Course Outline

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Schedule

Week 1: Introduction and Basic Structural Dynamics

Learning outcomes:

• List and summarize the four seismic analysis methods in ASCE 7. 
• Identify the important characteristics of structures related to dynamic analysis. 
• Describe the basic process for solving structural dynamics problems. 

Topics:

• Seismic analysis methods in ASCE 7 
• Single degree of freedom structural dynamics  
• Multi degree of freedom structural dynamics

Week 2: Structural Dynamics and ASCE 7 Analysis Methods

Learning outcomes:

• Differentiate between a response history plot from an individual dynamic analysis of a structure and a response spectrum used for determining structural response.
• Employ a response spectrum to determine a maximum response given the system characteristics. 
• Identify and explain the inherent assumptions and the manner to consider inelastic response in the four seismic analysis methods. 

Topics:

• Response history versus response spectrum
• Seismic analysis methods, their limitations and process
• Additional topics in structural dynamics

Week 3: Modeling Considerations Part 1

Learning outcomes:

• Construct a computational model including the required structural elements for a seismic load analysis.
• Implement the modeling procedures for rigid and semirigid diaphragm behavior in a 3-D structural analysis model.
• Discuss the issues related to including or excluding nonstructural components in the mathematical model.
• Calculate and apply the correct seismic mass to a structural analysis model.

Topics:

• Modeling structural elements for seismic load analysis
• Modeling diaphragms in 3-D seismic analysis models
• Including seismic mass in analysis models

Week 4: Modeling Considerations Part 2

Learning outcomes:

• Correctly apply lateral forces to structures with rigid and semirigid diaphragms. 
• Assess the importance of P-Delta effects by including such effects directly in the analysis. 
• Qualitatively assess a structure to determine when vertical accelerations would be required for seismic design. 
• Correctly implement inherent damping in a computational model for linear response history analysis.

Topics:

• Including seismic forces and P-Delta effects in a seismic model
• Inherent damping in structures
• Vertical effects
• Overview of seismic isolation and supplemental damping

Week 5: Seismic Loading

Learning outcomes:

• Describe the impact of site conditions and site distance on seismic response of structures.
• Specify the criteria for selecting ground motion recordings for use in a response history analysis.
• Modify ground motion recordings using either amplitude scaling or spectrum matching based on the design response spectrum or a site-specific response spectrum.

Topics:

• Seismic loading of structures
• Response spectrum
• Ground motion record selection and modification

Week 6: Overview of ASCE 7-16 Analysis Requirements

Learning outcomes:

• Correctly select the appropriate analysis procedure.
• Implement the load combinations with seismic effects including the effects of orthogonal combination into an analysis model.
• Evaluate a structure to determine whether the redundancy factor, ρ , is 1.0 or 1.3. 

Topics:

• Load combinations with seismic effects
• Selection of analysis procedure
• Effective seismic weight and structural modeling

Week 7: Unified Linear Dynamic Analysis Part 1

Learning outcomes:

• List the procedural steps for modal response spectrum and linear response history analysis.
• Identify and describe the similarities between MRS and LRH analysis, and how these can be used to formulate a “unified” approach.
• Select the correct number of modes based on the effective modal mass in a dynamic analysis to capture the response.

Topics:

• Unified linear dynamic analysis
• Modal response spectrum and linear response history analysis overview
• Similarities and differences between MRS and LRH

Week 8: Unified Linear Dynamic Analysis Part 2

Learning outcomes:

• Identify and describe the similarities between MRS and LRH analysis, and how these can be used to formulate a “unified” approach.
• Select and modify ground motions for use in the linear response history analysis method.
• Scale and combine results from orthogonal directions in the MRS and LRH.

Topics:

• Addressing differences between MRS and LRH
• Ground motion selection and modification
• Inherent damping
• Scaling and combining orthogonal direction results

Week 9: Development of Detailed Mathematical Model

Learning outcomes:

• Calculate the base shear and story forces using the equivalent lateral force method. 
• Build and analyze a computational model in accordance with the equivalent lateral force method to determine force and drift demands under seismic loads.
• List and define the conformance checks required of all the analysis methods.

Topics:

• Detailed example structure description
• Implementation of the equivalent lateral force method for case study
• Conformance checks required for all analysis methods

Week 10: Modal Response Spectrum

Learning outcomes:

• Select the number of modes required by ASCE 7 to adequately capture total response using modal response spectrum analysis.
• Build an analysis model consistent with ASCE 7 requirement for modal response spectrum analysis. 
• Calculate the seismic demands for a structure using the modal response spectrum analysis method.

Topics:

• Design spectrum and modal properties
• Determining modal responses
• Combining modal responses 
• Scaling total response to ELF base shear 

Week 11: Linear Response History

Learning outcomes:

• Select and modify ground motions for linear response history analysis using appropriate tools based on the design response spectrum. 
• Build a structural analysis model consistent with the requirements for linear response history analysis.
• Calculate the seismic force and deformation demands on a structure using the linear response history analysis method. 

Topics:

• Selection and modification of ground motion records
• Analysis and modeling details for linear response history 
• Results of LRH analysis

Week 12: Analysis Results Comparison and Floor Response Spectra

Learning outcomes:

• Identify the differences in results computed using the equivalent lateral force, modal response spectrum, and linear response history analysis methods.
• Describe the process for determining floor response spectra that can be used for design of nonstructural components and systems.
• Calculate seismic forces on nonstructural elements using floor spectra.

Topics:

• Comparison of analysis method results
• Developing floor response spectra
• Calculating seismic forces for nonstructural components using floor spectra 

This course outline is subject to change