Introduction to Structural Engineering

Instructor: Abdoul Aziz Sandotin Coulibaly
Instructor Email: acoulibaly@ucsd.edu
Dates: July 7 - July 27
Schedule: 9am - 4pm (Lunch from 11:30am - 1:30pm)
Location: TBD
Room: TBD

Course Description

This course serves as an introduction to structural engineering. Structures are omnipresent in our lives whether we are talking about bridges, dams, roads, tunnels, towers, residential buildings, or even our homes. Thus, understanding the nuanced and meticulous work of structural engineers in ensuring satisfactory performance under different loading conditions is pivotal for students. Beginning with an overview of the field, the course addresses the necessity of structural engineers, unveils structural design specifications, and outlines the requisite conditions for ensuring structural safety. Next, critical issues in structural design and prevention of failure are comprehensively explored. The course delves into categorizing structures and explains how structural engineers simplify complex structures into easy to analyze models.Moreover, natural, and human-induced loadings on structures are investigated through
idealization, and the course culminates in an examination of different materials which are fundamental constituents to a structure's ability to withstand various loads. At last, the students will conduct a K’nex building experiment, crafting miniature structures that will undergo simulated earthquakes on a small shake table. This hands-on approach offers students valuable practical experience in structural dynamics.

Learning Outcome

Upon completion of the course, students will understand how structures are engineered. They will comprehend the theories and considerations underpinning the assembly of components that uphold those structures. Students will identify tension, compression, and bending forces in structures. They will be familiar with the load managing mechanism in structures and will recognize the roles of materials like steel and concrete in enhancing structural strength. Furthermore, they will grasp the paramount importance of safety in building design and the adherence to engineering guidelines for creating secure structures. The course aims to inspire students to consider pursuing a career in structural engineering.

Course Topics

1. INTRODUCTION TO STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING AND FUNDAMENTALS OF STRUCTURAL DESIGN
   1. What is the purpose of a structure?
   2. What is the importance and the goal of a structural engineer
   3. Design, Process and Consideration
   4. Capacity, Demand, Factor of Safety
      
      
2. STRUCTURAL REPRESENTATION
   1. Types of Structural Elements
      1. Beam
      2. Columns
      3. Trusses
      4. Frames
   2. Structural Idealization
      1. Types of Supports and Their Characteristics
      2. Free Body Diagram
         
         
3. TYPE OF LOADING
   1. Dead Load
   2. Live Load
   3. Environmental Loads
      1. Wind Loading
      2. Earthquake Loading
   4. Impact Loading
   5. Concentrated Load
   6. Distributed Loads
   7. Load Combination
   8. Load Path
      
      
4. EQUILIBRIUM: INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL FORCES IN BEAMS AND FRAMES
   1. Axial Forces: Tension and Compression
   2. Transverse Forces: Shear Force and Bending Moment
      
      
5.  STRUCTURAL MATERIAL PROPERTIES
   1. Types of materials 1: Steel
   2. Type of materials 2: Concrete
      
      
6. DEFLECTION OF STRUCTURES
   
   
7. ILLUSTRATIVE APPLICATION EXAMPLES
   1. K’nex Building Experiment (built by the students) subjected to an input ground
      motion.

Prerequisites 

Students should be curious and engage in the in-class activities and the practical assignments given to them. It would be great; but not required for the students to have basics mathematics and physics understanding

*Courses vary by experience and exposure to content. Instructors have the ability to change content and pace to serve the needs of students. Courses have been modified for online teaching.