Introduction

In seismically active regions, ensuring the safety and resilience of buildings and infrastructure is paramount, making Seismic Design and Retrofitting of Structures an indispensable discipline for engineers and construction professionals. Earthquakes pose a significant threat to lives and property, and traditional structural design methods often fall short in providing adequate protection against seismic forces. This training course is meticulously designed to equip civil and structural engineers, architects, construction managers, government officials, and urban planners with cutting-edge knowledge and practical skills in understanding earthquake phenomena, mastering seismic analysis techniques, applying modern seismic design codes, exploring various retrofitting strategies for existing structures, utilizing advanced materials and technologies for seismic resilience, and conducting performance-based seismic assessments. Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of how to design new earthquake-resistant structures and effectively strengthen existing ones, contributing significantly to public safety and infrastructure durability in seismic zones.

Target Audience

• Civil Engineers (Structural Design Focus)
• Structural Engineers
• Architects
• Construction Managers
• Building Code Officials & Regulators
• Urban Planners in Seismic Regions
• Researchers in Earthquake Engineering
• Infrastructure Developers

Objectives

• Understand the fundamental principles of earthquake phenomena and seismic hazards.
• Master various methods of seismic analysis for structural systems.
• Apply modern seismic design codes and standards (e.g., IBC, ASCE 7, Eurocode 8).
• Develop proficiency in designing new earthquake-resistant buildings and bridges.
• Explore a comprehensive range of seismic retrofitting techniques for existing structures.
• Understand the behavior of materials (concrete, steel, masonry) under seismic loading.
• Learn about performance-based seismic design and assessment.
• Develop skills in evaluating seismic vulnerability of existing infrastructure.
• Explore innovative technologies and materials for enhanced seismic resilience.
• Understand the role of non-structural components in seismic performance.
• Formulate cost-effective and sustainable seismic design and retrofitting solutions.

Course Content

Module 1. Fundamentals of Earthquake Engineering and Seismology

• Earthquake Causes: Plate tectonics, fault lines, seismic waves (P, S, surface waves)
• Seismic Hazards: Ground motion parameters (PGA, PGV, spectral acceleration)
• Earthquake magnitude and intensity scales (Richter, Moment Magnitude, Modified Mercalli)
• Site effects: liquefaction, landslides, amplification
• Historical overview of major earthquakes and their lessons

Module 2. Structural Dynamics for Seismic Analysis

• Single Degree of Freedom (SDOF) Systems: Equation of motion, free and forced vibration
• Damping: types and modeling
• Multi-Degree of Freedom (MDOF) Systems: Modal analysis, natural frequencies, mode shapes
• Response Spectrum Analysis: Principles and application
• Time History Analysis: Direct integration methods

Module 3. Seismic Design Codes and Standards

• Building Codes: International Building Code (IBC), ASCE 7 (Minimum Design Loads for Buildings and Other Structures)
• Eurocode 8: Design of structures for earthquake resistance
• National seismic design provisions and local regulations
• Seismic Design Categories (SDC): Classification based on seismic hazard and occupancy
• Importance factors and response modification factors

Module 4. Seismic Design of Reinforced Concrete Structures

• Ductile Design Principles: Capacity design, strong column-weak beam concept
• Confinement Reinforcement: For columns and beams
• Shear walls and dual systems for lateral load resistance
• Detailing requirements for seismic resistance
• Design of foundations for seismic loads

Module 5. Seismic Design of Steel Structures

• Seismic Force Resisting Systems: Special Moment Resisting Frames (SMRF), Braced Frames (Concentric, Eccentric)
• Ductile Detailing: For steel connections and members
• Buckling restrained braces (BRBs)
• Composite steel-concrete structures
• Design of connections for seismic performance

Module 6. Seismic Design of Masonry and Timber Structures

• Masonry Behavior: Unreinforced and reinforced masonry under seismic loads
• Retrofitting Masonry: Grouting, shotcrete, external reinforcement
• Timber structures: Diaphragms, shear walls, connections
• Design considerations for light-frame timber buildings
• Seismic performance of traditional and engineered timber systems

Module 7. Performance-Based Seismic Design (PBSD)

• PBSD Philosophy: Designing for specific performance levels (e.g., immediate occupancy, life safety, collapse prevention)
• Performance Objectives: Linking hazard levels to desired structural response
• Non-linear static procedures: Pushover analysis
• Non-linear dynamic analysis for performance verification
• Acceptance criteria for different performance levels

Module 8. Seismic Vulnerability Assessment of Existing Structures

• Vulnerability Assessment Methods: Rapid visual screening, detailed evaluation
• Identifying structural deficiencies and potential failure modes
• Non-Structural Components: Assessment of ceilings, partitions, equipment
• Damage assessment after earthquakes
• Prioritization of structures for retrofitting

Module 9. Seismic Retrofitting Techniques for Concrete Structures

• Conventional Methods: Jacketing (concrete, steel), section enlargement
• Advanced Composites: Fiber Reinforced Polymers (FRP) wrapping
• Steel plate bonding and external post-tensioning
• Infilling with new materials (e.g., infill walls)
• Base isolation and energy dissipation devices

Module 10. Seismic Retrofitting Techniques for Steel and Masonry Structures

• Steel Structures: Adding braces, infill walls, strengthening connections
• Masonry Structures: Grouting, shotcrete, reinforced concrete overlays
• External post-tensioning for masonry
• Timber structures: Strengthening connections, adding shear walls
• Repair and strengthening of damaged elements

Module 11. Base Isolation and Energy Dissipation Systems

• Base Isolation Principles: Decoupling structure from ground motion
• Isolation Devices: Lead rubber bearings (LRBs), friction pendulum systems (FPS)
• Energy Dissipation Devices: Viscous dampers, hysteretic dampers, tuned mass dampers
• Design and installation considerations for isolation and damping systems
• Case studies of structures with isolation/damping systems

Module 12. Geotechnical Aspects of Seismic Design

• Site Response Analysis: Ground motion amplification due to soil conditions
• Liquefaction Assessment: Identifying liquefaction-susceptible soils
• Liquefaction Mitigation: Ground improvement techniques (e.g., vibro-compaction, stone columns)
• Seismic design of foundations: shallow and deep foundations
• Soil-structure interaction (SSI) effects

Module 13. Advanced Materials and Technologies for Seismic Resilience

• High-Performance Concrete (HPC) and Fiber Reinforced Concrete (FRC)
• Shape Memory Alloys (SMAs) for self-centering structures
• Smart Materials: Sensors for real-time structural health monitoring
• Self-healing materials for crack repair
• Advanced composites for lightweight and strong structures

Module 14. Construction and Quality Control for Seismic Projects

• Construction Challenges: Implementing seismic design details in the field
• Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) for seismic construction
• Inspection and testing of materials and construction processes
• Common errors in seismic construction and their prevention
• Post-earthquake inspection and rapid assessment protocols

Module 15. Case Studies and Future Trends in Earthquake Engineering

• Analysis of Major Earthquake Events: Lessons from recent seismic disasters
• Case Studies: Successful seismic design and retrofitting projects
• Urban Resilience: Planning for earthquake-resistant cities
• AI and Machine Learning: Applications in seismic hazard assessment and structural response prediction
• Future of earthquake engineering: performance-based design, smart structures, community resilience.

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 7 working days before commencement of the training.