023-Marina Site Analysis
4 $90.00
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering.
Course Description:
A very important component of the maritime design process becomes one of properly assessing a perspective site, and advising your client as to the pros and cons associated with site suitability; and in fact must be the first step in planning any maritime facility. This continuing education program is intended to provide the design engineer with the basic essentials for performing several levels of site assessment as appropriate for the structures discussed within this text. These range from simple recreational piers to light commercial facilities. These basics are:
Fetch & Wave Climate Forecasting
- Determining Baseline Information
- Determination of Site Water Level Ranges
- Determination of Wind Stress
- Determination of Wave Climate
Assessment of Site Soil Conditions
- Simple & Preliminary Investigation Procedures
- More Advanced Investigation Methods
Each of these subjects will take the reader through the step by step process of performing that phase of the pre-design site analysis and will discuss the suitability of each for the respective level of service of the respective docking facilities. The procedures laid out herein are suitable for very simple recreational docks to more sophisticated procedures required for light commercial docking facilities. This course is a prerequisite for the other maritime courses prepared by this author, which include the other design phases of boating similar facility designs.
033-Welding Technology
4
List: $90.00
Sale: $39.95
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering.
Course Description:
Welding and brazing is always performed in accordance with a procedure. In the simplest of cases, the procedure may exist only in the mind of the welder such as an experienced farmer repairing his equipment. However, in the majority of cases, especially for structures, pressure vessels, piping, etc., a written procedure is required before work. In most cases, the written procedure must be "qualified", i.e. be tested on mockup coupons to prove its effectiveness before being applied to a real product. In all cases, qualified or not, the variables affecting the procedure must be considered and addressed in the procedure.
This course uses the organization concepts of ASME Section IX, Welding and Brazing Qualifications, to introduce some processes and variables that should be considered when planning a welding or brazing procedure. A description is provided of some of the many welding and brazing processes. Variables discussed, including some examples of each, are joint type/weld type, base material, filler material, position, preheat and interpass temperature, post weld heat treatment, shielding gas, electrical characteristics, and technique.
This course provides an excellent introduction to engineers and craftsmen who deal with welding and brazing procedures as a peripheral duty, perhaps reviewing and accepting contractor procedures, and want to more fluently "speak the language". This course is also an excellent introduction for those who will need to be more deeply involved in preparing welding and brazing procedures as a starting point for further study.
043-Introduction to the Design of Wood Trusses
2 $45.00
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering.
Course Description:
Metal plated wood trusses have become very popular for wood frame construction, especially in the home building industry. The purpose of this document is to provide an introduction to the most significant concepts relating to the design, manufacture, and erection of metal plated wood trusses and their application to residential and light commercial construction. This course is intended for professionals who are involved in building design or construction or otherwise interested in the topic of metal plated wood trusses.
The course initially covers commonly used definitions in the truss industry along with descriptions of the most common truss shapes. Responsibilities of the various individuals and companies involved in the process of producing and installing the trusses are then reviewed. The important topics of truss bracing, issues involving girder trusses, and the practical limits for wood trusses are discussed next. The course concludes with a discussion of software and truss optimization.
095-Fundamentals of Concrete
3 $67.50
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering.
Course Description:
Written in an easy to understand style, the course Fundamentals of Concrete takes a look at the properties of concrete including its ingredients as well as the nature of the product from its inception at mixing these ingredients to some of the final products. A clear discussion of the ingredients of concrete is included as well as the process that makes the initial slurry change to a hardened structural material. Some of concrete's material properties — such as workability, weight, and strength — are discussed including precautions and factors affecting these properties. The effect of evaporation on newly placed concrete is discussed along with methods to prevent it.
The course continues with a clear discussion of reinforced concrete, stresses in a concrete beam, and reinforcing steel. The principles of pre-cast and post-tensioned beams are discussed with several representative cross sections presented. The course concludes with an introductory discussion of the principles of formwork design.
The course is not a design course but does offer some sample calculations to demonstrate the design criteria involved in the design of reinforced concrete beams and the design of formwork for vertical structures such as walls and columns.
103-Fundamentals of Post-Tensioned Concrete Design for Buildings - Part one
4 $90.00
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering.
Course Description:
This is Part One of a three-part course that covers the fundamentals of post-tensioned concrete for building structures using unbonded tendons. This course is intended to be an introductory course for structural engineers new to post-tensioned concrete design, and is a good refresher for experienced structural engineers. Part One should be taken before Parts Two and Three.
Part One gives a brief historical background and post-tensioned members are differentiated from pre-tensioned members. You will learn about the load balancing concept, hyperstatic moments, pre-stress losses, the basic requirements of ACI 318 (Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete), and nominal flexure and shear capacities of post-tensioned members.
Part Two illustrates examples of two of the structural systems commonly used in buildings and parking structures, namely a one-way continuous slab and a two-span beam. Part Two is an example-intensive course, with key concepts introduced along the way.
Part Three continues with the study of two-way, post-tensioned slab systems, including a complete design example using the Equivalent Frame concept. Part Three also covers related topics such as punching shear for two-way slabs and moment transfer at the column. Part Three is an example-intensive course, with key concepts introduced along the way.
By successfully completing all parts of this three-part course, you should be comfortable performing a preliminary design by hand and be able to quickly check a computer generated design or an existing design by hand.
110-Corrosion Control and Tactics
4 $90.00
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering.
Course Description:
This course provides an overview of the nature of aqueous corrosion and the variety of standard methods and well-known, but often overlooked tactics, used to control it at least cost. Topics reviewed include some fundamental aspects of electrochemistry related to control methods, brief descriptions of the various forms of attack, effects on corrosion rates of various operating variables, the four classic control methods and some suggested control tactics that the engineer can investigate further for applicability to his or her specific corrosion problem. Several references are cited.
115-Mechanically Stabilized Earth Structures - Part 1
4 $90.00
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering.
Course Description:
The mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) wall course provides an introductory lesson addressing the basics of MSE wall design. The course, which has been separated into three parts, covers the following topics:
- Part 1 - History of MSE Structures (ancient and modern).
- Part 1 - Industry Design Methods and Programs.
- Part 1 - Segmental Block and Reinforcement Products.
- Part 2 - Failure Modes.
- Part 2 - Civil Design Considerations.
- Part 2 - Geotechnical Engineering Considerations and Soils Testing.
- Part 2 - Why Do MSE Walls Fail?
- Part 3 - Detailed hand calculation.
The course is geared toward engineers who practice in the civil, geotechnical, surveying and structural disciplines.
116-Mechanically Stabilized Earth Structures - Part 2
4 $90.00
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering.
Course Description:
The mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) wall course provides an introductory lesson addressing the basics of MSE wall design. The course, which has been separated into three parts, covers the following topics:
- Part 1 - History or MSE Structures (ancient and modern).
- Part 1 - Industry Design Methods and Programs.
- Part 1 - Segmental Block and Reinforcement Products.
- Part 2 - Failure Modes.
- Part 2 - Civil Design Considerations.
- Part 2 - Geotechnical Engineering Considerations and Soils Testing.
- Part 2 - Why Do MSE Walls Fail?
- Part 3 - Detailed hand calculation.
The course is geared toward engineers who practice in the civil, geotechnical, surveying and structural disciplines.
117-Mechanically Stabilized Earth Structures - Part 3
4 $90.00
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering.
Course Description:
The mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) wall course provides an introductory lesson addressing the basics of MSE wall design. The course, which has been separated into three parts, covers the following topics:
- Part 1 - History or MSE Structures (ancient and modern).
- Part 1 - Industry Design Methods and Programs.
- Part 1 - Segmental Block and Reinforcement Products.
- Part 2 - Failure Modes.
- Part 2 - Civil Design Considerations.
- Part 2 - Geotechnical Engineering Considerations and Soils Testing.
- Part 2 - Why Do MSE Walls Fail?
- Part 3 - Detailed hand calculation.
The course is geared toward engineers who practice in the civil, geotechnical, surveying and structural disciplines.
127-Fundamentals of Steel - Part A
4 $90.00
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering.
Course Description:
Written in an easy to understand style, the course Fundamentals of Steel — Part A takes a look at steel in an informative and intuitive way — using among other things, a story of a yardstick as a teaching tool. After a brief history of steel in the U. S., and an introduction to the most influential and dominant codes, the manufacturing process of steel is presented. This is followed by a discussion of the most important mechanical properties — and the factors affecting them — of steel including easy-to-understand drawings. Then the various shapes are presented and discussed with clear and easy to follow diagrams. One of the many topics presented is a discussion of how a single nominal sized beam can have the largest member of its class be over 160% times larger than the smallest.
Photos relating to the topics presented include the John Hancock Building in Chicago.
The course is not a design course. It does however offer some sample calculations to demonstrate the material properties and the design criteria for steel members.
Fundamentals of Steel — Part B, a companion course, continues on with a look at how the shapes are used in the field with an emphasis on connections — both welded and bolted. Bar joists are discussed. Some of the very serious weaknesses of structural steel are discussed including methods of protecting against these weaknesses.
128-Fundamentals of Steel - Part B
4 $90.00
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering.
Course Description:
Written in an easy to understand style, the course Fundamentals of Steel — Part B takes a look at steel in an informative and intuitive way — using among other things, a story of a pop can as a teaching tool. This course will look at how the shapes are used in the field with an emphasis on connections — both bolted and welded. Bar joists — perhaps the most common built-up member — are discussed. Structural carbon steel has some serious weaknesses. These are also discussed including methods of protecting against these weaknesses.
Connections — both welds and high strength bolts — are discussed. The concepts behind their function and simple sample problems are presented to demonstrate the very complex workings of steel connections.
