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7.62. Professional Competency Workshop - Structures (Mandatory)

7.62.1. Justification ↑ Back to top

Professional Competency Workshop - Structures is an integrative review course that consolidates and applies the structural engineering competencies developed throughout the Structures specialization track. It revisits mechanics of materials and structural behavior, standardized testing and quality control, structural dynamics and seismic-resistant engineering, reinforced concrete and prestressed concrete design, structural health monitoring technologies, resilient design for natural hazards and climate change, and engineering ethics and professional responsibility, preparing students to face the professional practice of structural engineering as a whole.

7.62.2. Generales Goals ↑ Back to top

1. Review and apply mechanics of materials and structural behavior principles to real structural elements.
2. Apply standardized testing, quality control, and failure analysis methods to structural materials and systems.
3. Analyze the seismic response of structures and apply seismic-resistant design criteria.
4. Design reinforced concrete and prestressed concrete structural elements.
5. Apply structural health monitoring (SHM) and sensor technologies to assess the condition of civil infrastructure.
6. Formulate resilient design solutions for natural hazards and climate change.
7. Apply engineering ethics and professional responsibility principles to structural engineering practice.

7.62.3. Contribution to Outcomes ↑ Back to top

ABET-1) An ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics. (Usage)

ABET-2) An ability to apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors. (Usage)

ABET-6) An ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions. (Usage)

7.62.4. Content ↑ Back to top

7.62.4.1. Mechanics of Materials and Structural Behavior (10 hours) [Skills ABET-1] ↑ Back to top

Bibliography: (Gere and Goodno, 2017; Hibbeler, 2017a)

Topics

1. Stress and strain concepts including normal, shear, and principal stresses
2. Axial loading and deformation of members
3. Torsion of circular and non-circular sections
4. Bending stress and deflection in beams
5. Shear stress distribution in beams
6. Combined loading and stress transformation
7. Buckling of columns and stability analysis
8. Fatigue and fracture mechanics
9. Elastic and plastic behavior of materials
10. Energy methods for structural analysis

Learning Outcomes

1. Define stress, strain, and their relationships through constitutive laws [Familiarity]
2. Calculate stresses and deformations in members under axial loading [Usage]
3. Determine torsional stresses and angles of twist in shafts [Usage]
4. Analyze bending stress distribution and deflection in beams [Assessment]
5. Compute shear stress distribution in beam cross-sections [Usage]
6. Apply stress transformation equations for combined loading conditions [Assessment]
7. Evaluate column stability and calculate critical buckling loads [Assessment]
8. Explain fatigue failure mechanisms and predict fatigue life [Familiarity]
9. Distinguish between elastic and plastic material behavior under loading [Usage]
10. Use energy methods to solve deflection and indeterminate structural problems [Usage]

7.62.4.2. Standardized Testing, Quality Control, and Failure Analysis (6 hours) [Skills ABET-6] ↑ Back to top

Bibliography: (Neville, 2011)

Topics

1. Standard test methods for material characterization and acceptance testing
2. Sampling procedures and representative sample selection
3. Quality control and quality assurance protocols in construction
4. Statistical analysis of test data and acceptance criteria
5. Non-destructive testing methods for materials and structures
6. Advanced material characterization techniques including microscopy and spectroscopy
7. Failure analysis methodology and root cause investigation
8. Forensic engineering and distress evaluation
9. Performance-based testing and specification approaches
10. Certification, compliance, and third-party testing requirements

Learning Outcomes

1. Perform standard material tests according to ASTM or equivalent specifications [Usage]
2. Develop appropriate sampling plans for construction material acceptance [Assessment]
3. Implement quality control procedures for construction materials and processes [Usage]
4. Analyze test data using statistical methods and establish acceptance criteria [Assessment]
5. Apply non-destructive testing techniques for in-situ material evaluation [Familiarity]
6. Utilize advanced characterization techniques to investigate material microstructure [Usage]
7. Conduct systematic failure analysis to determine root causes of material distress [Assessment]
8. Investigate structural failures using forensic engineering methodologies [Assessment]
9. Design performance-based test protocols for innovative materials [Usage]
10. Interpret certification requirements and coordinate third-party testing programs [Familiarity]

