### The Science and Art of Structural Engineering
Introduction:
Structural engineering is a discipline that combines both science and art in the design, analysis, and construction of structures. This field covers a wide range of traditional civil engineering structures, such as buildings, bridges, towers, and dams, all designed to withstand forces like seismic activity, wind, and gravity. Structural engineers develop analytical tools, such as numerical analysis methods, non-linear material models, and reliability theory, which can be applied to a diverse array of structure types.
Current Research at UBC:
At the University of British Columbia (UBC), ongoing structural research includes both analytical and experimental work. Areas of focus include seismic engineering, mechanical properties, and the reliability of materials like concrete, timber, and fiber-reinforced concrete. The research also covers laboratory investigations into the behavior of structural steel and concrete, as well as numerical analysis of continua, expert systems, and computer graphics.
Graduate Courses:
Graduate courses in structural engineering at UBC offer education in static and dynamic analysis, structural design, and reliability theory. Courses cover advanced topics such as matrix structural analysis, non-linear finite element methods, mechanics of continua, dynamics of structures, plates, and shells. Applications include prestressed and reinforced concretes, steel, timber, seismic design, and composite structures.
Key Research Areas:
1. Shake Table Studies:
- Examining building models and components under simulated seismic conditions.
2. Field Vibration Measurements:
- Analyzing vibrations in existing bridges and buildings.
3. Seismic Control:
- Using passive and semi-active dampers, as well as base isolation techniques for structures.
4. Pseudo-Dynamic Testing:
- Testing large-scale concrete bridge bents under dynamic loads.
5. Retrofit of Structures:
- Updating concrete beam-column joints to enhance seismic resistance.
6. Seismic Response:
- Studying the response of structures with steel plate or timber shear walls and timber frames.
7. Decision Analysis for Retrofit Strategies:
- Evaluating strategies for seismic retrofitting.
8. Regional Damage Estimation:
- Assessing potential earthquake damage on a regional scale.
9. Software Development:
- Creating software for seismic risk assessment, structural stability, and non-linear seismic response analysis.
10. Reliability of Structures:
- Investigating the reliability of structures with non-rigid connections.
11. Soil-Structure Interaction:
- Analyzing interactions between soil and structures under seismic loading.
12. Seismic Soil Amplification:
- Examining how soils amplify seismic waves and the resulting effects on structures.
13. Seismic Retrofit of Dams:
- Analyzing and updating water and mine waste dams for improved seismic resilience.
14. Soil Structures and Ground Improvements:
- Studying the seismic response of soil structures and methods for ground improvement.
15. Site Characterization:
- Assessing sites for liquefaction potential and residual soil strength.
Conclusion:
Structural engineering is a dynamic field that integrates scientific principles and innovative methods to design and analyze various structures. Through ongoing research and advanced education, structural engineers continue to develop solutions that improve the safety, reliability, and efficiency of buildings and infrastructure, addressing both current challenges and future needs.