Photos relating to the topics presented include the John Hancock Building in Chicago, the Harley Davidson Museum in Milwaukee, Lambeau Field in Green Bay, and the Mackinac Bridge over the Straits of Mackinac in Michigan, as well as others.
The course is not a design course. But it does offer some sample calculations to demonstrate the criteria involved in the design of high strength bolted and welded steel connections.
Fundamentals of Steel — Part A is not required as a pre-requisite to this course. It would however be helpful to understand the basic principles of the most important mechanical properties of steel as well as the common nomenclature associated with steel as presented in Part A of this series.
131-An Introduction to Pavement Construction - Part 1 - Concrete
3 $67.50
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering.
Course Description:
A brief introduction to concrete pavement construction covering pavement types, ingredients and mix designs, pavement uses, methods of paving, paving equipment, and recent changes in the industry and their benefits.
After completion the reader should have a basic understanding of the standard methods of concrete paving and the associated equipment needed. Additionally, which construction methods and equipment choices are more suitable for specific pavement types and applications. Lastly, what latest technological, social, and economic factors are changing the traditional perception of concrete pavement and are making concrete pavement a more desirable choice to alternate paving types.
From better understanding of the construction methods, engineers can account for better access and staging areas, and more efficient paving designs to suit a construction method that is advantageous to the project.
149-Precast Segmental Bridge Construction - Part 1 - An Introduction
3 $67.50
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering.
Course Description:
A brief introduction to Precast Segmental Bridge Construction covering Casting Segments, Precast Substructure Erection, Precast Superstructure Erection — Span-by-Span Method, and Precast Superstructure Erection — Balanced Cantilever Method.
After completion the reader should have: a basic understanding of these methods of bridge construction and the associated equipment needed, a basic understanding of which construction methods and equipment choices are more suitable for specific bridge applications, and lastly, a basic understanding of how these choices can affect the cost, schedule, quality, and safety of a project.
From better understanding of the construction methods, engineers can account for better access and staging areas, and more efficient bridge designs to suit a construction method that is advantageous to the project.
Future courses that further detail each process will be available to provide a more comprehensive understanding of this type of bridge construction.
158-Industrial Floor Framing for Vibrating Equipment
4 $90.00
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering.
Course Description:
Industrial structures frequently house vibrating equipment such as blowers, centrifuges, vibrating screens, etc. Floors that support this type of equipment must not only be sufficiently strong to carry the weight of the equipment but must also have elastic properties that result in a specific natural frequency. If the natural frequency of the floor is too close to the operating frequency of the equipment, the floor will vibrate excessively, causing discomfort to people that stand on the floor or, in more severe situations, resulting in damaged equipment.
The purpose of this course is to introduce practical methods available for finding natural frequencies of beams, to describe guidelines used in the design of industrial floor framing and to illustrate the principles discussed with design examples.
The course describes some of the methods available for obtaining values for the natural frequencies of beams. Methods vary from simply matching the situation at hand with published values in the literature, to simplified hand calculations, to use of computer programs. This course will provide a background that should result in a better understanding of the modeling requirements of computer programs and consequently lead to their proper application. Parameters important in the design of supports for vibrating equipment are presented, and typical values commonly used in industrial practice are described. Finally, two floor framing design examples are given. The first is of a floor that supports a vibrating screen; it is an example of "high tuning". The second is of a floor that supports a blower/fan; it is an example of "low tuning".
160-Fundamentals of Post-Tensioned Concrete Design for Buildings-Part Two
4 $90.00
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering.
Course Description:
This is Part Two of a three-part course that covers the fundamentals of post-tensioned concrete for building structures using unbonded tendons. This course is intended to be an introductory course for structural engineers new to post-tensioned concrete design, and is a good refresher for experienced structural engineers. Part Two should be taken after Part One and prior to Part Three.
Part One gave us a brief historical background and how post-tensioned members are differentiated from pre-tensioned members. You learned about the load balancing concept, hyperstatic moments, pre-stress losses, the basic requirements of ACI 318 (Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete), and nominal flexure and shear capacities of post-tensioned members.
Now, in Part Two, we will follow design examples of two of the structural systems commonly used in buildings and parking structures, namely a one-way continuous slab and a two-span beam. Part Two is an example-intensive course, with key concepts introduced along the way.
Part Three continues with the study of two-way, post-tensioned slab systems, including a complete design example using the Equivalent Frame concept. Part Three also covers related topics such as punching shear for two-way slabs and moment transfer at the column. Part Three is an example-intensive course, with key concepts introduced along the way.
By successfully completing all parts of this three-part course, you should be comfortable performing a preliminary design by hand and be able to quickly check a computer generated design or an existing design by hand.
161-Fundamentals of Post-Tensioned Concrete Design for Buildings-Part Three
4 $90.00
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering.
Course Description:
This is Part Three of a three-part course that covers the fundamentals of post-tensioned concrete for building structures using unbonded tendons. This course is intended to be an introductory course for structural engineers new to post-tensioned concrete design, and is a good refresher for experienced structural engineers. Part Three should be taken after Parts One and Two.
Part One gave us a brief historical background and how post-tensioned members are differentiated from pre-tensioned members. You learned about the load balancing concept, hyperstatic moments, pre-stress losses, the basic requirements of ACI 318 (Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete), and nominal flexure and shear capacities of post-tensioned members.
Part Two illustrated examples of two of the structural systems commonly used in buildings and parking structures, namely a one-way continuous slab and a two-span beam. Part Two is an example-intensive course, with key concepts introduced along the way.
Part Three now continues with the study of two-way, post-tensioned slab systems, including a complete design example using the Equivalent Frame concept. Part Three also covers related topics such as punching shear for two-way slabs and moment transfer at the column. Part Three is an example-intensive course, with key concepts introduced along the way.
By successfully completing all parts of this three-part course, you should be comfortable performing a preliminary design by hand and be able to quickly check a computer generated design or an existing design by hand.
196-Structural Concepts for Non-Structural Engineers
3 $67.50
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering.
Course Description:
Structural Concepts for Non-Structural Engineers is a course designed to promote understanding of why structures work the way that they do, and why they are designed the way that they are.
It is a course for people that do not have a heavy background in structural design, such as Electrical Engineers, Mechanical (HVAC) Engineers, and Architects.
It is, perhaps, a review for people who have studied structures in college, but have not been seriously involved with it since.
203-What Every Engineer Should Know About Structures - Part A - Statics Fundamentals
4 $90.00
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering.
Course Description:
Written in an easy to understand style, the course What Every Engineer Should Know About Structures Part A — Statics Fundamentals focuses on presenting simplified methods of calculations, and the presentation of intuitive methods for the understanding and solving of basic statics problems. Statics is fundamental to the field of engineering mechanics — including structural analysis and design. Included among the many topics covered are loads and forces on members; how to deal with uniformly varying distributed loads; solving equilibrium equations using an intuitive and simple method where up equals down and left equals right; and simplifying assumptions to determine the forces necessary to keep an extension ladder from sliding down a wall. Many example problems are worked with simple and easy to understand diagrams. Newton's three laws of motion are presented and reduced to two for use in statics.
This course is not a design course. However the methods and techniques presented can be used to determine the forces in many common structures including storage shelves in the garage, the support forces of an NFL player's bench, and drifting snow loads on a porch roof.
Anyone who has taken high school trig and algebra can complete this course.
What Every Engineer should Know About Structures Part B — Statics Applications, the second in a series, continues on with a look at how the fundamentals are applied to solving real-life statics problems. Included are sections on reactions; friction; forces in truss members; forces in cables used to support traffic lights hanging over intersections; and the huge mechanical advantages gained by using pulleys and sheaves.
Basic Trigonometry, Significant Figures, and Rounding — A Quick Review is a zero credit course intended for those who might find themselves a bit rusty and would like a quick refresher. The information in the course is useful for application to the solution of structural problems especially in the fields of statics and strength of materials.
This course is free and can be downloaded by clicking the link below.
400-Basic Trigonometry, Significant Figures, and Rounding
The trigonometry review includes demonstrating - through the use of several example problems — the use of the basic trigonometric functions including: the sine, cosine and tangent and their inverse; the Pythagorean Theorem; the Sum of the Angles; the Law of Sines; and the Law of Cosines. The significant figures and rounding review includes a discussion of the precision and validity of an answer, along with rules and guidelines for using the appropriate number of significant figures, and for rounding answers appropriately.
207-What Every Engineer Should Know About Structures - Part B - Statics Applications
4 $90.00
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering.
Course Description:
Written in an easy to understand style, the course What Every Engineer Should Know About Structures Part B — Statics Applications is a logical extension of the previous course in the series, What Every Engineer should Know About Structures Part A — Statics Fundamentals.
Where the first course in the series, "Part A — Statics Fundamentals", presented the fundamental principles of statics including nomenclature, definitions, Newton's Laws, and procedural methods, this course, "Part B — Statics Applications", applies the principles learned to real-life problems.
The course is divided into five sections. Included are sections on calculating reactions for beams, trusses, and frames; determining forces in truss members; calculating the different forces is a single cable supporting point and distributed loads; presenting the basics of friction; and understanding the principles of sheaves and pulleys.
Statics is fundamental to the field of engineering mechanics — including structural analysis and design. Included among the many topics covered are discussions of the uncertainties of design loads, why utility linemen are careful to sight along a line when making a final hook-up, and why simplifications in stating a statics problem is an acceptable and common practice. Many example problems are worked with simple and easy to understand diagrams and calculations.