7.62.4.3. Structural Dynamics and Earthquake Engineering (10 hours) [Skills ABET-1] ↑ Back to top

Bibliography: (Chopra, 2017)

Topics

1. Single-degree-of-freedom systems and free vibration
2. Forced vibration and harmonic excitation
3. Damping models and energy dissipation mechanisms
4. Response spectrum analysis
5. Earthquake ground motion characteristics and seismicity
6. Multi-degree-of-freedom systems and modal analysis
7. Time-history analysis and numerical integration methods
8. Seismic design philosophy and capacity design principles
9. Base isolation and energy dissipation devices
10. Performance-based seismic design methodology

Learning Outcomes

1. Analyze free vibration of single-degree-of-freedom systems and determine natural frequencies [Assessment]
2. Calculate structural response to harmonic and periodic loads [Usage]
3. Explain the role of damping in reducing dynamic response [Familiarity]
4. Apply response spectrum method for seismic analysis [Usage]
5. Interpret earthquake ground motion parameters and seismic hazard maps [Familiarity]
6. Perform modal analysis for multi-degree-of-freedom systems [Assessment]
7. Conduct time-history analysis using numerical integration techniques [Usage]
8. Design structures following capacity design and ductile detailing principles [Assessment]
9. Evaluate the effectiveness of base isolation and damping systems [Familiarity]
10. Implement performance-based seismic design procedures [Assessment]

7.62.4.4. Seismic Design Code and Structural Configuration Criteria (10 hours) [Skills ABET-2] ↑ Back to top

Bibliography: (Servicio Nacional de Capacitación para la Industria de la Construcción (SENCICO) / Ministerio de Vivienda, 2018a; Bazán and Meli, 2002)

Topics

1. Scope and structure of the Peruvian seismic design code E.030
2. Seismic hazard parameters: seismic zonation (Z), usage factor (U), and soil profile (S)
3. Structural systems and seismic force reduction coefficient (R)
4. Plan structural irregularities: torsional irregularity, re-entrant corners, and diaphragm discontinuity
5. Vertical structural irregularities: soft story, weak story, and mass irregularity
6. Structuring principles: symmetry, redundancy, hyperstaticity, and continuity
7. Minimum base shear and inter-story drift limits

Learning Outcomes

1. Explain the scope and structure of the Peruvian seismic design code E.030 [Familiarity]
2. Determine the seismic hazard parameters (Z, U, S) applicable to a given site [Usage]
3. Select the structural system and corresponding reduction coefficient R [Usage]
4. Classify the plan and vertical structural irregularities of a building [Assessment]
5. Apply structuring principles to propose a regular structural configuration [Usage]
6. Verify the minimum base shear and inter-story drift limits [Assessment]

7.62.4.5. Reinforced Concrete Design (10 hours) [Skills ABET-2] ↑ Back to top

Bibliography: (Wight and MacGregor, 2016; ACI Committee 318, 2019; McCormac and Brown, 2021)

Topics

1. Design philosophy and limit state methodology for concrete structures
2. Flexural design of rectangular and T-beams
3. Shear and torsion design of concrete members
4. Compression members and column design
5. Slab design including one-way and two-way systems
6. Development length and splicing of reinforcement
7. Deflection control and serviceability requirements for concrete beams and slabs

Learning Outcomes

1. Explain limit state design philosophy and load factor combinations [Familiarity]
2. Design reinforced concrete beams for flexure and check serviceability [Assessment]
3. Calculate shear and torsional reinforcement requirements [Usage]
4. Proportion columns for axial load and biaxial bending [Assessment]
5. Design one-way and two-way slab systems with appropriate reinforcement [Usage]
6. Determine development lengths and design lap splices for reinforcing bars [Assessment]
7. Control deflections and verify serviceability requirements through adequate member sizing and reinforcement [Usage]

7.62.4.6. Seismic Detailing of Reinforced Concrete (3 hours) [Skills ABET-2] ↑ Back to top

Bibliography: (Wight and MacGregor, 2016; ACI Committee 318, 2019; Moehle, 2015)

Topics

1. Beam-column joints and moment-resisting frame connections
2. Seismic detailing and ductile design of concrete structures
3. Design of special reinforced concrete structural walls (shear walls) for seismic lateral force resistance
4. Special seismic detailing provisions for reinforced concrete moment-resisting frames

