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This course is part of the Structural Earthquake Engineering for Buildings Certificate Program.

INSTRUCTORS: 
Finley A. Charney, Ph.D., P.E., F.ASCE F.SEI
Justin D. Marshall, Ph.D., P.E., M.ASCE

Purpose and Background

This course introduces the fundamental concepts of earthquake engineering and provides the foundation for understanding the analysis and design requirements in ASCE 7. Covered in the course are seismic hazard analysis, structural dynamics, development of response spectra, inelastic behavior of structures, seismic resistant structural systems, and seismic load analysis.

Benefits and Learning Outcomes

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

• Explain the process under which the seismic loading requirements of ASCE 7 are developed.
• Describe the primary motivating factor used in earthquake design.
• Match the scientific principles of earthquake engineering and how they relate to dynamic effects, quantification of ground motions, inclusion of inelastic effects, and prediction of response using structural analysis.
• Apply lessons learned from previous earthquakes to development of good practices in building codes and building construction.
• Use the USGS Ground Motion Tool to obtain ground shaking parameters. Quantify the effects of ground shaking and mitigate the ground shaking hazards that result from earthquakes.
• Discuss how geological processes generate earthquakes, and investigate the best ways to mitigate the various hazards that results from earthquakes.
• Match a building made of different materials to the damping they would likely exhibit.
• Recall concepts of resonance, frequency/period of vibration, and damping, procedures used to estimate the expected intensity of ground shaking at a given site, and why inelastic response is necessary in seismic design, and how building codes use the “equal displacement concept” to accommodate inelastic behavior without the need for advanced nonlinear analysis procedures.
• Identify the advantages and disadvantages of the various structural systems that are allowed in seismic design and methods of structural analysis that are provided by ASCE 7.
• Recognize ways in which configuration irregularities, excessive torsional response, and lack of redundancy can have severe consequences on the seismic performance of building structures.

Assessment of Learning Outcomes

Achievement of the learning outcomes by attendees will be assessed through (3) exams.

Who Should Attend?

• Practicing engineers
• Building code officials
• Architects
• Developers

How to Earn your CEUs/PDHs

This course is worth 2.4 CEUs/24 PDHs. To receive your certificate of completion, you will need to complete (3) exams and receive a passing score of 70% or higher.

How do I convert CEUs to PDHs?

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

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Course Outline

Week 1: Introduction to Earthquake Engineering for Structures
Introduction to Earthquake Engineering for Structures
Earthquake Engineering Motivating Factors
Basic Earthquake Principles
Learning Exercise
Basic Analysis and Design
Conclusion

Week 2: Lessons Learned from Previous Earthquakes
Introduction to Lessons Learned from Previous Earthquakes
Past Earthquakes and Associated Damage and Casualties
Haiti and Chile Earthquakes
Learning Exercise
Recent U.S. Earthquakes
Learning Exercise
Historical Central and Eastern U.S. Earthquakes
What to Expect from “the Big One”
Conclusion

Week 3: Ground Motions and Their Effects
Introduction to Ground Motion
Plate Tectonics
Learning Exercise
Fault Mechanisms and Seismic Waves
Measuring Earthquakes
Learning Exercise
Hazard and Hazard Mitigation
Learning Exercise
Conclusion

Week 4: Structural Dynamics
Introduction to Structural Dynamics
Single Degree of Freedom (SDOF)
Undamped Equations of Motion and Damped Free Vibration
Learning Exercise
Harmonic Loading
Elastic Response Spectrum
Learning Exercise
Multiple Degree of Freedom (MDOF)
Conclusion
Exam: Week 1-4

Week 5: Seismic Hazard Analysis
Introduction to Seismic Hazard Analysis
Risk and Hazard
Learning Exercise
Deterministic and Probabilistic Approaches
USGS Ground Motion Data
USGS Seismic Probabilistic Hazard Maps
Learning Exercise
ASCE 7 Seismic Hazard Maps and USGS Ground Motion Tool
Conclusion

Week 6: Inelastic Behavior
Introduction to Inelastic Behavior
Why Inelastic Behavior is Important
Sources of Inelastic Behavior
Ductility
Learning Exercise
Capacity Based Design
Equal Displacement of Inelastic Design Response Spectra
Learning Exercise
Conclusion

Week 7: ASCE 7 Overview
Introduction to ASCE 7
ASCE 7 Evolution
Current Code Development Process
Learning Exercise
ASCE 7 Chapter Layout
ASCE 7 Relationship with Other Building Cods
Conclusion

Week 8: Structural Systems and Detailing Requirements I
Introduction to Structural Systems and Detailing Requirements I
Structural Steel
Learning Exercises
Reinforced Concrete
Learning Exercise
Conclusion
Exam: Week 5-8

Week 9: Structural Systems and Detailing Requirements II
Introduction to Structural Systems and Detailing Requirements II
Precast Concrete
Masonry
Wood
Dual Systems
Learning Exercise
Conclusion

Week 10: Avoiding Problems
Introduction to Avoiding Problems
Configuration Irregularities
Torsional Behavior
Lack of Redundancy
Learning Exercise
Consequences Observed in Actual Earthquakes
ASCE 7s “Award-Penalty” System
Conclusion

Week 11: Seismic Load Analysis
Introduction to Seismic Load Analysis
Selection of Analysis Methods
Equivalent Lateral Force Method
Learning Exercise
Modal Response Spectrum Method
Learning Exercise
Other Methods
Evaluation of Results of Analysis
Conclusion

Week 12: Structural Analysis and Modeling Issues
Introduction to Structural Analysis and Modeling Issues
Effective Seismic Weight
2D vs 3D Models
Learning Exercise
Diaphragm Rigidity
Section Properties and Other considerations
Learning Exercise
Conclusion
Exam: Week 9-12