This course is not a design course. However the methods and techniques presented can be used to determine the forces in many common structures including metal building frames, traffic light suspension cables, and multi-line hoisting systems, as well as to determine the minimum lean angle of an extension ladder as limited by friction.
Anyone who has completed the first course in this series can complete this course.
Basic Trigonometry, Significant Figures, and Rounding — A Quick Review is a zero credit course intended for those who might find themselves a bit rusty and would like a quick refresher. The information in the course is useful for application to the solution of structural problems especially in the fields of statics and strength of materials.
This course is free and can be downloaded by clicking the link below.
400-Basic
Trigonometry, Significant Figures, and Rounding
The trigonometry review includes demonstrating - through the use of several example problems — the use of the basic trigonometric functions including: the sine, cosine and tangent and their inverse; the Pythagorean Theorem; the Sum of the Angles; the Law of Sines; and the Law of Cosines. The significant figures and rounding review includes a discussion of the precision and validity of an answer, along with rules and guidelines for using the appropriate number of significant figures, and for rounding answers appropriately.
219-Repair Techniques for Wood Trusses, Part 1: Simple Repair Concepts
4 $90.00
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering.
Course Description:
Metal plated wood trusses are engineered products that are manufactured in a controlled environment and are now used extensively in the woodframe construction industry. Wood trusses provide the architect or building designer greater flexibility in the design of the structure than conventional framed (stick-built) construction. The design is not as limiting with regard to bearing wall locations which enables longer spans and greater ability to shape complicated roof and ceiling profiles. These pre-manufactured wood trusses facilitate a quicker construction schedule and an overall lower cost.
Wood, a renewable resource, has a great deal of manufacturing flexibility. Wood members are easily formed into standard framing sizes, cut into appropriate lengths with odd angles if necessary, and attached to form the wood structure. However, wood is more susceptible than steel or concrete to damage due to internal defects, handling issues, and long term deterioration. Design or manufacturing errors, shipping damage, miscommunication, and change orders are possible causes for the inadequacy of a wood truss for a specific application and therefore a repair or modification of the pre-manufactured wood truss is required. The purpose of this document is to address various repair techniques that could be used to correct damage to the wood members or metal plates, reinforce trusses that do not meet the required specified design loads, or adjust the truss profile or member location to meet other design requirements.
This course is the second part in a three part series which consists of a total of 11 chapters between all three parts. Chapters 1 through 3 provide an introduction to the terms, concepts, and process involved in truss repairs. Chapters 4 through 11 contain actual truss repairs to provide instruction through the use of example. These chapters are broken down as follows:
- Part 1: Introduction and Simple Repair Concepts — Five Chapters.
- Chapter 1 — Definitions
- Chapter 2 — Repair Design Concepts
- Chapter 3 — Wood Truss Repair Connections
- Chapter 4 — Member Damage and Defects
- Chapter 5 — Plate Damage
- Part 2: Moderate Truss Repairs - Four Chapters
- Chapter 6 — Manufacturing Errors
- Chapter 7 - Stubs and Extensions
- Chapter 8 — Minor Modifications
- Chapter 9 — Major Modifications
- Part 3: Complex Truss Repairs - Two Chapters — Current Part
- Chapter 10 — Volume Ceiling Changes
- Chapter 11 — Girders and Truss Loading
It is highly recommended to complete Parts 1 and 2 before attempting Part 3. The techniques developed in the earlier chapters provide a good basis for the complex truss repairs presented in Part 3.
229-Precast Segmental Bridge Construction - Part 2 - Span by Span Erection Method
3 $67.50
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering.
Course Description:
A follow on course to Precast Segmental Bridge Construction — An Introduction providing more detailed information on the Span-by-Span method of erection. Topics covered in the course include: Erection Equipment, Lifting and Transporting Segments, Truss Placement, Erection Geometry, Span Erection, and Stressing and Grouting.
After completion the reader should have: a better understanding of the span-by-span method of bridge construction and the associated equipment needed, an understanding of the staging and some details of the phases to complete bridge spans, and lastly, the understanding of the method will assist the engineer in cost, schedule, quality, and safety decisions of a project.
From better understanding of the construction methods, engineers can account for better access and staging areas, and more efficient bridge designs to suit a construction method that is advantageous to the project.
Future courses that further detail other segmental bridge processes will be available to provide a more comprehensive understanding of each type of bridge construction.
230-Precast Segmental Bridge Construction - Part 3 - Stressing and Grouting
3 $67.50
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering.
Course Description:
A follow on course to Precast Segmental Bridge Construction — An Introduction providing more detailed information on the Post-tensioning Stressing and Grouting operations. Topics covered in the course include: Brief introduction narrative, Common Terms and Definitions, Stressing operations outline, and Grouting operations outline.
After completion the reader should have: a better understanding of the post-tensioning stressing and grouting operations and the associated equipment needed, an understanding of the staging and some details of the phases to complete bridge spans, testing requirements and procedures, and lastly, the understanding of these operations will assist the engineer in cost, schedule, quality, and safety decisions of a project.
From better understanding of the construction methods, engineers can account for better access and staging areas, and more efficient bridge designs to suit a construction method that is advantageous to the project.
Future courses that further detail other segmental bridge processes will be available to provide a more comprehensive understanding of each type of bridge construction.
233-Precast Segmental Bridge Construction - Part 4 - Balanced Cantilever Erection Method
3 $67.50
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering.
Course Description:
A follow on course to Precast Segmental Bridge Construction — An Introduction providing more detailed information on the Balanced Cantilever method of erection. Topics covered in the course include: Erection Equipment, Lifting and Transporting Segments, "Table-Top" Fabrication and Erection, Erection Geometry, Balanced Cantilever Erection, and Stressing and Grouting.
After completion the reader should have: a better understanding of the balanced cantilever method of bridge construction and the associated equipment needed, an understanding of the staging and some details of the phases to complete bridge spans, and lastly, the understanding of the method will assist the engineer in cost, schedule, quality, and safety decisions of a project.
From better understanding of the construction methods, engineers can account for better access and staging areas, and more efficient bridge designs to suit a construction method that is advantageous to the project.
Future courses that further detail other segmental bridge processes will be available to provide a more comprehensive understanding of each type of bridge construction.
242-What Every Engineer Should Know About Reinforcement Corrosion in Concrete Highway Bridges
4 $90.00
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering.
Course Description:
This course provides a summary of a topic that is much in the news — the incidence and causes of the deteriorating condition of an important segment of the physical infrastructure in the United States - concrete highway bridges. In these structures the primary cause of damage is corrosion of the embedded steel reinforcement. The course condenses selected information from (20) cited engineering standards, articles and government reports to supply an overview of the topic.
Included are the ways corrosion damage occurs, control methods by which corrosion can be minimized for new construction and during remediation along with several techniques used to assess the extent of existing corrosion damage. The types of construction discussed are traditional rebar in concrete and prestressed bridge members — both pre and post-tensioned. The causes of problems with coated structural steel in bridges that are fully exposed to the atmosphere are briefly reviewed. Much of the information is applicable beyond bridges to other reinforced concrete structures that may experience corrosion of embedded reinforcement.
The learning objectives are to allow professional engineers to gain a basic understanding of how corrosion in reinforced structures occurs and how it may be assessed and controlled.
The course is most suitable for civil, structural and transportation engineers plus persons in other engineering disciples that plan and supervise construction and remediation of concrete structures in which corrosion may be an issue.
253-A Practical Design Guide for Welded Connections, Part 1 - Basic Concepts and Weld Symbols.
2 $45.00
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering.
Course Description:
Welded connections are used in many mechanical and structural applications. Fundamental knowledge of how to design welded connections is critical for engineers. This course provides a thorough, but easy to understand, approach that explains the essential details of weld analysis and design. The material presented in this course is at an introductory level, covering what every engineer should know about welded connections, and no prior understanding of welded connections is required. However, a general understanding of mechanics of materials (primarily basic stress and torsion) is helpful for this course.
This course is divided into 2 parts.Part 1 of this course largely focuses on the foundational knowledge of welding symbols. It is critical for engineers and designers to understand the proper use of welding symbols because they serve as communication between the designer and the fabricator.
Part 2 covers topics on the analysis and design of welded joints. The section covers the two main types of welded connections, fillet welds and groove welds, as they make up nearly 95% of all welded joints used in mechanical applications. Direct loading applications and eccentrically loaded applications are covered.
254-A Practical Design Guide for Welded Connections, Part 2 - Analysis and Design
2 $45.00
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering.
Course Description:
Welded connections are used in many mechanical and structural applications. Fundamental knowledge of how to design welded connections is critical for engineers. This course provides a thorough, but easy to understand, approach that explains the essential details of weld analysis and design. The material presented in this course is at an introductory level, covering what every engineer should know about welded connections, and no prior understanding of welded connections is required. However, a general understanding of mechanics of materials (primarily basic stress and torsion) is helpful for this course.
This course is divided into 2 parts. Part 1 of this course largely focuses on the foundational knowledge of welding symbols. It is critical for engineers and designers to understand the proper use of welding symbols because they serve as communication between the designer and the fabricator.
Part 2 covers topics on the analysis and design of welded joints. The section covers the two main types of welded connections, fillet welds and groove welds, as they make up nearly 95% of all welded joints used in mechanical applications. Direct loading applications and eccentrically loaded applications are covered.
256-Building Rebar Inspection
4 $90.00
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering.
Course Description:
Building Rebar Inspection takes the reader through a journey across the reinforced concrete construction of a new school center. It starts with the inspection of typical foundation pile caps and grade beams. Walls, slabs and other component features are described and illustrated. Sample Forms are provided for Inspectors to use as models to get started. Even the beginning designer or related professional will gain insight into how their design or contracting function fits into the concrete work happening in the field.