Learning Outcomes

1. Detail beam-column joints for moment transfer and shear resistance [Assessment]
2. Implement seismic detailing requirements for ductile concrete frames [Assessment]
3. Design special reinforced concrete structural walls for combined axial, flexural, and shear demands under seismic loading [Assessment]
4. Apply special seismic detailing provisions to reinforced concrete moment frame members and beam-column joints [Usage]

7.62.4.7. Prestressed Concrete Analysis (3 hours) [Skills ABET-2] ↑ Back to top

Bibliography: (Wight and MacGregor, 2016; ACI Committee 318, 2019; Moehle, 2015)

Topics

1. Prestressed concrete principles and pre-tensioning methods
2. Elastic analysis of stresses in prestressed concrete sections under service loads
3. Composite prestressed concrete sections: precast members with cast-in-place topping
4. Immediate and time-dependent losses of prestress

Learning Outcomes

1. Apply prestressing principles to design pre-tensioned members [Usage]
2. Analyze stresses in prestressed concrete sections under service loads using elastic theory [Usage]
3. Design composite prestressed concrete sections combining precast members and cast-in-place concrete [Assessment]
4. Calculate immediate and time-dependent losses of prestress [Usage]

7.62.4.8. Prestressed Concrete Design (4 hours) [Skills ABET-2] ↑ Back to top

Bibliography: (Wight and MacGregor, 2016; ACI Committee 318, 2019; Moehle, 2015)

Topics

1. Post-tensioned concrete systems and tendon design
2. Deflection control and serviceability requirements
3. Flexural strength of prestressed concrete members at ultimate limit state
4. Shear and torsion design of prestressed concrete members
5. Statically indeterminate prestressed concrete structures, including secondary moments

Learning Outcomes

1. Design post-tensioned slabs and beams including tendon layout [Assessment]
2. Control deflections through appropriate member sizing and reinforcement [Usage]
3. Design prestressed concrete members for flexural strength at the ultimate limit state [Assessment]
4. Design prestressed concrete members for shear and torsion strength [Assessment]
5. Analyze statically indeterminate prestressed concrete structures, including secondary moments [Assessment]

7.62.4.9. Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) and Sensor Technologies (2 hours) [Skills ABET-6] ↑ Back to top

Bibliography: (Farrar and Worden, 2013)

Topics

1. SHM objectives, paradigms, and lifecycle cost-benefit analysis
2. Sensor types: strain gauges, accelerometers, tiltmeters, fiber optics, piezoelectrics
3. Data acquisition systems, signal conditioning, and sampling theory
4. Wireless sensor networks (WSN) and IoT communication protocols
5. Vibration-based damage detection and modal analysis
6. Advanced sensing: distributed fiber optics, computer vision, and radar interferometry
7. Data management, cloud storage, and cybersecurity for SHM systems
8. Statistical pattern recognition and anomaly detection algorithms
9. Decision-support systems for maintenance planning based on SHM data

Learning Outcomes

1. List the primary objectives and potential benefits of a Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) system [Familiarity]
2. Select appropriate sensor types for monitoring specific structural responses (strain, vibration, deflection) [Assessment]
3. Design the layout of a basic sensor network for a simply supported beam or a bridge pier [Usage]
4. Explain the advantages and challenges of wireless sensor networks over wired systems [Familiarity]
5. Perform a basic modal analysis on a set of acceleration data to identify natural frequencies [Usage]
6. Compare advanced sensing technologies for detecting crack propagation or settlement [Assessment]
7. Develop a data management plan for a long-term SHM project, considering cloud storage [Usage]
8. Apply a simple statistical control chart to identify anomalies in time-series sensor data [Assessment]
9. Propose a maintenance action based on the output of a SHM-based decision-support system [Usage]

7.62.4.10. Resilient Design for Natural Hazards and Climate Change (8 hours) [Skills ABET-2] ↑ Back to top

Bibliography: (of Civil Engineers (ASCE), 2018)

Topics

1. Resilience concepts: robustness, redundancy, resourcefulness, rapid recovery
2. Hazard identification and probabilistic risk assessment
3. Multi-hazard design approaches and trade-offs
4. Climate change projections and their translation into design parameters
5. Structural resilience: performance-based design and damage-control technologies
6. System-of-systems resilience for interconnected infrastructure networks
7. Adaptive capacity and flexible design for uncertain futures
8. Community resilience and social dimensions of infrastructure recovery
9. Financing resilience: benefit-cost analysis and innovative funding mechanisms

