by the Department of Civil Engineering office at the time of enrolment.

*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 18001 (Prev ISO 4801), 9001, 14001 or equivalent. Suitable government organisations include local and regional councils and state government organisations that manage civil engineering assets.

Compulsory White Card

This is a mandatory requirement for all personnel entering a construction site in Australia (1-day training). Students who do not have the industry-accredited Construction OH&S Induction White Card will be provided one on the Saturday prior to the allocated industry placement or Major Project site visit as appropriate. Without a White Card, students will not be permitted to participate in the allocated industry placement nor attend the site visit.

Insurance details

Students can request insurance coverage for an unpaid placement from Monash University using the Course-Related Learning Placement Proposal forms, provided the placement is no more than 80 hours.

Students must do the following:

1. Download and complete:
   • Form 1 (Host Details) (PDF, 0.22MB)Form 1 (Host Details) (PDF, 0.22MB) (https://www.monash.edu/__data/assets/pdf_file/0017/580022/placement-host-form1.pdf)
   • Form 2 (Student Application) (PDF, 0.18MB)Form 2 (Student Application) (PDF, 0.18MB) (https://www.monash.edu/__data/assets/pdf_file/0019/580024/placement-student-application-form2.pdf)
   • ensure that the host organisation complete the "Host details" section in Form 1.
2. Bring both completed forms to Student Services (Ground Floor, 14 Alliance Lane, Clayton campus) or email both forms to eng.cpd@monash.edu for pre-approval. The Engineering department/specialisation must be indicated whenever Faculty information is required on these forms; e.g. "Faculty: Engineering (Civil)". Please ensure all sections of the forms are completed, as incomplete forms will be returned without being processed. If pre-approval by the Faculty is granted, the forms will be stamped, signed and dated, and returned to the students.
3. Take or email their stamped forms to the unit coordinator for his approval and signature. The signed forms will be returned to the students.
4. Send both stamped and signed forms to the Student Academic Experience (SAE) Office: industrybasedexperience@monash.edu. If the application is successful, an insurance letter will be sent to the students within ten working days. Students must present this letter to the host organisation and keep a copy for their own records.

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:

1. Determine general civil road and bridge construction methodology sequencing including the selection of appropriate plant and material and analysis of crane load charts.
2. Determine an appropriate civil construction cost estimate for a specific project through the identification of appropriate work activities and calculation of relevant productivities, quantities and rates.
3. Construct a project schedule in Microsoft Project for a given construction project by applying principles around work breakdown structure and relevant productivities.
4. Construct a Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS), Aspects and Impacts Register, Environmental Management plan and Quality Inspection Test plan; analyse and justify relevant hazards, risks and controls, and comply with relevant specifications.
5. Analyse and justify the selection of a preferred subcontractor from the evaluation of two supplied quotes; formulate an appropriate letter of acceptance and contract documents for the recommended tenderer; execute contract management administration controls to mitigate dispute resolution with other parties.
6. Appraise the use of HSQE and construction management systems in different working contexts and reflect on controls to minimise risks.

Individual assessments (9 topics): 45%

Major project assignment by project groups: 35%

Oral presentations of major project assignment by project groups: 10%

Industry placement report: 10%

2 hours lecture, 2 hours practical class and 5 hours private study per week (including one single site visit during the semester and group hours completing the major project).

Prior to commencing the face-to-face teaching component: minimum 27 hours of industry work experience, 8 hours of White Card training.

See also Unit timetable information

Civil Engineering