258-An Introduction to the Analysis and Design of Bolted Connections
4 $90.00
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering.
Course Description:
Bolted connections are used in many mechanical and structural applications. Fundamental knowledge of how to design bolted connections is critical for engineers. This introductory course provides a systematic and easy to understand approach that explains the essential details of the analysis and design of common bolted connections. The material presented in this course is at an introductory level, covering what every engineer should know about bolted connections, and no prior understanding of bolted connections is required. However, a general understanding of mechanics of materials (primarily basic stress and torsion) is helpful for this course.
The course covers basic terminology associated with threaded fasteners and the different styles of threaded fasteners. The different screw thread systems are covered along with the associated tolerance classes. Common materials used for threaded fasteners are discussed along with available coatings to improve corrosion resistance. SAE grades, structural grades, and metric classes are discussed. Bolt strength properties, such as proof load and tensile strength, are discussed and compared.
The general design procedure is explained for direct loading and eccentrically loaded connections. The direct loading applications focus on lap joints, with a general discussion of butt joints. Topics on eccentrically loaded connections focus on connections with bolts subjected to eccentric shear.
260-Introduction to Manufacturing Methods for Metals Part 1-Casting and Forging Methods
2 $45.00
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering.
Course Description:
Many engineers work in areas related to product design. In product design it is very important to understand the manufacturability of parts. The cost of a part is greatly influenced by the method of production, so engineers need to have a good knowledge of the available methods. Engineers need to do product design so that the product will function properly, but they also need to design the part for the particular manufacturing method utilized. In other words, the engineer should design the part with a specific manufacturing process in mind.
This course provides a general overview of manufacturing processes related to metals. Focus is placed on comparing the advantages and disadvantages of different methods to help engineers determine which method to use for a specific product. The manufacturing methods covered in part 1 of this course are casting and forging. No previous knowledge of manufacturing methods is required for this course.
261-What Every Engineer Should Know About Structures - Part C - Axial Strength of Materials
4 $90.00
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering.
Course Description:
Written in an easy to understand style, the courseWhat Every Engineer Should Know About Structures - Part C — Axial Strength of Materials is the third course in the series of courses in the
field of study called engineering mechanics. This course focuses on presenting simplified methods of calculations, and the presentation of intuitive methods for the understanding and solving of basic problems. The
course contains 18 solved example problems to illustrate the principles discussed.
This Course Includes:
- stress and strain in a member, and their relationship, including material properties such as Hooke's Law and modulus of elasticity;
- axial loads in tension and compression, including deformation;
- shear stresses, including shear modulus of elasticity, single and double shear, and punching shear;
- design stresses and factors of safety;
- temperature deformation and thermal stresses, and;
- cross sectional properties of structural members including determining the centroid of a cross section.
The first two courses in the series, calledStatics, focused on solving problems related to the exterior (or externally) applied loads on a stationary body - a body at rest. It is expected that
you have a good background in the study of Statics. If you are not familiar with statics, consider taking the two SunCam courses titledWhat Every Engineer Should Know About Structures Part A — Statics
Fundamentals andWhat Every Engineer Should Know About Structures Part B — Statics Applications.
Basic Trigonometry, Significant Figures, and Rounding — A Quick Review is a zero credit course intended for those who might find themselves a bit rusty and would like a quick refresher. The information in the course is useful for application to the solution of structural problems especially in the fields of statics and strength of materials.
This course is free and can be downloaded by clicking the link below.
400-Basic Trigonometry, Significant Figures, and Rounding
The trigonometry review includes demonstrating - through the use of several example problems — the use of the basic trigonometric functions including: the sine, cosine and tangent and their inverse; the Pythagorean Theorem; the Sum of the Angles; the Law of Sines; and the Law of Cosines. The significant figures and rounding review includes a discussion of the precision and validity of an answer, along with rules and guidelines for using the appropriate number of significant figures, and for rounding answers appropriately.
262-An Introduction to Pavement Construction - Part 2 - Asphalt
2 $45.00
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering.
Course Description:
A brief introduction to asphalt pavement construction covering pavement types, ingredients and mix designs, pavement uses, methods of paving, paving equipment, and recent changes in the industry and their benefits.
After completion, the reader should have a basic understanding of the standard methods of asphalt paving and the associated equipment needed. Additionally, which construction methods and equipment choices are more suitable for specific pavement types and applications. Lastly, what latest technological, social, and economic factors are changing the traditional perception of asphalt pavement and are making asphalt pavement a more desirable choice to alternate paving types.
From better understanding of the construction methods, engineers can account for better access and staging areas, and more efficient paving designs to suit a construction method that is advantageous to the project.
264-Precast Segmental Bridge Construction - Part 5 - Precast Segment Manufacturing
3 $67.50
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering.
Course Description:
A follow-on course to Precast Segmental Bridge Construction — An Introduction providing more detailed information on manufacturing bridge precast segments. Topics covered in the course include: Casting Equipment, Site Selection, Segment Formwork, Lifting and Transporting Segments, Concrete Placing and Finishing, Casting Geometry, and Stressing and Grouting.
After completion the reader should have a better understanding of the manufacturing and the associated equipment needed to precast bridge segments for erection, and an understanding of the staging and some details for acceptance of precast materials. Lastly, the understanding of the pre-casting method will assist the engineer in cost, schedule, quality, and safety decisions of a project.
From better understanding of the construction methods, engineers can account for better access and staging areas, and more efficient bridge designs to suit a construction method that is advantageous to the project.
Future courses that further detail other segmental bridge processes will be available to provide a more comprehensive understanding of each type of bridge construction.
266-Repair Techniques for Wood Trusses, Part 2: Moderate Truss Repairs
4 $90.00
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering.
Course Description:
Metal plated wood trusses are engineered products that are manufactured in a controlled environment and are now used extensively in the wood frame construction industry. Wood trusses provide the architect
or building designer greater flexibility in the design of the structure than conventional framed (stick-built) construction. The design is not as limiting with regard to bearing wall locations which enables
longer spans and greater ability to shape complicated roof and ceiling profiles. These pre-manufactured wood trusses facilitate a quicker construction schedule and an overall lower cost.
Wood, a renewable resource, has a great deal of manufacturing flexibility. Wood members are easily formed into standard framing sizes, cut into appropriate lengths with odd angles if necessary, and attached
to form the wood structure. However, wood is more susceptible than steel or concrete to damage due to internal defects, handling issues, and long term deterioration. Design or manufacturing errors, shipping damage,
miscommunication, and change orders are possible causes for the inadequacy of a wood truss for a specific application and therefore a repair or modification of the pre-manufactured wood truss is required. The purpose of this document is to address various repair techniques that could be used to correct damage to the wood members or metal plates, reinforce trusses that do not meet the required specified design loads, or adjust the
truss profile or member location to meet other design requirements.
This course is the second part in a three part series which consists of a total of 11 chapters between all three parts. Chapters 1 through 3 provide an introduction to the terms, concepts, and process involved in
truss repairs. Chapters 4 through 11 contain actual truss repairs to provide instruction through the use of example. These chapters are broken down as follows:
Part 1: Introduction and Simple Repair Concepts — Five Chapters:
- Chapter 1 — Definitions
- Chapter 2 — Repair Design Concepts
- Chapter 3 — Wood Truss Repair Connections
- Chapter 4 — Member Damage and Defects
- Chapter 5 — Plate Damage
Part 2: Moderate Truss Repairs - Four Chapters:
- Chapter 6 — Manufacturing Errors
- Chapter 7 — Stubs and Extensions
- Chapter 8 — Minor Modifications
- Chapter 9 — Major Modifications
Part 3: Complex Truss Repairs - Two Chapters — Current Part:
- Chapter 10 — Volume Ceiling Changes
- Chapter 11 — Girders and Truss Loading.
It is highly recommended to complete Parts 1 and 2 before attempting Part 3. The techniques developed in the earlier chapters provide a good basis for the complex truss repairs presented in Part 3.
274-What Every Engineer Should Know About Structures - Part D - Bending Strength Of Materials
4 $90.00
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering.
Course Description:
Written in an easy to understand style, the courseWhat Every Engineer Should Know About Structures - Part D - Bending Strength of Materials is the
fourth course in the series of courses in the field of study called engineering mechanics. This course focuses on presenting intuitive methods for the understanding of basic principles of forces
and stresses in beams. And solutions to basic problems with simplified methods of calculations. The course contains 19 solved example problems and additional drawings to illustrate the principles discussed.
Part D Includes:
- Cross sectional properties of structural members including defining and determining the Moment of Inertia and Section Modulus of a cross section.
- Torsional stresses and deformations of rods and shafts.
- Shear and bending moment diagrams of beams.
- Bending stresses in loaded beams.
- Shear stresses in loaded beams.
The first two courses in the series, titledWhat Every Engineer Should Know About Structures - Part A — Statics Fundamentals andWhat Every Engineer
Should Know About Structures - Part B — Statics Applications focused on solving problems related to the exterior (or externally) applied loads on a stationary body - a body at rest. The third course in the series,
titledWhat Every Engineer Should Know About Structures - Part C — Axial Strength of Materials, focuses on what happens inside a structural member, including stresses
and strains, axial deformation, factors of safety, thermal deformations, and properties of cross sectional areas.
It is expected that you have a good background in the material covered in the three previous courses. If you do not, consider taking the three SunCam courses for Part A, Part B, and Part C.
