M.Sc. - Learning Activities 2018: Ljubljana, Slovenia

April 23rd to 27th and Sept. 3rd to 7th, 2018 at University of Ljubljana, Slovenia

Adressed topics:

• Elastic and nonlinear analysis of structures
• Basic principles of simplified nonlinear pushover based seismic analysis of RC bridges
• Basic advantages and deficiencies of simplified nonlinear analysis
• Basic engineering models, which are typically used for the nonlinear seismic analysis of bridges
• Basic requirements of modern standards for the seismic design of RC bridges, with an emphasis to Eurocode standards
• State of the art software for the nonlinear analysis of structures

Kick-off meeting from April 23rd to 27th, 2018 at Universityof Ljubljana, Slovenia

The aim of it will be:

• Introduction into the project itself as well as the individual objectives;
• Composition of the international, interdisciplinary teams and creation of the networks for the virtual activities (Group of 5 students);
• Presentation and explanation into the experimental facilities (gathering and preparation of the data; data analysis);
• First common lectures to explain the necessary background and advanced topics in experimental and civil engineering for the conduction of the project (building a model of experimentally tested structure; response simulation using nonlinear static procedure).

The project introductory week will be composed of lectures, exercises and team building measures.

Independently work over the whole summer semester:

Project closing workshop from Sept. 3rd to 7th, 2018 at University of Ljubljana, Slovenia

• Blind test competition (comparison with experimental data and evaluation of analysis results);
• Finalization of common reports and presentations;
• Presentation of project teams approach`s and achieved results;
• Presentation and discussion of the experimental results;
• Additional lectures and exercises in the scientific field of the assessment and modelling of framed-masonry composites under seismic action;
• Treatment and procurement of the used material and derived results for future generations, further application, and consideration into the project database.

The project closing workshop week will be mainly composed of lectures, student work in groups, and presentation by the participants.

The participating M.Sc. students will have the opportunity to discuss their research interests with international experts, to create their own networks, and to look for exchange activities and external supervisors.

Upon successful completion of the report (60%), presentation (30%) and by additionally verifying the literacy (10%) the students will be awarded with the grade (1-5) and 6 ECTS credit certificate if they succeed with no less than 60%.

The objective of the course is to train the students to be able to make an assessment of the seismic response of RC bridges by means of the simplified nonlinear pushover based analysis and to be familiar with the basic requirements of modern standards for their seismic analysis and design. 

Students understand the modern principles of design of bridges in seismic areas; they understand and know how to apply basic numerical models and procedures for nonlinear seismic analysis of RC bridges and they are able to use the state-of-the-art software for non-linear analysis of structures.

Upon successful completion of this course students will be able to work in project teams which design complex structures, where the assessment using the nonlinear analysis is recommended.

Basic knowledge about:

• Analysis and design of reinforced concrete structures
• Dynamics and seismic analysis of structures
• Structural analysis, Strength of materials
• Construction and building materials
• Knowledge of English language.