Just as individuals age, structures also undergo a continual aging process. However, with proper care, examination, and timely treatment, structures can maintain their health and functionality as they grow older. In this context, one can consider this course as a reference guide for structural physicians.

It can be argued that a structure that has successfully endured the combined effects of usage, external forces, environmental conditions, and time has indeed proven its resilience. Nevertheless, buildings and other structures do experience deterioration over time due to repeated loads, exposure to the elements, material aging, normal wear and tear, abuse, inadequate maintenance, and various other factors.

Course Objectives:

To understand the philosophy and significance of codes and standards
To learn about the uncertainty associated with loads and load effects
To understand the causes and mechanisms leading to deficient structures
To workout preventive measures to counteract deterioration of structures
To plan effective maintenance programs
To understand the nature of innovative technology and new materials
To learn about specific needs and requirements for concrete, steel and other Structures
To comprehend the role of the designer, the contractor and the supervision in producing sound structures
To provide an overview for the role of effective management
To learn from past lessons
To learn from historical structures that stood the test of time

Who Should Attend?

This course is designed to meet the needs primarily of executive managers, working in the area of civil engineering construction, and facing the challenges of maintaining and preserving good, sound buildings. It is also useful for structural engineers, quality assurance experts, construction and supervision engineers, owners, and managers of constructed facilities.

It is expected that a number of the attendees will find the information beneficial and useful addition to their reference library even though they are not directly practicing in the field. Engineers involved in design, supervision, construction, or planning will find many direct links with their practice and requirements and can put the information provided to use immediately.

Course Outlines:

Codes and standards
Why do we need the codes?
Past and current structural codes and standards
The multidisciplinary design effort
Design – construction process
Design standards and their relationship to structural performance
Construction standards
List of 100 most frequently cited Asha construction standards
Drawings and specifications
Technical specifications
Shop drawings
Document review
Design and construction checklists
The uniform code for building conservation

Loads and hazards: their nature, magnitude, and consequences
Establishing the loads and load effects on the structure
Safety of structures
Serviceability of structures
Establishing the capacity of the structure
Critical characteristics of steel structures
Critical characteristics of concrete structures
Accelerated testing
Cumulative error
Computer software
The dangers of computer analysis

Reliability-based condition assessment
Structural reliability
Parallel systems
General systems
Performance prediction
Updating
Steel buildings – common areas of deficiency
Reinforced and prestressed concrete buildings – common areas of deficiency
Human perceptions of durability
A summary of seismic deficiencies and design constraints
Maintenance versus repair
Different maintenance options
Accepting undesirable existing conditions
Preventing deterioration
Preventive measures
Case studies

Strategies for maintenance and repair
Condition survey
initial site visit
Data acquisition
Condition survey
Detailed inspections
Tools and equipment
Common problems
Sampling for test specimens
Testing procedures
Investigation summary
Peer review
Project delivery methods

Changing technology
Innovative materials
Typical structural challenges
Lessons from the past
Lessons from historical structures
Monitoring programs
Unforeseen problems
Some practical tips
A word of caution
Old age death
The weaknesses of mother earth
The future of structures
Challenges of the 21st century

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