Basic Trigonometry, Significant Figures, and Rounding — A Quick Review is a zero credit course intended for those who might find themselves a bit rusty and would like a quick refresher. The information in the course is useful for application to the solution of structural problems especially in the fields of statics and strength of materials.
This course is free and can be downloaded by clicking the link below.
400-Basic Trigonometry, Significant Figures, and Rounding
The trigonometry review includes demonstrating - through the use of several example problems — the use of the basic trigonometric functions including: the sine, cosine and tangent and their inverse; the Pythagorean Theorem; the Sum of the Angles; the Law of Sines; and the Law of Cosines. The significant figures and rounding review includes a discussion of the precision and validity of an answer, along with rules and guidelines for using the appropriate number of significant figures, and for rounding answers appropriately.
289-Shoring and Reshoring Fundamentals
2 $45.00
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering.
Course Description:
"Shoring and Reshoring Fundamentals" provides an overview of what every engineer and construction professional should know about shoring, reshoring, and backshoring. The user will learn common terms, the difference between shoring, reshoring, and backshoring and why the distinction is important. At the end of the course, the user will have a basic understanding of the various materials used in shoring and reshoring as well as a basic grasp of the concrete construction sequencing. This course is written to appeal to a wide range of engineering professionals and no special prerequisites should be required.
295-Review of Engineering Dynamics, Part 1: Kinematics of Particles and Rigid Bodies
4 $90.00
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering.
Course Description:
It is common in engineering analysis and design to deal with systems in motion. Dynamics is the study of systems in motion. This course discusses the essential topics that every engineer should know about the field of engineering dynamics. Example problems are provided throughout the course, and the focus primarily on topics relating to engineering applications. Part 1 of the course will focus on kinematics of particles and rigid bodies, while part 2 will cover kinetics of particles and rigid bodies.
Dynamics can be a difficult topic. Most of the confusion stems from the idea that there are many ways to solve any given dynamics problem. This course will outline a systematic approach to solving dynamics problems. Following the step-by-step process presented in this course will help you to quickly determine the appropriate equations to use for any problem relating to engineering dynamics.
It is helpful to have a very basic understanding of derivatives, especially simple derivatives of polynomials. A review section is provided in the course to cover the essential calculus topics for the course.
296-Repair Techniques for Wood Trusses, Part 3: Complex Truss Repairs
5 $112.50
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering.
Course Description:
Metal plated wood trusses are engineered products that are manufactured in a controlled environment and are now used extensively in the wood frame construction industry. Wood trusses provide the architect or building designer greater flexibility in the design of the structure than conventional framed (stick-built) construction. The design is not as limiting with regard to bearing wall locations which enables longer spans and greater ability to shape complicated roof and ceiling profiles. These pre-manufactured wood trusses facilitate a quicker construction schedule and an overall lower cost.
Wood, a renewable resource, has a great deal of manufacturing flexibility. Wood members are easily formed into standard framing sizes, cut into appropriate lengths with odd angles if necessary, and attached to form the wood structure. However, wood is more susceptible than steel or concrete to damage due to internal defects, handling issues, and long term deterioration. Design or manufacturing errors, shipping damage, miscommunication, and change orders are possible causes for the inadequacy of a wood truss for a specific application and therefore a repair or modification of the pre-manufactured wood truss is required. The purpose of this document is to address various repair techniques that could be used to correct damage to the wood members or metal plates, reinforce trusses that do not meet the required specified design loads, or adjust the truss profile or member location to meet other design requirements.
This course is the second part in a three part series which consists of a total of 11 chapters between all three parts. Chapters 1 through 3 provide an introduction to the terms, concepts, and process involved in truss repairs. Chapters 4 through 11 contain actual truss repairs to provide instruction through the use of example. These chapters are broken down as follows:
Part 1: Introduction and Simple Repair Concepts — Five Chapters
- Chapter 1 — Definitions
- Chapter 2 — Repair Design Concepts
- Chapter 3 — Wood Truss Repair Connections
- Chapter 4 — Member Damage and Defects
- Chapter 5 — Plate Damage
Part 2: Moderate Truss Repairs - Four Chapters
- Chapter 6 — Manufacturing Errors
- Chapter 7 — Stubs and Extensions
- Chapter 8 — Minor Modifications
- Chapter 9 — Major Modifications
Part 3: Complex Truss Repairs - Two Chapters — Current Part
- Chapter 10 — Volume Ceiling Changes
- Chapter 11 — Girders and Truss Loading.
It is highly recommended to complete Parts 1 and 2 before attempting Part 3. The techniques developed in the earlier chapters provide a good basis for the complex truss repairs presented in Part 3
303-Pressure Vessels - Thin and Thick-Walled Stress Analysis
2 $45.00
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering.
Course Description:
Pressure vessels are very common in industry with examples such as pipes, water towers, hydraulic cylinders, and boilers. It is important for engineers to understand stresses developed in pressure vessels when subjected to internal or external pressure loads. This course provides a general introduction to understanding stresses in thin-walled and thick-walled pressure vessels. Though some theory is provided, the course focuses on applications of stress equations. Failure theories are discussed for brittle and ductile materials. The failure theories are used to discuss design of pressure vessels.
A general understanding of mechanics of materials is required for this course. Equations of stress and strain are used to develop equations for pressure vessels. Concepts of principal stresses are used for failure theories.
This course covers the basic stress analysis of pressure vessels and does not cover specific design codes for pressure vessels due to the vast types of applications. The reader should consult any appropriate codes, such as ASME Code Section VIII, for more details.
307-Combined Stress and Mohr's Circle
4 $90.00
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering.
Course Description:
Stress analysis is a fundamental part of engineering. Loading that causes a single type of stress include simple axial loads, torsional load, and bending loads. In practice, however, it is common to encounter combined loading where the basic equations of shear, torsion, and bending do not apply.
It is critical that engineers understand stresses caused by different combined loading conditions and be able to determine the location of maximum stress. This course covers stresses caused by common types of combined loading. Some combinations, such as combined bending and axial loading, are solved using superposition methods. Other complex combinations, combining normal and shearing stresses, are solved using Mohr's circle. Concepts are illustrated by using common applications in examples.
Statics concepts, such as rigid body equilibrium, will be used in this course and on exam questions. Topics from mechanics of materials, such as simple stress and beam moment, are used throughout the course and exam.
341-Accelerated Bridge Program - Intro to Prefabricated Bridge Unit (PBU) Construction
3 $67.50
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering.
Course Description:
A brief introduction to Prefabricated Bridge Unit Construction covering Casting Units, Crane Erection of Units, SPMT Erection of Units, Brige Slide Erection of Units, & Finishing items.
After completion the reader should have: a basic understanding of these methods of bridge construction and the associated equipment needed, a basic understanding of which construction methods and equipment choices are more suitable for specific bridge applications, and lastly, a basic understanding of how these choices can affect the cost, schedule, quality, and safety of a project.
From better understanding of the construction methods, engineers can account for better access and staging areas, and more efficient bridge designs to suit a construction method that is advantageous to the project.
Future courses that further detail each process will be available to provide a more comprehensive understanding of this type of bridge construction.
347-Tiny Houses Part 2 - Structural Design
4 $90.00
Course Objectives: After completing this course participants should be able to:
1. Understand the pros and cons of using wood and metal structural framing members.
2. Size floor joists and roof joists using tables from the International Residential Code.
3. Calculate the size of wood loft joists and window headers using allowable stress design methodologies.
4. Recognize when advanced framing techniques are useful or not useful in given situations.
5. Recall additional structural measures often used for highly mobile tiny houses on wheels.
Course Description:
This course is part two of a multi-part course series on designing tiny houses (houses 400 square feet or less in size). The majority of this multi-part course focuses on tiny houses mounted on trailers, which are often referred to as tiny houses on wheels (THOW). This second course focuses on structural design. Also presented are specific techniques to structurally handle the mobile nature of THOW. Both prescriptive and engineered methodologies are used. Five extensive examples with calculations and 35 figures and photos are included. The basis of this course came from my own research, planning, designing, and construction of a THOW I built myself.
348-An Overview of Computer Aided Design and Finite Element Analysis
4 $90.00
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering.
Course Description:
NOTE: This is a course in Computer Aided Design (CAD) for professional engineers, not a course in the related subject of Computer Aided Drafting.
Computer aided design (CAD) is the use of computer software to assist the design engineer in the overall creation and analysis of parts and assemblies. Finite element analysis (FEA) is a numerical method used to determine approximate solutions of physical problems. Proper use and integration of CAD and FEA can greatly improve efficiency of the design process.
This course provides a general overview of methods and applications of computer aided design and finite element analysis to expose the reader to the many design features of solid modeling software. The intent of the course is to explain ways computer aided design can improve the overall design process and allow for easier design changes. The course will explain how to properly use computer aided design and finite element analysis methods to optimization designs and have greater confidence in how a design will function. General knowledge of solid modeling software is helpful for this course but not required. Though this course discusses the general concepts of solid modeling, the course does not teach concepts of computer aided drafting. General understanding of the equations of stress and strain would be beneficial for understanding the applications of FEA.
The information provided in this course is not limited to any single software package. This course does not focus on teaching any single solid modeling software package and does not provide step-by-step tutorials of CAD or FEA. Information is presented in a way to develop concepts of computer aided design and finite element analysis that can be applied to any solid modeling software. Illustrative examples of CAD procedures are given using Solidworks and Inventor, though the concepts would apply to any software package. The same software packages are used to illustrate the concepts of FEA, yet the concepts can be transferred to other FEA software.
350- Steel Column and Base Plate Design Fundamentals
4 $90.00
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering.
