CE 725 Earthquake Structural Engineering

Effects of earthquakes on structures and of design of structures to resist earthquake motions; earthquake mechanisms and ground motions; response of structures to earthquake motions; behavior of materials, structural elements and assemblages subjected to earthquakes; principles of earthquake-resistant design practice; soil-structure interaction; and special topics. The course focus extensively on Displacement-Based Seismic Design and will utilize a recently released text on the topic. 3 credit hours.

  
   
   
Prerequisite
  

Structural Dynamics (CE 722 or equivalent), Advanced structural analysis (CE 425 or equivalent), structural design (courses in concrete)

Course Objectives

 

  

At the conclusion of the course, students will:

  1. Be able to develop analytical models and conduct analysis of structures under the influence of seismic actions.
  2. Develop an understanding for the effects that earthquakes have on structural systems.
  3. Develop an understanding of basic aspects critical for seismic design, assessment, and retrofit.
  4. Apply the basic principals of Performance-Based Earthquake Engineering via Direct Displacement-Based Design to a variety of structural systems.
  5. Apply the principals of capacity design for the proper detailing of RC structures subjected to seismic conditions.

 
Course Requirements  

HOMEWORK: 60% (6 Assignments)

EXAMINATIONS: Final Exam - 30%

SOFTWARE REQUIREMENTS: Software included with textbook.

PROJECTS: Journal – 10% (5 Research Article Reviews)

 
Textbook  

Displacement-Based Seismic Design of Structures. M.J.N Priestley, G.M. Calvi, and M.J. Kowalsky. IUSS Press, 2007. Available online via the IUSS press at:

http://www.iusspress.it/pc/viewCategories.asp?idCategory=21&lvl1=17
Computer and Internet Requirements  

NCSU has recommended minimum specifications for computers used for classes. Depending on your computer needs, we recommend your computer meet or exceed the following minimum specifications below.

PCs must have an Intel-compatible 1 GHz processor, 512 MB RAM, 60 GB hard drive with 1 GB free space available, 256 Color Display, CD-ROM drive, 1024x768 (min.) video adapter, sound card, and speakers. The operating system should be Windows XP Pro. Real One Player Basic (available free online) and high speed Internet connection such as cable, DSL, T1 or LAN will be required for EOL courses.

MAC users must have a G4 processor with firewire and USB factory built-in, 512 MB RAM, 60 GB with 1GB free space available, 256 Color Display, CD-ROM drive, 1024x768 (min) video adapter, sound card, and speakers. The operating system must be MacOS 10.4 (minimum) along with the above RealOne and Internet specifications above.

For more detailed information on computer specifications and recommendations, please refer to our website at: http://engineeringonline.ncsu.edu/currentstudents/computeraccess.htm

 

Instructor  

Dr. Mervyn J. Kowalsky, Associate Professor
Department of Civil, Construction & Environmental Engineering
North Carolina State University
417 Mann Hall
Campus Box 7908
Raleigh, NC 27695-7908

Phone: (919) 515-7261
Fax: (919) 515-7908
E-mail: kowalsky@ncsu.edu
Instructor Website: http://www.ce.ncsu.edu/faculty/kowalsky/