Infrastructure Deterioration Modelling
Unit code: HES6192
| Credit points | 12.5 Credit Points |
| Duration | 12 Weeks |
| Contact hours | 48 hours |
| Campus | Hawthorn |
| Prerequisites | PG: UG Civil Degree |
| Corequisites | PG students: Nil |
Related course(s)
A unit of study in the
Aims and objectives
The aim of this unit is to introduce engineering students to the basic principles of infrastructure deterioration, assessment and modelling.
At the completion of this unit, students should be able to:
- Recognise and describe the interaction between material properties, environmental factors and loading or usage on the deterioration mechanisms of the various civil infrastructure systems
- Apply the knowledge gained in assessing the health and/or services of an infrastructure using the appropriate performance measures and identify those reached the terminal levels for maintenance or rehabilitation
- Identify the differences between the practices locally and internationally in infrastructure assessment and the limitations in developing reliable deterioration models
- Independently organize a team to achieve specified objectives within time constraints and produce reports of high standards
- Develop an understanding of the negative impacts deteriorated (functional and structural deterioration) civil infrastructure systems would have on the community, the natural and built environment and the associated costs and appreciate the importance of developing sustainable infrastructure systems and how to apply the principles of sustainability over the whole life of the system
- Develop an appreciation of research effort and innovation in infrastructure condition assessment, modelling and data collection technologies (local and international) and identify areas for possible improvements
Generic skills outcomes
On successful completion of this unit the student should have:
- An understanding of the principles of infrastructure deterioration, assessment and modelling
- The ability to evaluate the present condition of civil infrastructure using appropriate assessment technologies
- An understanding of life cycle performance models
- Highly developed analytical and problem solving skills
- Highly developed teamwork skills
- Highly developed oral and written communication skills
Content
This unit provides an overview of the deterioration of concrete infrastructure, service life modelling, maintenance and upgrade technologies. Main topics covered are:
- Concrete Technology Basics
- Chemical and Physical Deterioration mechanisms
- Construction issues leading to Infrastructure Deterioration and retrofitting technologies (coating, cathodic protection, etc)
- Inspection and assessment; NDT techniques and equipments
- Durability design and service life modelling
Deterioration aspects considered include:
- Deterioration of infrastructure elements and services
- Performance measures used locally and internationally
- Deterioration models, local and overseas experiences
- Inspection and assessment technologies.
