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STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS DESIGN: A DISTINCTIVE ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM Alberto Gomez-Rivas, and George Pincus Professors of Structural Analysis and Design, University of Houston-Downtown

Abstract

Graduates of the Structural Analysis and Design Engineering Technology program, University of Houston-Downtown, are successful in reaching responsible positions in industry and government. The strong emphasis on computer technology provides an advantage to graduates of the program because they are highly productive.

The Structural Analysis Design (SAD) Engineering Technology program, University of Houston-Downtown, is focused on the design of bridges, buildings, towers, offshore platforms and other structures. It is not traditional civil engineering but includes all aspects of structural design, including soil mechanics, foundation design, and construction surveying by GIS-GPS.

Students take an intensive course in applications of computers, a visualization course, and two courses in computer-aided design, followed by a course in 3-D modeling including the most common CADD software packages: MicroStation, AutoCAD, and 3D Studio. Structural Analysis deals with application of finite element theory to beams and frames. A second course, Finite Element Analysis, utilizes ANSYS and ROBOT.

Since the program focuses on structural analysis and design, students are exposed to several techniques and practices that are taught in schools of civil engineering at the graduate level. Examples include instruction on finite element analysis and use of structural software packages used in industry.

Structural Analysis Design – Program Description

This program covers the design of structures, bridges, buildings, towers, and offshore platforms and in general what is called civil structures. However, the program is not civil engineering because that field is considered broader. All aspects related to structural design are part of the program, including soil mechanics, foundation design, and GIS-GPS surveying.

All courses in structural design combine theory, testing and applications. Typically, the problem is presented as a specific application. For example, in the design of a bridge, a 3-D computer model of the bridge is created according to specified geometry; then loads are applied to the structure to evaluate its strength. Finally, theoretical results are reviewed using computer results and appropriate modifications are applied to the design. Figure 1 show the Structural Analysis Design curriculum.

Proceedings of the 2002 American Society for Engineering Education Annual Conference and Exposition Copyright © 2002, American Society for Engineering Education

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Gomez-Rivas, A., & Pincus, G. (2002, June), Structural Analysis And Design Paper presented at 2002 Annual Conference, Montreal, Canada. 10.18260/1-2--11179