🏗️ Advanced Structural Design – Complex Structures

🏗️ Advanced Structural Design – Complex Structures

Course Code: 4029-CIV
Category: Civil Engineering – Advanced Level
Duration: 8 Weeks | 48 Hours
Format: Live/Online + Software Labs + Capstone Project – Lectures – Practical Projects – Case Studies

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📘 Introduction

Modern infrastructure demands the design of increasingly complex structures such as long-span bridges, high-rise towers, and irregular buildings. These projects require advanced understanding of structural behavior, code compliance, and sophisticated modeling techniques. This course delivers the theoretical foundation and practical skills necessary to design and analyze such complex structures using globally recognized standards and software.

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📝 Course Description

This advanced course explores the structural design of complex civil engineering projects, focusing on bridges and high-rise buildings. Participants will engage in real-world problem-solving using advanced structural analysis tools such as SAP2000, ETABS, and AutoCAD. With a combination of lectures, workshops, case studies, and a capstone project, learners will gain hands-on experience in designing resilient and efficient structural systems under various load conditions, including seismic and wind forces. The course is aligned with international design codes like ACI, AASHTO, and Eurocode.

🎯 Objectives

• To deepen understanding of structural mechanics in complex configurations.

• To develop the ability to choose and apply appropriate design codes.

• To perform advanced computer-based modeling and simulation.

• To design sustainable, resilient structures considering real-world constraints.

• To promote collaboration through structured project-based learning.

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🧭 Course Modules & Detailed Weekly Breakdown

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📍Module 1: Introduction to Complex Structural Design (Week 1)

• Definition and classification of complex structures.

• Challenges in designing bridges and high-rise buildings.

• Structural behavior of non-conventional forms.

• Overview of international design codes (ACI, Eurocode, AASHTO).

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📍Module 2: Bridge Design Fundamentals (Week 2)

• Types of bridges: Beam, Arch, Suspension, Cable-Stayed.

• Selection criteria for bridge type based on site conditions.

• Load considerations: Dead, live, temperature, seismic, wind.

• Design standards for highway and railway bridges.

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📍Module 3: Structural Analysis for Bridges (Week 3)

• Load path and stress distribution.

• Analysis of superstructure and substructure.

• Design of:

  • Bridge piers and abutments.

  • Deck slabs and girders.

  • Expansion joints and bearings.

• Software Workshop: SAP2000 – Bridge Modeling Basics.

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📍Module 4: High-Rise Building Design – Part I (Week 4)

• Introduction to tall buildings’ structural systems:

  • Moment-resisting frames.

  • Shear walls.

  • Core and outrigger systems.

• Wind load analysis:

  • Codes and wind tunnel data.

  • Lateral drift and comfort criteria.

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📍Module 5: High-Rise Building Design – Part II (Week 5)

• Seismic behavior of tall buildings.

• Foundation systems:

  • Deep foundations (piles, caissons).

  • Raft foundations and interaction effects.

• Detailing and ductility considerations.

• Case Study: Analysis of a real-world tall building design.

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📍Module 6: Advanced Structural Modeling with Software (Week 6)

• Introduction to SAP2000 and ETABS advanced features.

• Nonlinear analysis:

  • P-Delta effects.

  • Material nonlinearity.

• Modeling complex load combinations.

• Workshop:

  • 3D modeling of high-rise or bridge structure.

  • Load case definition and result interpretation.

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📍Module 7: Integration and Optimization in Structural Design (Week 7)

• Optimization techniques for material efficiency.

• Performance-Based Design (PBD) principles.

• Use of Building Information Modeling (BIM) in structural detailing.

• Coordination with MEP and architectural constraints.

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📍Module 8: Final Project & Case Studies (Week 8)

• Group Capstone Project:

  • Design and analysis of a complex structure (bridge or tower).

  • Structural modeling, loading, and performance assessment.

  • Generation of detailed design drawings and documentation.

• Presentations and peer review.

• Case studies:

  • Structural failures and lessons learned.

  • Iconic complex structures worldwide.

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🏆 Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, participants will:

1. Design and analyze bridges and tall buildings using international codes.

2. Perform comprehensive load analysis including wind, seismic, and dynamic effects.

3. Apply structural modeling and design principles using professional-grade software.

4. Create design documentation, including structural drawings and reports.

5. Critically assess structural performance and apply optimization techniques.

6. Collaborate on a real-life project simulation and present design solutions.

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