Structural Engineering

Scope and Objectives

The Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees are offered in the area of structural engineering and structural mechanics. Prerequisites for graduate study are a B.S. degree in engineering or a related area and basic courses in structural analysis and design.

Program of Study

The program for the M.S. degree candidate consists of a minimum of 45 quarter hours, of which approximately two-thirds of the work must be in the major area and one-third in the minor area. A student may, with major professor approval, elect either a thesis or a non-thesis (technical report) option. A maximum of 9 term hours is allowed for a thesis and 6 for a non-thesis. Some samples of recent M.S. technical report and thesis topics are listed below.

The graduate course offerings in structural engineering cover three primary emphases: design, analysis and structural dynamics. Students are expected to take courses in each of these three areas. Graduate courses generally offered each year include the following:

CE 534 – Structural Dynamics

CE 581 – Reinforced Concrete I

CE 582 – Masonry Design

CE 583 – Bridge Design

CE 585 – Matrix Structural Analysis

CE 586 – Prestressed Concrete Design

CE 589 – Seismic Design

In addition, there are graduate courses in structural engineering and mechanics offered each year by other departments, including:

ME 520 – Applied Stress Analysis

ME 523 – Advanced Stress Analysis

ME 584 – Fracture of Materials

WSE 558 – Wood Design

Structural engineering courses are also offered by the CCE School every 2-3 years, including:

CE 530 – Selected Topics in Structural Analysis and Mechanics

CE 531 – Structural Mechanics

CE 532 – Finite Element Analysis

CE 533 – Structural Stability

CE 535 – Introduction to Random Vibrations

CE 536 – Nonlinear Dynamics

CE 588 – Probability-Based Analysis and Design

CE 580 – Selected Topics in Structural Design

Finally, structural engineering graduate students often minor in geotechnical engineering, construction engineering management or other areas, and many have pursued a dual major program in structural engineering and wood science and engineering.

Other subject areas are available, and programs can be patterned to suit the interests of students.

Ph. D. Program Requirements (Adobe Acrobat)

The program for the Ph.D. is formulated by the student and a committee of graduate faculty members. The Ph.D. degree is granted primarily for attainments and proven ability, with a normal requirement of 90 quarter hours (including thesis) beyond the M.S. degree.

Research Projects

Some recent projects include:

• Behavior of Conventionally Reinforced Concrete Beams with Corrosion Damaged Stirrups
• Pacific Stair Tests
• FE Models of GFRP and CFRP Strengthening of Reinforced Concrete Beams
• Finite Element Modeling of RC Beams with Shear Dominated Behavior
• Field Tests of In-Service Bridges
• Moving Load Tests of Full-Scales RC Girders to Failure

Facilities

A computer network linking PC's, mini-computers, and workstations in the department with mini-super computers, provides access to large-storage, high-speed computing capabilities for instruction and research. Access to super-computers is also available. The structural laboratory is equipped with a variety of testing equipment, including a 600 kip testing machine and instrumentation devices. Shop facilities and data acquisition equipment are available to support static and dynamic structural testing. The department now hosts a Strong Floor Facility.

Students

Link to information about current and past structural engineering graduate students and their research projects.

Graduate Admissions/Financial Support

Visit the departmental graduate admissions page for more information. For program-specific questions, you may also contact Ms. Kathy Westberg, graduate coordinator. Information may also be found on the CCE Graduate Students web pages.