Advanced Certificate in Bridge Engineering

The course addresses risk and decision analysis for geotechnical and structural engineering systems based on statistics and reliability modeling. Students learn to make probabilistic predictions of the behavior of geotechnical and structural engineering systems by characterizing and quantifying the uncertainties associated with the material properties and external forces, and propagating them through the relevant prediction equations.

This course is the first of a two-course sequence on Structural Dynamics and Earthquake Engineering. The course covers (a) dynamics of lumped parameter single and multi-degree-of-freedom systems under various types of time-dependent loads, (b) seismic response and response spectra, (c) modal analysis, (d) numerical evaluation of response, (e) inelastic systems, and (f) special topics on visco-elastic behavior, damping, simplified nonlinear analysis, capacity and demand spectra, torsion, etc.

This course focuses on behavior and design of structural elements and systems under fire. Topics addressed in this course include fire load, material properties at elevated temperatures, fire resistance of structures, current code guidelines and standards for fire design, analytical tools and risk assessment frameworks for fire. 

This course is an advanced course in reinforced concrete. Topics addressed in the course include concrete materials; moment-curvature relationships; response of components to flexure, axial force and shearing force; anchorage; strut-and-tie models; limit analysis and design of slabs; seismic design of reinforced concrete buildings that include moment frames and/or shear walls; and seismic analysis and design of safety-related nuclear structures. LEC. Prerequisites: CIE 423 (or equivalent) and CIE 429 (or equivalent).

Fundamental principles and design methods for geotechnical earthquake engineering and machine foundations are presented in this course. Topics covered in the course include basic concepts of seismology, earthquakes, strong ground motion, and seismic hazard analysis. The basic principles of wave propagation are used to develop procedures for site response analysis and to provide insight into such important problems as local site effects, liquefaction, seismic slope stability, and seismic design of retaining structures. Analysis and design procedures for dynamically loaded shallow and pile foundations are discussed.

Develop understanding of wind load effects on structures; be able to quantify wind loads and their effects on structures based on basic theories, numerical schemes, experimental methods, full-scale observations and codes & standards.

This course provides state-of-the-art knowledge of advanced concrete materials, including high and ultra-high performance concretes, fiber-reinforced concretes, and strain-hardening cementitious composites. Students learn about the ingredients and the design philosophy behind these materials. Fracture mechanics, scale-linking, and fiber/matrix bond-related concepts that are central for understanding the behaviors of these materials are discussed in detail. Students gain hands-on experience of mixing, processing, and testing high performance concretes. Durability properties of materials are given equally significant attention as the mechanical properties. Basics of Life cycle analysis of structures is presented in the last part of this course as it helps the students to appreciate the importance of the durability of materials, along with the mechanical properties, in determining the long term performance of a structure and its repair and maintenance needs. By completing this course, the instructor’s expectation is that the students will be inspired to seek innovative applications of these materials in both industry and research.

This course surveys emerging technologies, including both software and hardware systems, which are intended to enhance the analysis, design, construction, performance, and asset management of bridges and highway infrastructure. Emphasis is placed on those technologies whose basic knowledge has been established but not yet fully deployed into bridge and infrastructure engineering practice. Examples may include nonlinear analysis methods and design software, energy dissipation and seismic isolation systems, accelerated construction methods, health monitoring, seismic and other retrofit methods and guidelines, integrated project delivery methods, and lifecycle asset management. Presentations by subject area experts complement those given by the instructor.

This course introduces the fundamentals of steel bridge theory, analysis, and design, including single and continuous span bridge structures. Other topics covered in the course include connection design and construction, fatigue analysis, deck design and bearing design. Industry-appropriate software is used for project work.

This course covers the analysis, mechanics, design methods and applications of prestressed concrete for short to medium span bridges. The loads specific to bridge structures, and the response of prestressed concrete structures to these loads will be studied for single and continuous span bridges. Topics include precast, pre-tensioned, and post-tensioned applications, concepts unique to prestressing: prestressing loss, camber, and crack control, selected connection details of precast members, and an overview of precast bridge substructures. Students will also gain an understanding of the reasoning behind key bridge design provisions. Current research and developments in prestressed concrete bridges, maintenance and inspection issues, and accelerated bridge construction techniques will be discussed, as time permits.

This course introduces the basic concepts of seismic (base) isolation and the seismic isolation systems that are widely used in North America. A focus is the analysis and design of individual elastomeric and sliding bearings, and seismic isolation systems. The use of energy dissipation devices as part of the isolation system is also examined. Testing of seismic isolators, project case studies and code provisions are discussed.