Learning Outcomes

1. Describe the four key properties (4Rs) of a resilient system [Familiarity]
2. Perform a qualitative risk assessment for a site exposed to multiple natural hazards [Assessment]
3. Incorporate projected sea-level rise or increased precipitation into the design basis for a coastal or drainage structure [Usage]
4. Explain how base isolation or damping devices enhance structural resilience [Familiarity]
5. Analyze the cascading failures in interconnected water and power networks after an earthquake [Assessment]
6. Design a flexible foundation system that can be adapted for future increased loads [Usage]
7. Evaluate the role of social capital and community preparedness in post-disaster recovery [Assessment]
8. Conduct a benefit-cost analysis for a proposed infrastructure resilience upgrade [Usage]

7.62.4.11. Engineering Ethics and Professional Responsibility (4 hours) [Skills ABET-2] ↑ Back to top

Bibliography: (Harris et al., 2019)

Topics

1. Ethical theories: utilitarianism, duty ethics, virtue ethics
2. Professional codes of conduct (e.g., ASCE, NSPE) and their fundamental canons
3. Engineer's paramount responsibility to public safety, health, and welfare
4. Ethical dilemmas in practice: conflicts of interest, whistleblowing, gift-giving
5. Ethical decision-making frameworks and case study analysis
6. Global engineering ethics and cross-cultural challenges
7. Ethical obligations for sustainable development and environmental stewardship
8. Ethical implications of emerging technologies (AI, automation, data privacy)
9. Ethical conduct in dispute resolution and litigation

Learning Outcomes

1. Explain the primary tenets of the engineer's code of ethics [Familiarity]
2. Apply an ethical decision-making framework to a hypothetical engineering scenario [Assessment]
3. Identify conflicts of interest and other common ethical pitfalls in project work [Familiarity]
4. Analyze a historical engineering failure case from an ethical perspective [Assessment]
5. Evaluate the ethical dimensions of a project with significant social or environmental impacts in a different cultural context [Assessment]
6. Articulate the ethical argument for incorporating sustainability into all engineering work [Familiarity]
7. Discuss the ethical responsibilities related to data collection and use in smart infrastructure projects [Assessment]
8. Describe the role of ethics in alternative dispute resolution processes [Familiarity]

7.62.5. Bibliography ↑ Back to top

Gere, J. and Goodno, B. (2017). Mechanics of Materials. Cengage Learning, 9th edition.

Hibbeler, R. (2017a). Mechanics of Materials. Pearson, 10th edition.

Neville, A. M. (2011). Properties of Concrete. Pearson, 5th edition.

Chopra, A. K. (2017). Dynamics of Structures: Theory and Applications to Earthquake Engineering. Pearson, 5th edition.

Servicio Nacional de Capacitación para la Industria de la Construcción (SENCICO) / Ministerio de Vivienda, C. y. S. d. P. (2018a). Norma técnica e.030: Diseño sismorresistente. Technical report, Reglamento Nacional de Edificaciones del Perú.

Bazán, E. and Meli, R. (2002). Diseño Sísmico de Edificios. Editorial Limusa.

Wight, J. K. and MacGregor, J. G. (2016). Reinforced Concrete: Mechanics and Design. Pearson, 7th edition.

ACI Committee 318 (2019). Building code requirements for structural concrete (aci 318-19) and commentary. Technical report, American Concrete Institute.

McCormac, J. C. and Brown, R. H. (2021). Design of Reinforced Concrete. Wiley, 10th edition.

Moehle, J. P. (2015). Seismic Design of Reinforced Concrete Buildings. McGraw-Hill Education.

Farrar, C. R. and Worden, K. (2013). Structural Health Monitoring: A Machine Learning Perspective. Wiley.

of Civil Engineers (ASCE), A. S. (2018). Adapting infrastructure to climate change: A guide for engineers. Technical report, ASCE.

Harris, C. E., Pritchard, M. S., Rabins, M. J., James, R., and Englehardt, E. (2019). Engineering Ethics: Concepts and Cases. Cengage Learning, 6th edition.