Teaching – Siamak Epackachi

Theory of Concrete Plasticity

With the present state of development of finite-element computer programs, the problem of modeling the mechanical behavior of concrete for use in analytical studies of reinforced concrete structures remains one of the most difficult challenges in the field of structural concrete engineering. The main objective of this course is to provide students with a rational basis of the advanced analysis of reinforced concrete members and structures through understanding of material and structural behavior. The subject will be approached by looking into some basic concepts and experimental facts concerning the stress and strain characteristics of concrete under biaxial and multiaxial stress states. Empirical equations for modulus and fracture strength are presented. Concrete elasticity and generalized failure and fracture criteria are discussed followed by a discussion of concrete plasticity with applications of finite-element analysis to concrete and reinforced concrete structures.

SYLLABUS-CONCRETE PLASTICITY-SPRING 2019

Theory of Plasticity

The main objective of this course is to provide students with a rational basis of the plasticity theories and advanced analysis of steel and reinforced concrete members and structures through understanding of material and structural behavior.

Experimental Methods in Structural Engineering

This course is intended to introduce students to experimental methods, test planning, model preparation, loading systems, instrumentation, data acquisition and data processing. The course covers aspects of static and structural dynamics problems. Advance methods of testing will include hybrid techniques for substructure testing which combine simultaneous physical and numerical simulations. New testing methods of complex structural systems will be presented. Elements of modal testing and nondestructive methods will be introduced. The course provides an overview of laboratory work and is complemented with several “hands-on” applications in laboratory using testing and computing equipment.

EXPERIMENTAL METHODS-SPRING 2018

Structural Engineering I
This is a second of a two-course sequence on structural analysis required of all civil engineering students. The course concentrates on the calculation of deflections and the analysis of statically indeterminate structures. Various methods will be presented to compute displacements, with the use of virtual work emphasized. For analysis of statically indeterminate structures, the force method of analysis (also called flexibility method) will be emphasized. Displacement-based methods will also be introduced including slope deflection method and moment distribution. Structures examined in this course will be modeled as planar trusses, beams and/or frame structures. Students will use a general purpose structural analysis program to analyze more complicated structures.

structure_ii-fall_2017.pdf

Structural Engineering II
This is a second of a two-course sequence on structural analysis required of all civil engineering students. The course concentrates on the calculation of deflections and the analysis of statically indeterminate structures. Various methods will be presented to compute displacements, with the use of virtual work emphasized. For analysis of statically indeterminate structures, the force method of analysis (also called flexibility method) will be emphasized. Displacement-based methods will also be introduced including slope deflection method and moment distribution. Structures examined in this course will be modeled as planar trusses, beams and/or frame structures. Students will use a general purpose structural analysis program to analyze more complicated structures.

STRUCTUTAL ANALYSIS-FALL 2019

Steel Design I

The course emphasizes a theoretical understanding of fundamental concepts in analysis and design of steel structures. The focus of the course is on the torsional behavior of the steel members, beams without lateral bracing, beam-column elements, built-up sections, and different types of steel connections.

SYLLABUS-STEEL DESIGN I-SPRING 2019

Steel Design II

Reinforced Concrete Design
The primary objective of the course is to extend the student’s knowledge and proficiency in analysis and design of reinforced concrete structures. To accomplish this objective, the course will examine topics related to the behavior of beams, columns, one-way slabs, structural walls and foundations (as time permits). Current methods for design of these elements under axial, flexural and shear forces will be examined. Practical design problems will be solved as homework assignments.

reinforced_concrete_design-summer_201

Mechanics of Materials

In this course we will build on the knowledge gained in Statics to determine the internal forces in structures due to applied external loads. We will then see how these internal forces are distributed in terms of stresses. The emphasis of this course will be on understanding how solid bodies deform when subjected to these internal forces, and thus a key objective is to understand the mechanical behavior of materials. Emphasis will be on understanding basic concepts and applying them to solve engineering problems. Systematic problem solving methods will be stressed where student must first plan the solution and at the end, review the solution for reasonableness. The concepts learned in this course are important in future engineering studies and in practice because many of the equations in engineering design codes are based on fundamental concepts that will be covered in this course.

mechanics_of_materials-fall_2014.pdf

Statics
Application of mechanics to the study of static equilibrium of rigid and elastic bodies. Topics include composition and resolution of forces; moments and couples; equivalent force systems; free-body diagrams; equilibrium of particles and rigid bodies; forces in trusses and beams; frictional forces; first and second moments of area; moments and products of inertia; methods of virtual work and total potential energy.

statics-fall_2015.pdf

Dynamics

Mechanics is a branch of the physical sciences that is concerned with the state of rest or motion of bodies subjected to the action of forces. Engineering mechanics is divided into two areas of study, namely, statics and dynamics. Statics is concerned with the equilibrium of a body that is either at rest or moves with constant velocity. Here we will consider dynamics, which deals with the accelerated motion of a body. The subject of dynamics will be presented in two parts: kinematics, which treats only the geometric aspects of the motion, and kinetics, which is the analysis of the forces causing the motion. To develop these principles, the dynamics of a particle will be discussed first, followed by topics in rigid-body dynamics in two and then three dimensions.

dynamics-fall_2017.pdf

Seismic design of structures

Introduction to basic concepts of seismic design of steel and concrete structures based on

Loading

Specifying loads is one of the most important factors in designing a structure, yet very little time is spent explaining to students how the loads are determined. In many undergraduate design courses, the loads are presented as a “Given”, with little to no information provided as to where the value came from. The primary objective of this course is to provide familiarize students with ASCE- 7, so that they are able to correctly interpret the code and apply it in situations outside those explicit

Concrete Design Project

The primary objective of the course is to extend the student’s knowledge and proficiency in analysis and design of reinforced concrete structures. To accomplish this objective, the course will examine topics related to the behavior of beams, columns, one-way slabs, structural walls and foundations (as time permits). Current methods for design of these elements under axial, flexural and shear forces will be examined. Practical design problems will be solved as homework assignments.

concrete_design_project-fall_2017.pdf