Course Description:
For a basic definition, columns are axially loaded compression members used to carry vertical loads down through a structure and into foundations. Unlike axially loaded tension members, the effects of instability (buckling) must also be considered when designing columns. The course focuses on the fundamentals of analysis and design of steel columns; other materials are not discussed. The course begins at a basic mechanics of materials level of column analysis and builds into design procedures using the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC) steel design manuals. Procedures for column design and base plate design are covered.
Design procedures are presented using both Allowable Stress Design (ASD) and Load and Resistance Factor Design (LRFD) procedures. Design equations and summary tables are included in the course content, so it is not required to have a copy of the design manuals for this course. Examples within the course use wide flange shapes, so it is helpful to have access to property tables for wide flange shapes. Such tables are available online if you do not have AISC design manuals.
Knowledge of basic concepts of axial stress (load divided by area) is required for this course. Any mechanics of materials textbook can be referenced for additional coverage. This course does build on the concept of axial stress to develop equations for long and intermediate columns, so prior knowledge of columns is not required.
352-Fundamentals of Masonry Part A
4 $90.00
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering.
Course Description:
The science of masonry construction is extensive, thorough, and is the foundation of the profession. But there is an artistic component bounded only by the imagination of the designer and the skilled mason.
Masonry construction has been practiced for thousands of years beginning with the ancient Greeks and the Romans. The "language" of the craft has been developed over this time. Today we use words that clearly identify pieces and parts of the industry that can bewilder or confound those unfamiliar with them — words such as wythe, shiner, and grapevine.
Masonry construction has exploded during the last century and a half due in large part to advances in manufacturing technology. For example, in the early years of manufacturing, each concrete block was made by hand — about 10 blocks per hour per man. Today, with modern machinery, production can be as high as 2,000 blocks per hour. And, each year around 4-billion concrete
blocks are manufactured — enough to build about 3.5 billion square feet of wall. Up until about 150 years ago, clay bricks were made individually and by hand. Today, with modern machinery and kilns, about 50-billion clay bricks are manufactured each year — enough to build about 7.5 billion square feet of wall.
This two course series was created to provide fundamental knowledge about masonry construction for the engineer, contractor, architect, and anyone else who is interested in having a basic understanding of the topic.
368-Tiny Houses Part 3 - Building Enclosure Design
4 $90.00
Course Objectives: After completing this course participants should be able to:
1. Understand the importance of climate zones as they relate to tiny house insulation and vapor retarder requirements.
2. Comprehend the differences between vented and unvented roof assemblies.
3. Recognize the code approved, and most commonly used, materials for THOW roofs and exterior siding.
4. Identify the most common interior finish materials used in THOW and why some materials used commonly for THOW are different than those used for tiny houses on foundations.
Course Description:
This course is part three of a multi-part course series on designing tiny houses (houses 400 square feet or less in size). The majority of this multi-part course focuses on tiny houses mounted on trailers, which are often referred to as tiny houses on wheels (THOW). This third course focuses on building enclosure design: insulation, air sealing, roof assemblies, ventilation, exterior siding, doors, windows, and interior finishes. Over 60 figures and photos are included. The basis of this course came from my own research, planning, designing, and construction of a THOW I built myself.
375-ASME Welding Qualifications: Part I-Welding Procedures
1
List: $22.50
Sale: $14.95
Course Objectives: Upon completion of this course, the student should have a general understanding of how to qualify a welding procedure based on ASME Section IX. The student should also be able to perform reviews of welding procedure qualifications of their company and their company's vendors. This course is not a substitute for careful consideration of the many Code, Regulatory, and customer requirements for welding procedure qualification.
Course Description:
Much welding requires the welding procedure to be qualified to ASME Section IX. This course illustrates that process by taking us through qualification and documentation of a simple procedure. We begin with planning (distinguishing between essential and nonessential variables) and continuing through welding the test coupon, the required testing, and documentation of the PQR and WPS.
380-Accelerated Bridge Program - Intro to GRS-IBS Abutment Construction
3 $67.50
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering.
Course Description:
A brief introduction to Geosynthetic Reinforced Soil Integrated Bridge System Construction.
After completion the reader should have: a basic understanding of this method of bridge construction and the associated equipment needed, a basic understanding of which construction methods and equipment choices are more suitable for specific bridge applications, and lastly, a basic understanding of how these choices can affect the cost, schedule, quality, and safety of a project.
From better understanding of the construction methods, engineers can account for better access and staging areas, and more efficient bridge designs to suit a construction method that is advantageous to the project.
Future courses that further detail each process will be available to provide a more comprehensive understanding of this type of bridge construction.
393-Concrete Slabs-on-Grade: From the Ground Up
4 $90.00
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering.
Course Description:
This course guides the reader through basic knowledge necessary for designing and specifying concrete slabs-on-grade. The intended audience is design professionals who have at least a basic working knowledge of concrete and that understand simple engineering terms such as tension, compression, and bending.
The reader will find information ranging from the ground slabs are built upon, to slab properties and behavior, to the means of finishing a slab, and finally how slabs are cured for final use. Oftentimes, engineers know what the 28-day compressive strength of a concrete slab should be, but may not choose to dig deeper than that. It is true that slabs are mainly a convenient barrier between the dirt and the first floor of a building. However, as the reader will learn in this course, problems in slabs are often a result of poor soil conditions beneath the slab, or cracking of the concrete due to concrete shrinkage. So, while knowledge of strength is important, it is just the beginning. This course strives to further the knowledge of the reader, and help them make good decisions on behalf of the building owners they serve, and ultimately to design slabs-on-grade with minimal problems in service.
396-Concrete Slabs-on-Grade: Warehouses I – Background & Loading
4 $90.00
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering.
Course Description:
This course, Concrete Slabs-on-Grade: Warehouses I – Background & Loading is the second in a series of courses on concrete slabs-on-grade.
The first course, Concrete Slabs-on-Grade: From the Ground Up presented knowledge necessary for designing and specifying concrete slabs-on-grade.
The third course, Concrete Slabs-on-Grade: Warehouses II – Slab Design presents information on slab design methods, as well as recommendations for joints details, joint filler, and surface finishes.
The present course, Concrete Slabs-on-Grade: Warehouses I – Background & Loading, contains information on slabs-on-grade in warehouse facilities that are subject to forklift and pallet jack traffic, as well as storage rack loading. The reader will learn background knowledge about warehouses with the goal of improved discussions with those who own and operate these facilities. For facilities with a poorly executed site soil and/or slab design, it is extremely costly to repair and maintain the slab joints. This includes the loss of efficiency while slabs are in a state of disrepair and during operational downtime when remedial action is taking place. This course identifies specific challenges of warehouse slabs, how they are different than typical buildings, and suggests approaches to the design and construction of these slabs to achieve optimal long term performance and minimization of maintenance costs.
This course focuses mainly on qualitative approaches to slab design and construction, but some quantitative design measures are presented and referred to. Design concepts are tailored to engineers with a background in statics and mechanics of materials, with some familiarity in concrete construction and design.
397-Concrete Slabs-on-Grade: Warehouses II – Slab Design
4 $90.00
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering.
Course Description:
This course, Concrete Slabs-on-Grade: Warehouses II – Slab Design, is the third in a series of courses on concrete slabs-on-grade.
The first course, Concrete Slabs-on-Grade: From the Ground Up presented knowledge necessary for designing and specifying concrete slabs-on-grade.
The second course, Concrete Slabs-on-Grade: Warehouses I – Background & Loading presents background information on warehouse facilities and the sites they are built on. Also, unique challenges are identified, as well as types of loading.
The present course, Concrete Slabs-on-Grade: Warehouses II – Slab Design, teaches the reader how to provide warehouse owners and operators with slabs that are designed to handle the abuse that small hard wheels impose on slab joints. The course will also review how to design slabs for the loads that legs and base plates of heavy storage racks can apply on small areas of the slab, especially near discontinuities. Furthermore, information on joint construction, joint filler, and surface finishes are presented. The service life of a slab will depend on the durability of the concrete surface and joints. For facilities with a poorly executed slab design, it is extremely costly to repair and maintain the slab joints. This includes the loss of efficiency while slabs are in a state of disrepair and during operational downtime when remedial action is taking place. This course identifies the specific concerns of warehouse slabs, and suggests approaches to the design and construction of these slabs to achieve optimal long term performance and minimization of maintenance costs.
This course focuses on qualitative approaches to slab design and construction, as well as quantitative design measures useful in calculations. Design concepts are tailored to engineers with a background in statics and mechanics of materials, with some familiarity in concrete construction and design.
405-Structural Nonlinearity - Part 1 - Defining Nonlinearity
3 $67.50
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering.
Course Description:
What is structural nonlinearity? The notion of linearity has become so ingrained in the practice of structural engineering that the term nonlinearity feels shadowy and ominous, vague and unconventional. Nonlinearity means that the structural behavior will be different, but how? What constitutes nonlinearity and what are the different types?
There are multiple components, conditions, and behavior that all fit under the umbrella of structural nonlinearity. The terminology surrounding nonlinearity can be overwhelming – P-delta, inelastic behavior, softening/stiffening, large deflections, physical nonlinearity, follower forces, nonprismatic, directionality, etc.
What are all the different types of nonlinearity that are possible in structural analysis? Why are they different and when do they need to be included? This course aims to introduce the full range of structural nonlinearity, describe their behavior and effects, and provide insight into when nonlinearities should be included in analyses.
Note: The content in this series of courses is advanced and requires a solid understanding of structural behavior and considerable experience with linear structural analyses. The reader should be familiar with beam theory, determinacy and internal stability of structures, strength of materials, and should be experienced in idealizing real-world structures and have exposure to some more advanced concepts such as plastic hinging.
