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INSTRUCTOR: 
C. Raj Sundararajan, Ph.D., M.ASCE

Purpose and Background

This is an intermediate level course. Learn how to compute the natural frequencies, mode shapes and forced-vibration response of structures and structural components. Benchmarking analytical results with test results or field data is also taught. A variety of methods for reducing excessive vibrations in new as well as existing structures are discussed (frequency separation techniques, variety of dampers, vibration absorbers (tuned-mass dampers), vibration isolators). Rotating equipment and foundations, earth-quake analysis, blast loads, vibration isolation, structure-fluid systems and flow-induced vibrations are also discussed.

Emphasis of the course is not on derivation of equations but on assumptions and limitations of various analysis technique, and guidelines on when to use which method. Twenty (20) worked out example problems and five (5) case studies are presented to illustrate analysis and design. The detailed step-by-step analysis/design example problems will serve as a useful guide for your projects. Participants will receive a comprehensive set of notes and a textbook as reference materials. There will also be ample opportunity to interact with the instructor and discuss their questions.

The course may be divided into six parts:

1. Structural vibration fundamentals,
2. Analysis techniques,
3. Synthesis of analysis and test results,
4. Designing for dynamic forces,
5. Applications in residential and commercial buildings and industrial facilities, and
6. Example case histories.

Benefits and Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, you will be able to:

• Compute natural frequencies of simple and complex structures
• Compute structural response to dynamic loads
• Compute structural response to base excitations (for example earth-quakes)
• Design vibration absorbers (tuned-mass dampers)
• Design vibration isolators
• Design foundations for rotating equipment
• Troubleshoot and modify existing structures to reduce unacceptable levels of vibration

Assessment of Learning Outcomes

Assessment of the learning outcomes will be addressed via in-class handouts and discussions of example problems. Frequent classroom question and answer discussions are encouraged at the conclusion of each presentation. A short post-test will also be given.

Who Should Attend?

Engineers and engineering supervisors who are responsible for designing or qualifying structures and structural components subjected to dynamic forces and those responsible for auditing, reviewing, or approving vibration analysis tasks will benefit from the course.

Those with very little experience in vibration analysis, as well as those with some years of experience, will find the course useful.

Outline

Day 1

Structural Vibration Fundamentals

• Free vibration and forced vibration
• Analysis models for structural dynamic systems
• Types of damping
• Types of dynamic forces
• Representation of dynamic forces in the time and frequency domains

Analysis Techniques

• One-degree-of-freedom systems - Natural frequency and critical damping - Harmonic forces and the concept of resonance - Transient forces - Dynamic amplification factor - Forces transmitted to foundations - Base excitation- Response spectra
• Multiple-degrees-of-freedom systems - Natural frequencies and mode shapes - Direct time-history analysis - Modal time-history analysis - Response spectrum analysis

Day 2

Practical aspects of finite element modeling and analysis of vibration problems

• This is not a course on finite element analysis. Course concentrates on the special aspects of modeling and analyzing complex structures for vibration analysis. Advantages and disadvantages of different methods of analysis such as coupled and decoupled analysis, and time-domain analysis and frequency-domain analysis are discussed with guidelines on which methods are best suited for what types of problems. Guidelines for mesh size, cut-off frequency and time-steps are also presented.

Modal Testing

• Test procedure
• Interpretation of test data
• Determination of natural frequencies, mode shapes and damping

Synthesis of Analysis and Test Results

• Test-analysis correlation
• Fine tuning finite element models using test data

Structural response to earthquakes

Representation of base excitation

• Time-history analysis
• Response spectrum analysis

Structural response to blast loads

• Blast load computation
• Dynamic response analysis

Floor vibration due to machinery and human activities

• Rotating machinery vibrations
• Soil stiffness, soil damping and foundation design for rotating machines

Day 3

Vibration Absorbers (tuned-mass dampers)

• Basic concepts, types of absorbers and design procedure

Vibration Isolators

• Basic concepts, types of isolators and design procedure

Designing for Dynamic Forces

• Design aspects are discussed throughout the course. Here the different strategies of reducing vibration are summarized and relative merits discussed with practical examples.

Special Topics

• Basic concepts and overview of the following special topics are presented:
  • Fluid-structure systems
  • Flow-induced vibrations

Numerical Examples

• Twenty detailed, step-by-step worked out examples of analysis and design are presented at appropriate places throughout the course

Case Studies

• Five case histories are presented to demonstrate how the various concepts and methods presented in the course are applied in complex vibration projects. These projects are solved as group exercise to get participants working on complex projects with guidance from instructor.

How to Earn your CEUs/PDHs

This online course is worth 2.1 CEUs/21 PDHs. 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 30 days of the course.

How do I convert CEUs to PDHs?

1.0 CEU = 10 PDHs [Example: 0.1 CEU = 1 PDH]