On-Demand Course

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INSTRUCTOR: Finley A. Charney, Ph.D., P.E., F. ASCE

Purpose and Background

This course is closely tied to the ASCE 7-05 and 2006 IBC seismic load requirements, will benefit all structural engineers who would like to improve their earthquake engineering skills through mastery of the fundamental principles. It will be of value to engineers at all levels of experience. The course focuses on fundamental concepts, and is designed for practicing structural and architectural engineers, contractors, building officials, facilities managers, and educators. You will: understand the cause and effect of earthquake ground motions; develop a feel for the dynamic behavior of structures; understand the principles of dynamic analysis of structures; understand why inelastic behavior and associated damage may be unavoidable; learn how to control damage through special detailing procedures, and develop a clear understanding of the theory behind the complex building code provisions for earthquake resistant design.

Assessment of Learning Outcomes

Students' achievement of the learning outcomes will be assessed via a short post-assessment (true-false, multiple choice and fill in the blank questions).

Course Outline

  • Course Introduction
  • Earthquake Ground Motions and their Effects
  • Development of Earthquake Response Spectra
  • Seismic Hazard Maps
  • Inelastic Behavior
  • Overview ASCE-7 Seismic Load Provisions
  • Basic Requirements for Seismic Design
  • Selection of Structural Systems
  • Seismic Load Analysis using Equivalent Lateral Forces and Modal Analysis
  • Computer Modeling of Structures
  • Torsion and Orthogonal Loading Requirements
  • Load Combinations
  • Drift and P-Delta Effects
  • Detailing Requirements for Steel and Concrete Structures

How to Earn your PDHs and Receive Your Certificate of Completion

To receive your certificate of completion, you will need to complete a short on-line post-test and receive a passing score of 70% or higher within 1 year of purchasing the course.