419-Fundamentals of Masonry Part B
4 $90.00
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering.
Course Description:
The science of masonry construction is extensive, thorough, and is the foundation of the profession. But there is an artistic component bounded only by the imagination of the designer and the skilled mason.
Masonry construction has been practiced for thousands of years beginning with the ancient Greeks and the Romans. The “language” of the craft developed over this time. Today we use words that clearly identify pieces and parts of the industry that can bewilder or confound those unfamiliar with them – words such as collar joint, sash block, and Jack arch.
This three course series provides fundamental knowledge about masonry construction for the engineer, architect, contractor, and anyone else who is interested in having a basic understanding of the topic.
Fundamentals of Masonry – Part A explained and simplified the terminology and the fundamental principles of masonry and masonry construction including the nomenclature and history of the subject, and an introduction to the basic principles of wall construction.
Fundamentals of Masonry – Part B continues the discussion of masonry including design and reinforced masonry, some structural elements such as bond beams, lintels, pilasters, and arches and concludes with a section titled “What can go wrong?” with an example of the severe consequences of ignoring the design and construction principles of masonry.
It is fully illustrated with drawings and color photographs and is written in an easy to understand style.
Coming soon Fundamentals of Masonry – Part C will discuss additional masonry units including stone and glass, the anatomy of a clay brick street, efflorescence, and additional fascinating (actually, disheartening) damages resulting from sloppy and incorrect masonry construction practices.
421-Structural Nonlinearity - Part 2 - Analysis Methods
3 $67.50
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering.
Course Description:
Only a small sliver of real-world behavior is linear, so mentioning nonlinear analysis without any context is opaque if not ungraspable. The term nonlinear analysis relates as much information as suggesting a “special tool” or a “custom solution”. There are several different analysis methods that can solve structural nonlinearity and they have curious and indistinct names that have been informally adopted by the industry. What types of nonlinearities can MNO or 3rd-order analysis solve? Which of a simulation analysis or an analysis using a geometric stiffness matrix is an approximation? How does a 2nd-order analysis work?
This course surveys the current analysis methods capable of solving structural nonlinearity. This course presents the types of nonlinearity that each method can solve and introduces concepts such as recursion, kinematics, iterative analyses, benchmark problems, and discretization. The discussions are anchored by numerous illustrative diagrams and detailed examples of how iterative analyses converge.
Note: The content in this series of courses is advanced and
requires considerable experience with linear structural analysis and
a solid understanding of structural behavior. It is recommended that
the preceding courses in this series be completed prior to taking
this course.
422-Structural Nonlinearity - Part 3 - Analyzing Nonlinearity
4 $90.00
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering.
Course Description:
Nonlinear analyses can be formidable, unpredictable, and tricky to perform proficiently. Performing a nonlinear analysis can be likened to returning to a city you once knew many years ago that has since grown and changed beyond recognition. Landmarks and routes may feel familiar in bouts, and you may be able to tenuously find your way just to hit a dead end or arrive somewhere surprisingly foreign to you. Think of this course as a map kiosk with advice on what to expect and how to navigate nonlinear analyses.
This course describes how nonlinearities can be analyzed once they are identified in a structural system. The course content includes guidance on idealization, nuances of analyzing each nonlinearity type, and general recommendations for analysis.
The course closes with several detailed examples where the reader is walked through the analyses of several types of nonlinearity, each crafted to show analysis protocols, help illustrate confusing aspects, and highlight potential pitfalls.
Note: The content in this series of courses is advanced and
requires considerable experience with linear structural analysis and
a solid understanding of structural behavior. It is recommended that
the preceding courses in this series be completed prior to taking
this course.
452-Heavy Civil Earthwork Construction - Part 1. An Introduction
4 $90.00
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering.
Course Description:
A brief introduction to Heavy Civil Earthwork Construction.
Engineering large earthwork projects are very involved and require many disciplines. Designs need to consider geotechnical issues, drainage issues, final surface design (whether it is a roadways line and grade or a structure’s foundation), environmental concerns, and owner’s economics to name a few.
This course is designed to give a brief overview of the construction practices and procedures of this very important subject to Heavy Civil Construction Projects. It will discuss common terms and definitions, review the basic materials and equipment used, basic construction engineering roles and responsibilities, briefly describe some specialized earthwork operations, and lastly a statement concerning construction safety. All of these topics for the various types of excavation and embankment construction, will be presented as an introduction only, and possible future-more specific courses on the subject matter may be added to supplement the information provided.
The purpose of this course is to help engineers who design the above items understand the processes of construction to make their designs safer, more timely, cost effective, and with better quality, and to identify the roles of the Construction Engineer in these projects. After completion the reader should have a basic understanding of the standard methods of earthwork construction and the associated equipment needed. Additionally, which construction methods and equipment choices are more suitable for specific applications. Lastly, what the role of a construction field engineer is related to these construction activities.
From better understanding of the construction methods, engineers can account for better access and staging areas, and more efficient designs to suit a construction method that is advantageous to the project.
456-Heavy Civil Construction Safety - Part 1. Rules and Roles of OSHA & MSHA
2 $45.00
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering.
Course Description:
This course is part of the Series of courses on Heavy Civil Construction Safety. It is the intent of this series of courses to provide the reader with a sound knowledge base of the fundamentals of safety so they can be considered one of the Industry’s Competent Safety Personnel. Supervisory engineering responsibilities require this type of training so leaders can help the staff they oversee avoid accidents.
The series of courses will attempt to make this material easy to read and understand. It does not go into any depth on technical subjects but will provide enough material for the reader to be aware of the fundamentals in a wide variety of subject areas. Course Topics of this series may include: General OSHA and MSHA Responsibilities, Personal Protection, Hand and Power Tools, Ladders and Scaffolds, Excavation and Trenches, Equipment operations, Crane Safety, Rigging Safety, Traffic Control, Fire Protection, & Equipment Transporting
This first course: Rules & Roles of OSHA & MSHA discusses the similarities and differences between these two governing agencies, and their respective requirements for project safety. The goal of this first section is to familiarize the reader with the basic policies and procedures of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). This material will include OSHA inspections, citations, a brief overview of recordkeeping practices, and similar subjects. OSHA’s & MSHA’s purposes provide an essential role in the prevention of accidents, and they deserve our respect and assistance in their function.
The purpose of this course is to help engineers who design heavy civil construction items understand the processes of construction to make their designs safer, more timely, cost effective, and with better quality. After completion the reader should have a basic understanding of the ssfety requirements needed to construct their designs. From better understanding of the construction methods, engineers can account for better access and staging areas, and more efficient designs to suit a construction method that is advantageous to the project.
Lastly, safety must be a constant focus of every operation. Because of the variability of Heavy Civil Construction Projects, they are often chosen to be constructed in some of the most adverse and inaccessible areas imaginable. Working with extreme weights, at excessive heights, in adverse conditions, and around large equipment requires safety diligence from every stakeholder. Please be safe.
457-Heavy Civil Construction Safety - Part 2. Personal Protective Equipment
2 $45.00
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering.
Course Description:
This course is part of the Series of courses on Heavy Civil Construction Safety. It is the intent of this series of courses to provide the reader with a sound knowledge base of the fundamentals of safety so they can be considered one of the Industry’s Competent Safety Personnel. Supervisory engineering responsibilities require this type of training so leaders can help the staff they oversee avoid accidents.
The series of courses will attempt to make this material easy to read and understand. It does not go into any depth on technical subjects but will provide enough material for the reader to be aware of the fundamentals in a wide variety of subject areas. Course Topics of this series may include: General OSHA and MSHA Responsibilities, Personal Protection, Hand and Power Tools, Ladders and Scaffolds, Excavation and Trenches, Equipment operations, Crane Safety, Rigging Safety, Traffic Control, Fire Protection, & Equipment Transporting.
The goal of this second course is to review personal protective equipment needs. The material will include general discussions of the various equipment available and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards which govern their use. This course of construction safety should provide easier reading than other areas of construction safety and serves as a good starting point in introducing specific OSHA Standards which relate to our work.
The purpose of this course is to help engineers who design heavy civil construction items understand the processes of construction to make their designs safer, more timely, cost effective, and with better quality. After completion the reader should have a basic understanding of the ssfety requirements needed to construct their designs. From better understanding of the construction methods, engineers can account for better access and staging areas, and more efficient designs to suit a construction method that is advantageous to the project.
Lastly, safety must be a constant focus of every operation. Because of the variability of Heavy Civil Construction Projects, they are often chosen to be constructed in some of the most adverse and inaccessible areas imaginable. Working with extreme weights, at excessive heights, in adverse conditions, and around large equipment requires safety diligence from every stakeholder. Please be safe.
477-Heavy Civil Construction Safety - Part 3. Equipment Operation Safety
4 $90.00
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering.
Course Description:
This course is part of the Series of courses on Heavy Civil Construction Safety. It is the intent of this series of courses to provide the reader with a sound knowledge base of the fundamentals of safety so they can be considered one of the Industry’s Competent Safety Personnel. Supervisory engineering responsibilities require this type of training so leaders can help the staff they oversee avoid accidents.
The series of courses will attempt to make this material easy to read and understand. It does not go into any depth on technical subjects but will provide enough material for the reader to be aware of the fundamentals in a wide variety of subject areas. Course Topics of this series may include: General OSHA and MSHA Responsibilities, Personal Protection, Hand and Power Tools, Ladders and Scaffolds, Excavation and Trenches, Equipment operations, Crane Safety, Rigging Safety, Traffic Control, Fire Protection, & Equipment Transporting.
