The seminar exemplified the steps required for the determination of modal frequencies, mode shapes, and response spectrum analysis of structures

Dubai, February 5th 2009. The School of Engineering at The American University in Dubai (AUD) hosted on campus a seminar entitled Seismic Design using Structural Dynamics in collaboration with Ramboll Whitby & Bird Engineers and S. K. Ghosh Associates Incorporated, renowned for its seismic and building code consulting. The seminar was delivered by Dr. Satyendra K. Ghosh, President of S.K. Ghosh Associates Inc., and attended by many of the AUD faculty and student bodies, along with prominent dignitaries from the construction and engineering fields, and the corporate sector in the region.

Dr. Elias Saqan, AUD's Assistant Professor of Civil Engineering, said: "Hosting such courses at AUD goes in parallel with the University and School of Engineering mission to take part in advancing society by helping engineers tackle complex problems and provide appropriate solutions." He added, "With many skyscrapers and other complex projects being built in the Emirates and with the proximity of the UAE to nearby active faults, there is a more than ever demand, by engineers, government officials, and owners, to build safe yet economical structures." "It is a great pleasure to have a well known and a prominent engineer and researcher as Dr. Ghosh to come share some of his experience with practicing engineers and students, on such an important topic", he commented.

On his objectives about conducting this seminar, Dr. Ghosh said: "My goal is to provide not only information on code requirements, but also theoretical background information so that the engineer understands the reasoning behind the code requirements. From my experience, I have observed that, in many cases, engineers rely almost exclusively on the computer output and assume that the results are code-complying, without having a full understanding of the dynamic response of the structure. This can result in a building design that does not fully take advantage of its ability to accommodate inelastic deformations, which can, in return, result in extra construction costs."

He concluded, "I hope the engineers attending this course walk away with new knowledge that will allow them to design earthquake-resistant structures that comply with the code and, at the same time, enhance the performance of the structure."

The seminar, a sequel to an earlier one on seismic design of Reinforced Concrete structures using Uniform Building Code (UBC) / American Concrete Institute (ACI) provisions, held in Dubai last year, addressed the basic concepts of structural dynamics and the modal response spectrum analysis procedure according to the provisions of the 1997 UBC.

Dr. Ghosh presented the material in a matter that mostly suits the practicing design engineer and demystifies the application of the UBC provisions for individuals in general. Furthermore, a three-story, one-bay frame example was solved manually to illustrate the steps required for the determination of modal frequencies, mode shapes, and response spectrum analysis of structures. The detailed response spectrum analysis of a twenty-story reinforced concrete building that utilizes a dual shear wall; frame system was also demonstrated. In addition, the need for a review of the basis and proper application of dynamic analyses, which are extensively used for design of tall buildings in Dubai, was pointed out by many of the keen participants.

-Ends-

The American University in Dubai is a private, non-sectarian institution of higher learning founded in 1995; it serves UAE nationals and international students who seek world-class career-oriented education. It is accredited by the Commission on Colleges (COC) of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) to award Bachelor's and Master's degrees.

AUD is officially licensed by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research of the United Arab Emirates. The Ministry has accredited the university's programs in Business Administration (both undergraduate and graduate), Communication and Information Studies, Engineering, Information Technology, Interior Design and Visual Communication.

AUD holds an Agent's License issued by the District of Columbia Education Licensure Commission (Washington, DC, USA). AUD is approved to operate by the State of Georgia Nonpublic Postsecondary Education Commission (NPEC).  www.aud.edu.

For more information, please contact:
Ms. Rim Ibrahim,
External Affairs Coordinator,
Tel (04 3183139),
Fax (04 3998899)
ribrahim@aud.edu

© Press Release 2009