The goal of this third course is to review basic heavy equipment operation safety. The material will include general discussions of the various equipment available and some of the hazards/precautions needed to safely work around them. Anyone who works around heavy equipment knows that there are hazards involved and that they are not to be taken lightly. It is not the purpose of this course to teach people to be equipment operators. It is the purpose to teach people safe practices and procedures to reduce the chance of equipment operation safety accidents.
The purpose of this course is to help engineers who design heavy civil construction items understand the processes of construction to make their designs safer, more timely, cost effective, and with better quality. After completion the reader should have a basic understanding of the ssfety requirements needed to construct their designs. From better understanding of the construction methods, engineers can account for better access and staging areas, and more efficient designs to suit a construction method that is advantageous to the project.
Lastly, safety must be a constant focus of every operation. Because of the variability of Heavy Civil Construction Projects, they are often chosen to be constructed in some of the most adverse and inaccessible areas imaginable. Working with extreme weights, at excessive heights, in adverse conditions, and around large equipment requires safety diligence from every stakeholder. Please be safe.
485-Entry Level Construction Engineering: Project Documentation - Part 1. Diaries
1 $22.50
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering.
Course Description:
An entry level course for new construction engineers. Project documentation is an important aspect of engineering responsibilities, future documentation courses for quantity books, RFI’s & RFC’s, and digital file structures & platforms may supplement this course.
After completion the reader should have: a basic understanding of the need for proper documentation and the role of the diary, the different type of diaries, how to organize the documentation, and lastly, a basic understanding of how these choices can affect the cost, schedule, quality, and safety of a project.
From better understanding of the construction methods, all engineers and construction professionals can account for better access and staging areas, and more efficient designs to suit a construction method that is advantageous to the project.
Future courses that further detail each process will be available to provide a more comprehensive understanding of construction.
486-Entry Level Construction Engineering: Project Documentation - Part 2. Quantity Books
1 $22.50
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering.
Course Description:
An entry level course for new construction engineers. Project documentation is an important aspect of engineering responsibilities, future documentation courses for RFI’s & RFC’s, and digital file structures & platforms may supplement this course.
After completion the reader should have: a basic understanding of the need for proper documentation and the role of the quantity book, how to organize the documentation, and lastly, a basic understanding of how these choices can affect the cost, schedule, quality, and safety of a project.
From better understanding of the construction methods, all engineers and construction professionals can account for better access and staging areas, and more efficient designs to suit a construction method that is advantageous to the project.
Future courses that further detail each process will be available to provide a more comprehensive understanding of construction.
495-Sketching for Engineers
2 $45.00
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering.
Course Description:
This course is an introduction to sketching for engineers who want to be able to draw their thoughts on paper in a quick, easy way. This is not a drafting class. This course is part art class, part engineering school, and part physical training. It’s not precise, and it’s not accurate. But it is fun, and very useful as an engineer. You’ll learn about basic tools and materials, drawing features, perspective, shadows, and scale. By the end of it, you’ll have what you need to convey your ideas on paper with clarity and skill.
514-Heavy Civil Construction Safety - Part 4. Hand & Power Tool Safety
3 $67.50
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering.
Course Description:
This course is part of the Series of courses on Heavy Civil Construction Safety. It is the intent of this series of courses to provide the reader with a sound knowledge base of the fundamentals of safety so they can be considered one of the Industry’s Competent Safety Personnel. Supervisory engineering responsibilities require this type of training so leaders can help the staff they oversee avoid accidents.
The series of courses will attempt to make this material easy to read and understand. It does not go into any depth on technical subjects but will provide enough material for the reader to be aware of the fundamentals in a wide variety of subject areas. Course Topics of this series may include: General OSHA and MSHA Responsibilities, Personal Protection, Hand and Power Tools, Ladders and Scaffolds, Excavation and Trenches, Equipment operations, Crane Safety, Rigging Safety, Traffic Control, Fire Protection, & Equipment Transporting
The goal of this fourth course is to review basic Hand & Power Tool safety. The material will include general discussions of the various tools available and some of the hazards/precautions needed to safely work around them. Anyone who works around heavy construction knows that there are hazards involved and that they are not to be taken lightly. It is not the purpose of this course to teach people to be craftspeople. It is the purpose to teach people safe practices and procedures to reduce the chance of hand & power tool safety accidents.
The purpose of this course is to help engineers who design heavy civil construction items understand the processes of construction to make their designs safer, more timely, cost effective, and with better quality. After completion the reader should have a basic understanding of the safety requirements needed to construct their designs. From better understanding of the construction methods, engineers can account for better access and staging areas, and more efficient designs to suit a construction method that is advantageous to the project.
Lastly, safety must be a constant focus of every operation. Because of the variability of Heavy Civil Construction Projects, they are often chosen to be constructed in some of the most adverse and inaccessible areas imaginable. Working with extreme weights, at excessive heights, in adverse conditions, and around large equipment requires safety diligence from every stakeholder. Please be safe.
541-Artificial Intelligence in Engineering Design
3 $67.50
Course Objectives: Understand the engineering challenges related to the use of AI in engineering design
Course Description:
It is common for engineering software to include aspects of machine learning, deep learning, generative AI, or other forms of artificial intelligence (AI). Software such as CAD, BIM, and basic calculation tools have been used for design tasks for decades. Now, software boosted by AI can create novel designs, run iterations to optimize parameters, and learn from past design decisions. AI is a gamechanger for many applications! This course covers current AI trends with over a dozen specific design examples. The course also addresses concerns for a licensed professional engineer who must remain in "responsible charge" when AI software is involved.
The following topics are covered:
- Forms of AI
- Advances in AI for Engineers
- AI Applications:
- Transportation
- Structural
- Mechanical
- Electrical
- Responsible Charge and AI
544-Special Inspections
3 $67.50
Course Objectives: Understand the IBC Requirements for Special Inspections
Course Description:
Special inspections are required by the International Building Code (IBC) for the construction of critical structural, fire, and life-safety installations. Most buildings require special inspections, with the exception of residential light-frame houses, garages, most agricultural structures, and other minor structures. The design engineer is to create a statement of special inspections indicating which inspections and tests are required. This course helps engineers complete this task and provides an understanding of how to perform and document special inspections.
The following topics are covered:
• IBC Chapter 17
• What Requires a Special Inspection?
• Role of Building Official
• Approved Agencies and Accreditation
• Special Inspectors and Certification
• Common Inspections and Tests
• Structural Observations
• Reporting Requirements
546-Illinois Statutes and Rules for Structural Engineers
1 $22.50
Course Objectives: Review relevant statutes and rules for structural engineers in Illinois
Course Description:
For continuing education, the Illinois Administrative Code (IAC) requires structural engineers to take a 1-hour program, course or activity in the area of Illinois statues and rules that regulate structural engineers and structural engineering. This course satisfies those requirements by providing an overview of the relevant statutes and rules and providing excerpts in areas of interest for practicing engineers. There is a separate course for “professional engineering” which is separate from “structural engineering” in Illinois.
The following topics are covered:
• Relevant Statutes (225 ILCS 340)
• Relevant Rules (IAC Part 1480)
• Sign and Seal Requirements
• Practice of Professional Engineering
• Renewal and Continuing Education
An Excel continuing education tracking log is provided with this course.
555-2024 International Building Code (IBC) Occupancy Changes
2 $45.00
Course Objectives: Review the occupancy code changes in the 2024 IBC.
Course Description:
This course provides an overview of the 2024 IBC and Chapter 3 entitled “Occupancy Classification and Use”. The course lists all the known changes in Chapter 3, including the text in both the 2021 and 2024 IBC with changes highlighted in yellow.
Course content:
• IBC Overview
• 2024 IBC Contents
• Chapter 3 Occupancy Classification and Use - Contents
• Chapter 3 Occupancy Classification and Use - Changes
554-Construction Cost Estimating for Engineers
3 $67.50
Course Objectives: Develop skills for estimating construction costs for improvement projects.
Course Description:
Cost estimating is essential for budget planning and funding of capital improvement (CapEx) projects. Engineers often play a central role in developing these cost estimates. This course covers construction cost estimating principles and provides example problems. Two excel files are provided: one to create a construction cost estimate and one for a pipe trench cost estimate.
The following topics are covered:
• Capital Cost vs Construction Cost
• Estimating Approaches
• Using a Cost Index
• Direct and Indirect Costs
• Estimating Software
• AACE Estimate Classes
• Design-Build vs. Design-Bid-Build Costs
Download the Free Spreadsheets Used in This Course:
557-2024 IBC Structural Design Changes
3 $67.50
New Course
Course Objectives: Review the structural design code changes in the 2024 IBC.
Course Description:
This course provides an overview of the 2024 IBC and Chapter 16 entitled “Structural Design”. The course shows all the significant changes in Chapter 16. The 2021 and 2024 sections are pasted with changes highlighted in yellow. Figures are provided for context.
Course content:
• IBC Overview
• 2024 IBC Contents
• Chapter 16 Structural Design - Contents
• Chapter 16 Structural Design - Changes
569-Fiberglass Rebar Fundamentals
2 $45.00
New Course
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering.
Course Description:
This course, Fiberglass Rebar Fundamentals, focuses on the basics of a relatively new construction material, fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) rebar. Reinforced concrete is a very common building material, but composite rebar is an innovative development that has certain extraordinary properties that outperform steel. By completing this course, you will understand how and where FRP rebar can be used, its strength properties, and the FRP industry itself. You’ll also be able to recognize the different types of FRP rebar, and how it’s made. Also, you will be able to identify various codes and standards used in industry today.
